Category: Horse Racing Tips

This category is all about horse racing tips.

Betfair Hurdle Ante-post Preview

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

The Betfair Hurdle has always been one of the top handicap hurdles of the season. It is still fondly remembered by the older generation as “The Schweppes” and has since been equally acclaimed as the Tote Gold Trophy.

The race is often won by a high-class hurdler with names like Deep Sensation, Large Action, Mysilv, Make A Stand and Landing Light bringing back fond memories. More recently the race was won by Zarkandar and My Tent Or Yours, both Champion Hurdle class.

The quality of entry does not look quite up to that grade this year with Garde La Victoire topping the weights ahead of the veteran Get Me Out Of Here and Nicky Henderson’s Sign Of A Victory. Henderson has won this race five times and Sign Of A Victory is one of five entries from the Lambourn yard.

His latest press conference suggested that Sign Of A Victory would run provided the going is not soft but I’d have to say that seems unlikely. He does not believe that Snake Eyes will get into the race but put in a good word for Haydock winner Vasco Du Ronceray. The six-year-old is not exactly thrown in at the weights having been raised 8lbs for his latest success but still has scope for improvement.

He finished fifth in the Triumph Hurdle in 2013, the year of the ill-fated Our Conor. He wore a hood for the first time that day and carried the headgear when winning easily at Haydock in November. The grey could be worth an each-way bet at 33-1, a price that would soon disappear if Henderson’s main fancy were to be withdrawn.

I also like the claims of Activial, trained by Harry Fry. He is very lightly-raced having swerved the festival meeting in March in favour of Aintree. I was disappointed with his run there when only eighth to Guitar Pete but he showed his true form in the Ladbroke. He was well-fancied for the Ascot race and looked to have every chance until fitness told in the closing stages. Fry believes that he may eventually prove better at two and a half miles but Newbury’s long galloping straight should be ideal. He is still available at 10-1 in places.

The ante-post favourite is Calipto, trained by Paul Nicholls. He was unlucky in last year’s Triumph Hurdle when his rider’s stirrup leather broke and finished ahead of Activial at Aintree. He may have raced too keenly when beaten at Cheltenham in October and has been well backed for this race. He still holds a Champion Hurdle entry but I think any value has gone at around 5-1.

Activial @10-1 888Sport, Sportingbet

Vasco Du Ronceray @33-1 Betfair

Each-way ¼ odds, 1,2,3,4

Happy Valley 28th January Tips

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

Happy Valley and Hong Kong Wrap Up:

I sincerely hope you enjoyed the race meet at Sha Tin on Sunday as the two Group 1 races certainly lived up to expectations. Fantastic effort from Peniaphobia to win the 1000m sprint down the straight from the outside gate and what can you say about Able Friend in the Cup Race. He was absolutely devastating and his Jockey Joao Moreira never moved on him. He was ridden cold as ice and even 100m out Joao just patted him on the neck and enjoyed the ride. Certainly looks a very special race horse and one of the best milers going around anywhere at the moment. His time was better than standard in a race which was very void of pace and very slow run but he still made it look easy after closing from a long way back. Will be on him where ever he goes after that run as he really does look like an excitement machine.

I hope you followed the selections as we hit the last four on top selections which made for an easy collect any way you backed them.

Back at Happy Valley tonight for a bit of fun but looking forward to Sha Tin next Sunday when we are back for some great racing.

Happy Valley 28-01-15

Track and Conditions: Turf C + 3 Course. Track will be rated GOOD.

Expected Weather: Mainly cloudy with one or two rain patches and a top temperature of 18 degrees by day and 15 degrees by night.  Wind will be from the east gusting up to and around the 30 Km/h mark but should have little effect on this city track and as usual on paced runners will be aided by the strong on paced bias of the Happy Valley circuit.

