This 5f maiden on heavy ground makes this a difficult race to assess. (1st April)
A number of these trainers have a attained limited success with their two-year-olds on past seasons. The Channon pair, Calormen and Imperial Waltzer, are of interest if fancied in the betting, however, he doesn't have the greatest win rate on debut, which is concerning. (Just noticed that both of these juveniles have been entered to run in a Selling race at Warwick on Monday, so not the best advert for ability.)
Shafgaan, a relatively cheap purchase at 17,000gns and half-brother to the talented Rosa Grace, is likely to be one at the head of the betting. Clive Brittain has had a number of juveniles run this season, at relatively short prices, and all have disappointed to some extent. I would be careful backing his two-year-olds until they find their form. Perhaps those runners so far have needed the experience. With a decent string of juveniles he is sure to have winners but none have shown much zip so far.
David Evans is certain to unleash a winning two-year-old sooner rather than later and Molly Mylenis isn't without a chance although, like many of this field, a cheap buy.
A few intriguing jockey bookings with Fallon and Spencer on board a couple of these. Novabridge was originally a ride for Dane O'Neill so it is interesting to consider why Spencer has been given the nod.
With the ground on the heavy side a big price winner may be on the cards. A difficult race to assess.
Wednesday, 31 March 2010
Tuesday, 30 March 2010
2010 Flat Season Membership Options
During the 2010 Flat Season:
Free Service: The free service will include 20 selections over the duration of the 2010 flat season.
Members Service: In addition to the 20 free selections, the members service will provide an additional 40+ select tips over the season.
New admissions to the free service will be suspended soon due to capacity being reached..
Free Service Cost: No costs. Free email and sms text tips throughout the season for existing members.
Members Service Cost: One £225 payment for the season. Includes the free tips, plus the additional 40+ tips via email and/or text.
(Note: For existing HCE site visitors / members of the free service, we are offering the members service for £150 until April 6th. At that time the service will cost £225. All tips, in both packages are highly specialised 2 year old selections.)
If you're interested in upgrading, please send payment below and we'll add you to our 'members service' list:
Enter your email and mobile details in the box on the purchase confirmation page. We're unable to send texts to numbers outside of the UK at this time. Full terms and conditions at bottom of page. Here's hoping for a prosperous season..
2:00 Southwell
A race split into two divisions over the straight 5f. (2:00/2:30 Southwell) (31st March)
Not the most impressive of fields with a selection of relatively cheap buys and trainers who struggle to win on debut. Richard Fahey runs Jamesway. If this bay colt (cost 40,000gns) has the ability of his brother Star Rover he will have a bright future. Fahey's juveniles can win on debut and most likely one of the favourites here.
Merjaan cost 70,000gns and bred by Cheveley park Stud. Clive Brittain has an impressive string of juveniles from Saeed Manana. Clearly he will have a number of talented two-year-olds, however, the few that have raced so far have looked inexperienced and they may need more time. Brittain had an impressive 2009 season and an unusual numer of winners on debut. Whether his string will be as talented or forward as last year is a matter of opinion. Southwell maidens are often limited affairs and even with these concerns Merjaan is one of the more interesting contenders.
Of the rest, Patrick Morris is an interesting trainer and capable of getting his two-year-olds primed for a big run on debut.
These early season maidens are very much a guessing game and until a few form lines appear it is best to let the horses do the talking. Jamesway and Merjaan stand out as potentially better types but just a watching brief today.
Not the most impressive of fields with a selection of relatively cheap buys and trainers who struggle to win on debut. Richard Fahey runs Jamesway. If this bay colt (cost 40,000gns) has the ability of his brother Star Rover he will have a bright future. Fahey's juveniles can win on debut and most likely one of the favourites here.
Merjaan cost 70,000gns and bred by Cheveley park Stud. Clive Brittain has an impressive string of juveniles from Saeed Manana. Clearly he will have a number of talented two-year-olds, however, the few that have raced so far have looked inexperienced and they may need more time. Brittain had an impressive 2009 season and an unusual numer of winners on debut. Whether his string will be as talented or forward as last year is a matter of opinion. Southwell maidens are often limited affairs and even with these concerns Merjaan is one of the more interesting contenders.