 

Best Bet: Race 2: No 7 Thor The Greatest

Best Value: Race 5: No 9 Tango Fire

Best Exotic Races: Race No’s 5-6-7

Quaddie:-

Race 7: 1-9-5-3  Race 8: 4-1-2-6 Race 9: 1-3-7-5 Race 10: 10

 

Race 1: — Time: 11.15am GMT—Distance: 1200m—Class 5

Top Pick: No 5 Zachary

Value Selection: No 6 Mr Vanilla

Exotic Inclusions: No 1 Good Thinker and No 3 Archers Bow

 

Race 2: — Time: 11.45am GMT—Distance: 1200m—Class 4

Top Pick: No 7 Thor The Greatest

Value Selection: No 1 Hurry Hurry Up

Exotic Inclusions: No 6 Naughty Baby and No 4 Polymer Win

 

Race 3: — Time: 12.15pm GMT—Distance: 1650m—Class 4

Top Pick: No 6 Gideon

Value Selection: No 8 Gallant Rock

Exotic Inclusions: No 4 Fabulous One and No 1 Grace Heart

 

Race 4: — Time: 12.45pm GMT—Distance: 1000m—Class 4

Top Pick: No 4 Win It

Value Selection: No 5 Vara Pearl

Exotic Inclusions: No 7 Elegance Klammer and No 9 Robust Momentum

 

Race 5: — Time: 1.15pm GMT—Distance: 1200m—Class 3

Top Pick: No 1 Dinning World

Value Selection: No 9 Tango Fire

Exotic Inclusions: No 5 Victorious and No 3 All Great Friends

 

Race 6: — Time: 1.45pm GMT—Distance: 1200m—Class 2

Top Pick: No 4 Helene Super Star

Value Selection: No 1 Harbour Master

Exotic Inclusions: No 2 Sunny Ying and No 6 Jolly Victor

 

Race 7: — Time: 2.15pm GMT—Distance: 1650m—Class 3

Top Pick: No 1 Disciples Twelve

Value Selection: No 3 Winfull Patrol

Exotic Inclusions: No 7 Brilliant Proposal and No 5 St Yasin

 

Race 8: — Time: 2.50pm GMT—Distance: 1650m—Class 2

Top Pick: No 10 Soul Achiever

Value Selection: No 6 Bespoke Collars

Exotic Inclusions: No 3 Flying Unicorn and No 8 Oscar Miracle

 

Sha Tin 25th January Tips

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

HONG KONG RACING SUNDAY 25 JANUARY G1 MEET

SHA TIN

Hong Kong Wrap Up

Looks like a great card today with two Group One races and some very special runners engaged. Race 7 and Race 8 are both Group One races and I am sure you will get a thrill out of these two races. Peniaphobia just continues to improve and looks a very exciting type but may not have it all his own way today as he has drawn a touch wide over this course and Amber Sky should lead them out and if not pressured too much will make a race of it at nice odds. In the other G1 we have Able Friend which will most likely be unbackable as his form in winning last start is extremely hard to go past. However he may not get the same fast pace as last start which should make things a bit closer. Enjoy the day and the very special racing at Sha Tin in Hong Kong and get amongst the winners and the exotics.

 

Track and Conditions: Turf B+2 Course with the exception of Races 1-3-6 which will be on the All Weather Dirt Track. Track will be rated well on both surfaces.

Expected Weather: Cloudy with one or two rain patches and a top temperature of 18 degrees. Wind will be from the east gusting up to 40 Km/h at times which will cause a cross wind from east to west but also pushing up the straight causing a headwind. This will assist on paced runners as the wind should be fresh providing a tail wind down the back straight. 

Best Bet: Race 10 No 9 Brilliant Shine

Best Value: Race 7 No 2 Amber Sky

Exotic Races: Race No’s 7-8-9-10

Quaddie:-

Race 7:1-2-5-7 Race 8: 1 Race 9: 6-5-12-2 Race 10: 9-11-14-12

 

Race 1: — Time: 8.00am GMT—Distance: 1650m—Class 5 – AWT

Top Pick: No 1 Glorious Avenue

Value Selection: No 5 Croatia

Exotic Inclusions: No 4 Follow The Wind and No 2 Mister Marc

Race Overview

Glorious Avenue Dropped back to this class for the first time last start and almost got away with it. Meets Croatia 5 Lbs better at the weights this time and there does not look much between them. I expect they will attempt to get cover from their wide gates and bring it home over the concluding stages. Glorious Avenue retains Zac Purton in the saddle who will be looking for a big day today. Croatia dropped back to this class late last season and has shown improvement this season. Prefers this surface and recorded a nice win last start over this distance and surface and still looks weighted ok at his point. Not drawn great in gate 9 but this is a class five and will get his chance once again today.

 

Race 2: — Time: 8.30am GMT—Distance: 1200m—Class 4

Top Pick: No 5 Golden Scalpel

Value Selection: No 6 Towering Storm

Exotic Inclusions: No 11 Money Café-No 7 Oxford Charlie / No 1 Percy Jackson

Race Overview

Golden Scalpel has been going very well for Joao Moreira lately and has put together two very nice runs which resulted in him winning over the 1800m last start at Sha Tin. Closed off very well on that occasion indicating that he may be very well suited over this distance today and he should be well positioned in the running to suite. Towering Storm will have no problem with this distance and has not been too far away lately but will need to find cover from gate 13 and if so can get himself into the finish once again. Retains regular hoop in Neil Callan in the saddle and should be at each way odds here. Percy Jackson Is dropping back in class today and that has to help you would think in a fairly ordinary class four. Carries top weight but has run well over this distance at class three so he does look a bit of a chance here. Drawn well and should get a nice trail in the running and he does have a senior hoop in Douglas Whyte in the saddle today which has to be a bonus. Going to throw him in as my BOLTER today.

 

Race 3: — Time: 9.00am GMT—Distance: 1200m—Class 4

Top Pick: No 4 Real Fit

Value Selection: No 1 Hello Kimberley

Exotic Inclusions: No 11 Kingston Jumbo and No 8 Bee There Ahead

Race Overview

Real Fit appeared to have excuses two starts back and came out and ran a very nice 2nd last start on this surface. Comes up with a nice draw today in gate four. Only up 2 Lbs and retains Douglas Whyte in the saddle. Looks a real chance on his last start performance. Hello Kimberley does seems to like this surface and has been very consistent on the dirt. Been up to class three for a bit of a look but certainly looks much better suited today at class four even with top weight. Zac Purton in the saddle and looks a good chance here.

 

Race 4: — Time: 9.30am GMT—Distance: 1200m—Class 4

Top Pick: No 12 Unique Happiest

Value Selection: No 1 Sunny Pearl

Exotic Inclusions: No 4 Solar Kingdom and No 7 Tones

Race Overview

Unique Happiest has gone very close at his last two starts over this distance and has came up with the rails draw today which should see him well positioned in the running as there will be plenty of pace on here and he should slot into a nice rails position. Gets a senior hoop in Brett Prebble in the saddle today which you would expect will certainly help. Sunny Pearl has been bouncing up and down at class four and class three recently and does look much better suited today at this class. Comes up with a nice draw in gate five and should get a nice trail in the running and he does retain Mattie Chadwick in the saddle as well. Certainly looks a nice chance today and the distance does suite. Expected to be at nice each way odds.

 

Race 5: — Time: 10.00am GMT—Distance: 1200m—Class 4

Top Pick: No 7 Shining Champion

Value Selection: No 3 Gentilis

Exotic Inclusions: No 10 Lucky Day and No 2 Our Folks / 9 Why Why / No 14 Super Talent

Race Overview

Shining Champion has been very consistent this season. Just got up last start over this distance at this class and still looks well weighted today. Comes up with a very nice draw in gate five and retains his last start winning  hoop as well  and appeals as another very good chance here. Gentilis has been very consistent since arriving in Hong Kong with the exception of a couple of runs. One being last start when he did not settle prior to jumping and had a fair few issues in the running and featured strongly in the steward’s report. Can certainly get back on track here and has Zac Purton back in the saddle today for the first time this season. Can certainly turn things around today.