Of the rest, Patrick Morris is an interesting trainer and capable of getting his two-year-olds primed for a big run on debut.
These early season maidens are very much a guessing game and until a few form lines appear it is best to let the horses do the talking. Jamesway and Merjaan stand out as potentially better types but just a watching brief today.
Sunday, 28 March 2010
2:40 Lingfield
Bluesquare.com Maiden Auction Fillies' Stakes (29th March)
A restricted 5f auction race for fillies costing less than £30,000 at the sales, and the majority being very cheap buys.
Not the easiest of races to assess although a number of trainers with representatives are not renowned for two-year-old winners. The betting will be an important guide.
Mick Channon won this race last year with Leleyf and Wotsthehurry has chances if fancied in the betting although it is interesting that Catherine Gannon, who was originally booked, is now taking the ride on Bajan Bullet. As she often rides for Evans, it may not be of any significance, but it is worth noting.
Richard Fahey got off to a flyer with Chiswick Bey winning the Brocklesby Stakes and Mandy's Princess, owned by Dr Koukash, is one of the more likelier types.
Bill Turner's Crazy In Love has the plum draw and likely to be fit and ready for this debut.
A difficult race to assess with the majority having cost little at the sale and a race of this nature may be on a par with Selling grade. The betting will certainly indicate the chances of the major stables and a race that may not take much winning.
A restricted 5f auction race for fillies costing less than £30,000 at the sales, and the majority being very cheap buys.
Not the easiest of races to assess although a number of trainers with representatives are not renowned for two-year-old winners. The betting will be an important guide.
Mick Channon won this race last year with Leleyf and Wotsthehurry has chances if fancied in the betting although it is interesting that Catherine Gannon, who was originally booked, is now taking the ride on Bajan Bullet. As she often rides for Evans, it may not be of any significance, but it is worth noting.
Richard Fahey got off to a flyer with Chiswick Bey winning the Brocklesby Stakes and Mandy's Princess, owned by Dr Koukash, is one of the more likelier types.
Bill Turner's Crazy In Love has the plum draw and likely to be fit and ready for this debut.
A difficult race to assess with the majority having cost little at the sale and a race of this nature may be on a par with Selling grade. The betting will certainly indicate the chances of the major stables and a race that may not take much winning.
Friday, 26 March 2010
3:40 Doncaster
The first two-year-old race of the season - WILLIAMHILL.COM - PLAY POKER BROCKLESBY CONDITIONS STAKES (27th March).
This is always a fascinating start to the season, a Stakes race with almost £13,000 going to the winner. With soft ground and potential draw bias to contend it is never an easy race to win although generally it goes to one of the more fancied runners. There were 24 juveniles entered at the five-day declarations and a field of 16 take part in this cavalry charge. The Brocklesby is a race worth noting as an impressive number of winners came from this race last year. Stakes races are never the easiest to predict and with no form to consider the betting will be the best indicator.
This is a race that certain trainers target with some of their better juveniles and specifically Bill Turner has sent some of his best juveniles to compete here so it will be intriguing to see how Lady Brookie fares.
Tom Dascombe’s representative, Mirror Lad, is only a cheap purchase and the betting will indicate the chances of this winning. His trainer has an impressive string of two-year-olds this season and he will have plenty of winners in the coming months, many on debut.
Chiswick Bey is one of two from the Fahey stable and costing £90,000. Connections will be hoping for a return on such an investment. Richard Fahey has done well in this race on previous years and it would be no surprise to see this colt by Elusive City run well.
The Brocklesby field is made-up of a number of trainers who know how to train two-year-olds and David Evans’ colt and filly should be respected.