 

Race 6: — Time: 10.30am GMT—Distance: 1200m—Class 4

Top Pick: No 1 Autumn Gold

Value Selection: No 14 Rock The Tree

Exotic Inclusions: No 8 Supreme Fresh and No 10 Scimitar

Race Overview

Do not like this race at all, far too much inconsistent form, maybe Autumn Gold with the class drop today as he has been doing all his racing at Class two this season and although well beaten on most occasions the last time he raced at this class and distance he did win with the same weight he carries today and it was also on this surface. Has not got great early speed but just the same should get into a nice position in the running. Looking at Jockey moves we can see that Gerard Mosse has opted for Supreme Fresh today which also appeals as a good chance as he has been consistent this season and never far away over these type of distances. Should get a nice run in transit and still looks nicely weighted. Rock The Tree has been going along well this season at class four and deserves another crack at this class and will trot around with just 111 Lbs on his back after the claim. Appeals as a bit of value.

 

Race 7: — Time: 11.00am GMT—Distance: 1200m—Class 4

Top Pick: No 1 Peniaphobia

Value Selection: No 2 Amber Sky

Exotic Inclusions: No 5 Bundle Of Joy and No 7 Smart Volitility

Race Overview

Peniaphobia has been in sensational form this season and can go very close to chalking up another quality race. Just missed in a G1 sprint last start and has to be the one to beat here today at set weights. Only queary is that he has drawn the widest gate but should be able to negate that in a eight horse field and is certainly expected to be in the finish here. Amber Sky does look much better suited over this distance as he has speed to burn early and his gate speed is very good. Should lead here and they will need to chase him down over the concluding stages as he has came up with a very nice draw. Certainly appeals at each way odds.

Race 8: — Time: 11.35am GMT—Distance: 1200m—Class 4

Top Pick: No 1 Able Friend

Value Selection: No 4 Ambitious Dragon

Exotic Inclusions: No 2 Gold-Fun and No 3 Blazing Speed

Race Overview

Able Friend has been on fire over this distance this season and made very easy work of it last start at G1. Has to be the one to beat once again at set weights after toying with them under similar circumstances last start. Have to throw in Ambitious Dragon here with a bit of a chance and he will be at nice each way odds as well. Now an eight year old who has came back after some setbacks but just loves this distance and certainly has to go in as the value and an exotic inclusion in a race which does look a bit void of early pace.

 

Race 9: — Time: 12.10pm GMT—Distance: 1200m—Class 4

Top Pick: No 6 Eioico

Value Selection: No 5 Longwah Amber

Exotic Inclusions: No 12 World City and No 2 Ovett

Race Overview

Eroico went very close last start at this class over this distance and actually drops 1 Lb today and has drawn the rails as well. Retains Joao Moreira in the saddle and does appeal as a good hope once again today. Longwah Amber got right back on track last start with a good start to finish win over this distance and still looks well weighted today. He drew the rails last start and bounced very well but will have to content with gate 10 today but if Brett Prebble can get him into a good position he can certainly run well here.

 

Race 10: — Time: 12.45pm GMT—Distance: 1200m—Class 4

Top Pick: No 9 Brilliant Shine

Value Selection: No 11 High And Mighty

Exotic Inclusions: No 14 Pikachu and No 12 Universal Union

Race Overview

Brilliant Shine is really jumping out of his skin this season after winning his last two races at this class. Has certainly improved out of sight and does deserve a go at this class today. Gets a 5 Lb drop in the weights but thought he would get a touch more. However has came up with a very nice draw and should get a very nice trail in the running . High And Mighty Does look the danger here and has only had the three starts in Hong Kong but already looks a very nice type suited to these conditions. Has Brett Prebble in the saddle once again today and certainly has appeal if he stays at current each way odds. Up in class but gets a 14 Lbs drop in weight and certainly appeals as the weight runner here from gate 6. Being the last race on the card I feel we have to look at a bit of value as two of the Quaddie races do look to lack value so let’s have a look. There is a bit to like about the lower weighted runners in this race. Universal Union goes up to this class for the first time today but his Class three form has been excellent and drops 14 Lbs with the class rise. Drawn wide which is a bit of a concern but has the weight off his back to make a go of it here. Pikachu  also goes up to class two today after winning at class three last start all be it by a very small margin. Gets 12 Lbs of his back today but has drawn wide. Have the feeling there will be a fair bit of pace in this race which may help and he does come across as a nice type over this distance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Horse Racing Preview 24th January

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

It’s Festival Trials Day at Cheltenham on Saturday and there should be clues to many of the feature races in March.

The action gets under way at 12.40 with Peace And Co looking to cement his position at the head of the Triumph Hurdle market. He is one of several exciting French imports trained by Nicky Henderson and he absolutely hacked up on his debut at Doncaster. The value of the form is debatable and I can hardly believe that he is as short as 9-4 for the Triumph Hurdle. Even so, it will be a major surprise if he is beaten here.

The BetBright Cup at 1.50 sees the return of Many Clouds who did this column a favour in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury in November. He steps out of handicap company to face last year’s Ryanair winner Dynaste. David Pipe’s grey finished an honourable second in the King George VI Chase last time out but is probably better at shorter distances. Smad Place was only fifth in the Hennessy but will provide a good test if he is fit enough.

Tactics could be important and it may de down to Leighton Aspell to set the pace on Many Clouds. I have reservations about Dynaste up the Cheltenham hill but I think he will have too much class for these.

The horse that I am most looking forward to seeing in action on Saturday is Value At Risk in the Neptune Trial at 3.00. He was trained in Ireland by Philip Fenton last season and finished third in the champion bumper at Punchestown. He was very impressive when coasting to victory at Newbury by 22 lengths on his first start for Dan Skelton. I think he will win on Saturday and his price will fall for the Neptune so it may be worth taking some of the 16-1.

The feature race at Doncaster is the Skybet Chase at 3.15. Tony McCoy has taken the ride on If In Doubt who was useful over hurdles but lacks experience over fences. Easter Day ran well for a long way on his first start after a year off the track and must be respected but most of the other runners look fully exposed. It could be an opportunity for some McCoy magic.

Finally, good luck to Harry Spiller who has his first runner as a trainer at Lingfield tomorrow. The Third Man proved expensive for punters when trained by John Gosden last year but is not without a chance in the 2.35.

Peace And Co 12.40 Cheltenham @4-7 Bet365

Dynaste 1.50 Cheltenham @9-4 Paddy Power

Value At Risk 3.0 Cheltenham @15-8 Bet365

If In Doubt 3.15 Doncaster @11-2 William Hill

*Value At Risk – Neptune Hurdle @16-1 Paddy Power

*ante-post

Lingfield Friday Preview

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

The winter weather is slowly releasing its icy grip on racing in the UK but the pick of the action on Friday looks to be on the all-weather at Lingfield. The highlight is the £28,000 Ladbrokes Handicap and the class horse in the field is Richard Hannon’s Magic City.

The six-year-old is a real seven-furlong specialist who is particularly effective at Goodwood. He picked up three handicaps in quick succession in the summer of 2013 and his handicap mark shot up from 85 to 102 in the process.