Mick Channon fields Sarandjam and Saucy Buck. The price will reflect the chances of these colts as he rarely has winning two-year-olds go unfancied. In recent years, his win rate for juveniles making their debut has not been as impressive as is often implied.
Karl Ryan had a pretty dismal season last year with his two-year-olds and will be hoping for brighter prospects this term.
Clive Brittain will be hoping to carry on from last year’s successes and has a vast string of juveniles from Saeed Manana. Mayhab cost 80,000gns and well bred. Generally a trainer who features a poor win rate on debut, he had a number win on their racing bow last year and it will be interesting to see if that trend continues.
Very much a watching race but a good basis to build form lines and no doubt there will be a number of winners come from this event.
This is always a fascinating start to the season, a Stakes race with almost £13,000 going to the winner. With soft ground and potential draw bias to contend it is never an easy race to win although generally it goes to one of the more fancied runners. There were 24 juveniles entered at the five-day declarations and a field of 16 take part in this cavalry charge. The Brocklesby is a race worth noting as an impressive number of winners came from this race last year. Stakes races are never the easiest to predict and with no form to consider the betting will be the best indicator.
This is a race that certain trainers target with some of their better juveniles and specifically Bill Turner has sent some of his best juveniles to compete here so it will be intriguing to see how Lady Brookie fares.
Tom Dascombe’s representative, Mirror Lad, is only a cheap purchase and the betting will indicate the chances of this winning. His trainer has an impressive string of two-year-olds this season and he will have plenty of winners in the coming months, many on debut.
Chiswick Bey is one of two from the Fahey stable and costing £90,000. Connections will be hoping for a return on such an investment. Richard Fahey has done well in this race on previous years and it would be no surprise to see this colt by Elusive City run well.
The Brocklesby field is made-up of a number of trainers who know how to train two-year-olds and David Evans’ colt and filly should be respected.
Mick Channon fields Sarandjam and Saucy Buck. The price will reflect the chances of these colts as he rarely has winning two-year-olds go unfancied. In recent years, his win rate for juveniles making their debut has not been as impressive as is often implied.
Karl Ryan had a pretty dismal season last year with his two-year-olds and will be hoping for brighter prospects this term.
Clive Brittain will be hoping to carry on from last year’s successes and has a vast string of juveniles from Saeed Manana. Mayhab cost 80,000gns and well bred. Generally a trainer who features a poor win rate on debut, he had a number win on their racing bow last year and it will be interesting to see if that trend continues.
Very much a watching race but a good basis to build form lines and no doubt there will be a number of winners come from this event.
Saturday, 20 March 2010
Racing Tips
Here at HCE Racing Tips we are preparing for the 2010 flat racing season. We have now added all recently received applications to the tips mailing list (email and/or sms). This will be the last call before April, to allow new applications for our free tips service. Get your email address and/or mobile phone number, if you want to be added to the list (Email Us).
We will send out an email sometime next week, to all of those currently on the mailing list, with details about how we are going to proceed with the year. Stay tuned!
We will send out an email sometime next week, to all of those currently on the mailing list, with details about how we are going to proceed with the year. Stay tuned!
Tuesday, 16 March 2010
Cheltenham Festival - Gold Cup
It’s 3:20pm. Friday. 19th March.
A silent anticipation veils the commentator’s cry: ‘They’re off!’ as thousands of eager race goers cheer their approval at the start of the Totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.
The highlight of a National Hunt Festival attracting the attention of the racing world, there has been much rhetoric about this being a ‘Clash of the Titans’ with Paul Nicholls being the envy of many a trainer, represented by four runners including the colossal talents – Kauto Star and Denman. With a host of challengers to test their mettle, a 12-strong field compete for this Grade 1 Chase over 3m 2f110y on expected good to soft ground, making this is a race to savour offering plenty of horse racing betting opportunities. But who will prevail over the twenty-two fences? And is it simply a matter of how far will Kauto Star win?