He caught the eye on several occasions last season, particularly when flashing home in third behind Red Avenger in the Betfred Mile at his favourite track in August. That showed that he can get a mile on an easy track but seven furlongs is his optimum trip and he looks primed to run a big race on Friday. He picked up a Conditions race at Kempton in November and looks good each-way value at 8-1 with William Hill. His biggest threat may be Brigliadoro who beat subsequent winner History Book last time out over this trip and is only up 3lbs.

The Unibet Offer Handicap Stakes at 2.35 looks a tricky contest with three of the runners having won last time out. Interestingly, all three came from off the pace and I’m siding with Spray Turn to follow up her Wolverhampton victory. Luke Morris looks as if he is trying to take off at times but it is best not to be fooled by all of the arm-waving. Spray Tan is up 4lbs that win but could Morris could have had a bit more up his sleeve than it first appeared.

No doubt there will plenty of punters happy to combine Spray Turn with Burnt Cream in forecast bets and it wouldn’t be the biggest shock if they finish in that order. Burnt Cream is up just 3lbs while Swendab has gone up 6lbs for his Kempton victory over six furlongs.

The best bet of the day may prove to be Coursing for Sir Mark Prescott and Luke Morris in the 3.40 race. We’ve made a few bob out of Don’t Be in recent weeks for the same combination and Coursing looks like a rapidly improving filly. She showed very little in her first four races but blinkers worked the trick last time, storming home at Wolverhampton by three and a half lengths. She carries a 6lbs penalty here and is much preferred to Grosmont who has shown a tendency to hang under pressure.

Spray Tan 2.35 Lingfield @7-2 Bet365

Magic City 3.10 Lingfield @8-1 William Hill

Coursing 3.40 Lingfield @Evens Paddy Power

Thyestes Chase Preview

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

The Cheltenham trials will be coming thick and fast in the coming weeks and Gowran Park could provide some pointers on Thursday. The feature race is the Thyestes Chase, won last year by subsequent Gold Cup runner-up On His Own.

Willie Mullins tries to follow up with the lightly-raced Djakadam, a disappointing favourite in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury in November. The gelding won the Grade 2 Killiney Novices’ Chase at Leopardstown last season but fell four from home in the JLT Novices’ Chase at the Cheltenham festival.

He travelled nicely into contention at Newbury but weakened quickly in the straight. He could prove to be well handicapped off a mark of 145 but this will be a real test of stamina in the heavy ground. Considering his lack of jumping experience, I am prepared to look elsewhere for the winner.

Gallant Oscar looks to have been aimed at this by Tony Martin, having been kept over hurdles so far this season. He was quietly fancied for the Irish National in April but parted company with Davy Condon at the thirteenth. Better value may be the French import, Sadler’sflaure, trained by Jessica Harrington.

It is impossible to compare French and Irish form but he was four times a winner in his native country and ran well when chasing home Grand Jesture at Punchestown last month. That was only his second run since joining Harrington and he could be ready to run a big race on Thursday.

Goonyella ran in the Welsh National and the Irish National last season and likes it when the mud is flying. He was not disgraced behind Living Next Door last time out while The Job Is Right also ran well in that race. He came out and won at Punchestown but this will be three races in quick succession.

Earlier in the day, Monksland can book his place in the World Hurdle field by winning the Grade 2 Galmoy Hurdle. The eight-year-old was having his first race for two years when third to Lieutenant Colonel at Leopardstown last month and holds Dedigout, Zaidpour and Briar Hill on that form.

Noel Meade’s gelding was third to Simonsig in the Neptune and won the Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown in 2012 before injury intervened. He was as short as 5-1 for the World Hurdle after that and is a proven winner in heavy ground. With normal improvement, he should confirm the form with Briar Hill who was not that impressive last season in his prep races before falling at the festival. His future may lie over fences and Monksland can get back on the winning trail here.

Monksland 2.15 Gowran Park @6-4 Paddy Power

Sadler’sflaure 3.15 Gowran Park @8-1 William Hill

Each-way ¼ odds, 1,2,3,4