The contenders:
Calgary Bay, an imposing horse and sole representative of Henrietta Knight (trainer of triple Gold Cup winner Best Mate) and ranked amongst the outsider, priced 66/1. This bay gelding by Taipan has something to prove even after winning ‘smoothly’ over 3 miles at Doncaster last time. A course winner with total prize earnings of only £70,000 indicates much more is needed here.
The talented Mark Bradstock, who handles a relatively small string of horses, trains Carruthers. The Old Manor House Stables will be hoping for a big effort from this talented seven-year-old. The Lord Oaksey Partnership has something to find against Cooldine on last year’s running in the RSA Chase at Cheltenham and faces this extended trip for the first time. This youngster has a stiff task at this grade but deserves his chance and will have supporters at 50/1.
For all of his successful years’ training, Noel Mead is still waiting for his first Gold Cup win. Casey Jones is generally a consistent gelding, however, at 66/1 this doesn’t look the most obvious horse to give Mead his first taste of victory in this illustrious race. (NR)
After being completely outclassed by Kauto Star and Denman et al in last year’s Gold Cup, Cerium is by all accounts there to make up the numbers.
Cooldine is clearly a horse with ability and an interesting contender for the Gold Cup. After staying on strongly to take the RSA Chase over 3m 1/2f at the Festival last year, defying Curruthers and Casey Jones in game style, this race is a logical step but a significant test for this course winner. Cooldine has achieved a lifetime career of ten wins from twenty races and earnings of just under £300,000. Willie Mullins has been quoted as saying: ‘The plan is the Gold Cup and I won’t make any predictions, as hopefully my horse will do the talking’. A good each way prospect although most likely fighting for third place.
Nigel Twiston-Davies’ Imperial Commander has been racing in the highest Grade on his last six starts: being comprehensively beaten by Kauto Star on two occasions and losing on the nod at Haydock in the Betfair Chase. Owners, Our Friends In The North, must have been rueing their luck when a disastrous mistake at the 2nd fence ruined any chance of getting competitive at Kempton. Although many may consider the chances of this nine-year-old hinge on his determined second to Kauto Star, that was an indifferent race. Questions may be raised whether Imperial Commander was flattered that day. However, in a race where the majority of runners are substantial odds he must be respected if not needing to prove his worth.
Shock Grand National winner Mon Mome is a versatile campaigner being both course and distance winner at Cheltenham but likely to be run of his hooves against this classy field. While those interested in Mr Pointment will be hoping for a minor miracle.
My Will, the outsider of the Nicholls’ quartet, and having only one win from his last twenty-one efforts, doesn’t look the most likely of candidates to return to winning ways. Having been comprehensively beaten in the last two Gold Cups, it is difficult to see him being prominent when it matters.
The lightly raced Tricky Trickster, another representative of Nicholls, is an interesting contender, showing gritty determination to win the Aon Chase, the biggest success of his career at Grade 2 class. To be a fancied runner for the Gold Cup on only his tenth start is an impressive achievement. This distance should not pose a problem and being one of only a select number of progressive types in this field Geraghty will be trying to spoil the favourite’s party. On ratings, Tricky Trickster has more than a glimmer of a chance. The fact that Walsh and McCoy had their pick of the mounts suggests the two major hopes are expected to steal the glory.
The unseating of Tony McCoy in the Aon Chase over 3 miles at Newbury changed the complexion of the Gold Cup online betting with Denman being what many may consider a respectable each way price at odds of 4/1. If this impressive horse captures the form of previous outings against his nemesis Kauto Star then we are in for a cracking renewal. However, at odds of 1-6 on, few considered the Aon Chase anything other than a prep race for the Festival. This defeat raised much debate with punters and press alike questioning whether Harry Findlay’s ‘Tank’ may have come off his tracks. Clearly, this chestnut son of Presenting, if back to his best, would be a gallant challenger to Nicholls’ leading light. The fact that Findlay has been so bullish about the chances of Kauto Star suggests Denman will need to be at his best to over shadow his stable mate. With such a faltering performance at Newbury there must be additional doubts this year although he is an ardently tough campaigner.
With prize winnings over two million pounds, twice victor of the Gold Cup and gallant loser to Denman in 2008, Kauto Star will be the focus of the racing world in his endeavour to attain similar glory to Best Mate, adding to an incredible career. It is understandable why Kauto Star shines so brightly in the eyes of trainer, connections and racing media alike – but ultimately in the adoration of the general public. So often racing is all about the hopes and dreams of the underdog but that wanting is so easily replaced by a true champion. There is little doubt that Kauto Star will be the horse to beat and the thoughts of Harry Findlay regarding his hopes for Denman seem to imply that the favourite has very strong claims. It is never easy to win a top class race: one poor jump can make all the difference between success and failure but that is the nature of the beast. It would be most fitting that Kauto Star gains such an elusive victory. Make sure you are one of the millions of racing fans watching the highlight of the Cheltenham Festival – the Totesport Gold Cup.
A silent anticipation veils the commentator’s cry: ‘They’re off!’ as thousands of eager race goers cheer their approval at the start of the Totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.
The highlight of a National Hunt Festival attracting the attention of the racing world, there has been much rhetoric about this being a ‘Clash of the Titans’ with Paul Nicholls being the envy of many a trainer, represented by four runners including the colossal talents – Kauto Star and Denman. With a host of challengers to test their mettle, a 12-strong field compete for this Grade 1 Chase over 3m 2f110y on expected good to soft ground, making this is a race to savour offering plenty of horse racing betting opportunities. But who will prevail over the twenty-two fences? And is it simply a matter of how far will Kauto Star win?
The contenders:
Calgary Bay, an imposing horse and sole representative of Henrietta Knight (trainer of triple Gold Cup winner Best Mate) and ranked amongst the outsider, priced 66/1. This bay gelding by Taipan has something to prove even after winning ‘smoothly’ over 3 miles at Doncaster last time. A course winner with total prize earnings of only £70,000 indicates much more is needed here.
The talented Mark Bradstock, who handles a relatively small string of horses, trains Carruthers. The Old Manor House Stables will be hoping for a big effort from this talented seven-year-old. The Lord Oaksey Partnership has something to find against Cooldine on last year’s running in the RSA Chase at Cheltenham and faces this extended trip for the first time. This youngster has a stiff task at this grade but deserves his chance and will have supporters at 50/1.
For all of his successful years’ training, Noel Mead is still waiting for his first Gold Cup win. Casey Jones is generally a consistent gelding, however, at 66/1 this doesn’t look the most obvious horse to give Mead his first taste of victory in this illustrious race. (NR)
After being completely outclassed by Kauto Star and Denman et al in last year’s Gold Cup, Cerium is by all accounts there to make up the numbers.
Cooldine is clearly a horse with ability and an interesting contender for the Gold Cup. After staying on strongly to take the RSA Chase over 3m 1/2f at the Festival last year, defying Curruthers and Casey Jones in game style, this race is a logical step but a significant test for this course winner. Cooldine has achieved a lifetime career of ten wins from twenty races and earnings of just under £300,000. Willie Mullins has been quoted as saying: ‘The plan is the Gold Cup and I won’t make any predictions, as hopefully my horse will do the talking’. A good each way prospect although most likely fighting for third place.
Nigel Twiston-Davies’ Imperial Commander has been racing in the highest Grade on his last six starts: being comprehensively beaten by Kauto Star on two occasions and losing on the nod at Haydock in the Betfair Chase. Owners, Our Friends In The North, must have been rueing their luck when a disastrous mistake at the 2nd fence ruined any chance of getting competitive at Kempton. Although many may consider the chances of this nine-year-old hinge on his determined second to Kauto Star, that was an indifferent race. Questions may be raised whether Imperial Commander was flattered that day. However, in a race where the majority of runners are substantial odds he must be respected if not needing to prove his worth.
Shock Grand National winner Mon Mome is a versatile campaigner being both course and distance winner at Cheltenham but likely to be run of his hooves against this classy field. While those interested in Mr Pointment will be hoping for a minor miracle.
My Will, the outsider of the Nicholls’ quartet, and having only one win from his last twenty-one efforts, doesn’t look the most likely of candidates to return to winning ways. Having been comprehensively beaten in the last two Gold Cups, it is difficult to see him being prominent when it matters.
The lightly raced Tricky Trickster, another representative of Nicholls, is an interesting contender, showing gritty determination to win the Aon Chase, the biggest success of his career at Grade 2 class. To be a fancied runner for the Gold Cup on only his tenth start is an impressive achievement. This distance should not pose a problem and being one of only a select number of progressive types in this field Geraghty will be trying to spoil the favourite’s party. On ratings, Tricky Trickster has more than a glimmer of a chance. The fact that Walsh and McCoy had their pick of the mounts suggests the two major hopes are expected to steal the glory.
The unseating of Tony McCoy in the Aon Chase over 3 miles at Newbury changed the complexion of the Gold Cup online betting with Denman being what many may consider a respectable each way price at odds of 4/1. If this impressive horse captures the form of previous outings against his nemesis Kauto Star then we are in for a cracking renewal. However, at odds of 1-6 on, few considered the Aon Chase anything other than a prep race for the Festival. This defeat raised much debate with punters and press alike questioning whether Harry Findlay’s ‘Tank’ may have come off his tracks. Clearly, this chestnut son of Presenting, if back to his best, would be a gallant challenger to Nicholls’ leading light. The fact that Findlay has been so bullish about the chances of Kauto Star suggests Denman will need to be at his best to over shadow his stable mate. With such a faltering performance at Newbury there must be additional doubts this year although he is an ardently tough campaigner.
With prize winnings over two million pounds, twice victor of the Gold Cup and gallant loser to Denman in 2008, Kauto Star will be the focus of the racing world in his endeavour to attain similar glory to Best Mate, adding to an incredible career. It is understandable why Kauto Star shines so brightly in the eyes of trainer, connections and racing media alike – but ultimately in the adoration of the general public. So often racing is all about the hopes and dreams of the underdog but that wanting is so easily replaced by a true champion. There is little doubt that Kauto Star will be the horse to beat and the thoughts of Harry Findlay regarding his hopes for Denman seem to imply that the favourite has very strong claims. It is never easy to win a top class race: one poor jump can make all the difference between success and failure but that is the nature of the beast. It would be most fitting that Kauto Star gains such an elusive victory. Make sure you are one of the millions of racing fans watching the highlight of the Cheltenham Festival – the Totesport Gold Cup.
Wednesday, 10 March 2010
Racing Tips Email Update
I got around to clearing the free racing tips email backlog. All of those sending emails recently requesting tips, should now have received confirmation that they have been added to the tips list. If you haven't then feel free to drop me an email. In addition, those signing up last year are still on the list, so there is no need to resubscribe.
Tips should start to be given out in April. I'll likely send an email just before the season begins detailing our thoughts about the season ahead.
Tips should start to be given out in April. I'll likely send an email just before the season begins detailing our thoughts about the season ahead.
Monday, 1 March 2010
Racing Tips Countdown
The HCE Racing Tips will start being sent out from April. I'm going to go through the recent backlog of emails and add all of those requesting tips to the list. I will email each and every person to inform them of this. I should have worked my way through the emails by tomorrow.
There are a limited number of places available. Email us with your email address and/r mobile number is you wish t receive our free tips. See the below post for last years results.
If you were on the tips list last year, you'll stil be on it this year, unless you request removal from the list. The mobile racing tips offer is only open to those in the UK, though if you are further afield we are more than happy to add you to the email list.
There are a limited number of places available. Email us with your email address and/r mobile number is you wish t receive our free tips. See the below post for last years results.
If you were on the tips list last year, you'll stil be on it this year, unless you request removal from the list. The mobile racing tips offer is only open to those in the UK, though if you are further afield we are more than happy to add you to the email list.
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