31/12

Everything placed yesterday including Kings Forest who won. I was very wary of HEctor's Choice who cam 4th of 5 last time out - not quite the form for an odds on shot
Over Sixty couldn't win at 1/3 but managed 2nd at a poor price

1200 LING

BETTING FORECAST: 9/4 Dimander, 3/1 Maswerte, 7/2 Today´s The Day, 6/1 Hatman Jack, 8/1 Mrs Slocombe, 12/1 Lujeanie, 16/1 Bickersten, 100/1 Dependonyou, Jaq´s Sister.

SPOTLIGHT VERDICT: There should be better to come from Maswerte over this trip and he can reverse last week's 6f form with Today's The Day, but DIMANDER took a big step forward over this C&D last time and may be able to make it third time lucky

2 horses at 66/1 or bigger bring the field down to 7.
Dimander now 7/4in a race where 4 horses are sub 12/1. A maiden race is not the ideal race type. 2.9 / 1.37

1245 PUNCHESTOWN
BETTING FORECAST: 7/2 Equus Maximus, 4/1 Forest Leaves, 9/2 Bronx Girl, 5/1 Sir Johnny, 8/1 Whatever Next, 12/1 Melon Delta, 14/1 Ted Gunther, 16/1 Shesadoll, 20/1 Arc Of Stone, Katyara, Shuil Coillte, 25/1 Aghawonan Vic, Reddies, 33/1 De Danu, Ri Na Noileain, 50/1 Finnegans Girl.

Now 7/4 and representing the Mullins/Walsh combination, the form is not that solid and soft ground and a big field are a little offputting 2.9 / 1.49 but market not fully formed

115 PUNCH

BETTING FORECAST: 4/11 Ebaziyan, 8/1 Sabina Park, 10/1 Coolcashin, Don´t Be Bitin, 12/1 Merdeka, Taravada, 14/1 Derravarra Eagle, 25/1 Sky To Sea.

SPOTLIGHT VERDICT: EBAZIYAN enjoys an overwhelming theoretical advantage at these weights, and the stable's current run of excellent form offers reassurance about his ability to take advantage of this opportunity on his seasonal debut. The negative is that the seven-year-old has won only one of his ten races since his long-priced victory in the 2007 Supreme Novices' but, to be fair, eight of those have been at Grade 1 level. It is also in his favour that he justified short-priced favouritism when beating Sabina Park and Derravarra Eagle over the course and trip last January, and he is now 6lb better off with the second.\n

Now 1/2 but still the price gap remains for another Mullins/Walsh horse.
MAking a seasonal reappearance, the hope is that the horse can cope. 1.5 / 1.11

230 LING
BETTING FORECAST: 7/4 Now You See Me, 11/2 Stoneacre Pat, 7/1 Arfinnit, 15/2 Summer Rose, Woqoodd, 9/1 Lady Bahia, 12/1 Isabella´s Fancy, Rightcar Dominic, 25/1 Baileys Brazilian, Blakeshall Diamond.

SPOTLIGHT VERDICT: Difficult to find a viable alternative to NOW YOU SEE ME, who pulled well clear with an in-form horse at Southwell last time and has winning form on Polytrack, while none of her rivals has a convincing profile. [HT] Nice price gap but now 5/2 in the live market does not convey confidence 3.45 / 1.42 - again market forces not kicked in yet - still the only horse under evens to place so despite the apparent lack of confidence in the win market, there is a glimmer of hope in the place only market 245 PUNCH BETTING FORECAST: 6/4 Mourad, 5/1 Jumbo Rio, 6/1 Manor Park, 7/1 Celtic Strand, 8/1 Shinkansen, 12/1 Ebadiyan, Hepburn Bell, The Tartan Army, Warrior Chief, 14/1 Geestring, Moonlight Sapphire, Patriot Jack, 16/1 Mexican Venture, 20/1 Aliceaneileen, Utrillo´s Art, 25/1 Chimay, Crossbane, Fool´s Wildcat, Gimli´s Storm, Mountain Flower, 33/1 Be Jing Lady, Bibliography. GOod price gap and now evens in palces - an unraced horse in this sphere - it's all reputation and current form of the Mullins stable making this one fav 2.4 / 1.3 Warwick had a great probability race today but is not holding any racing. I do not really like Irish racing for palce only betting purposes but will see if there is one that has an outstanding chance of success ONE A DAY It all seems to hinge on the Mullins/Walsh combination today on the 3 main contenders in IReland. THe obvious candidate looks to be Ebaziyan Dimander was a head 2nd to Pezula Bay and this flattered the horse as Pezula Bay was simply strolling along with minimal effort. Dimander amde a giant leap last time out and the hope for place backers is that the horse can confirm that form and remain consistent ( not an easy thing for 2 year olds!) Today's the Day has been placed in 4 of the last 5 races. I don't normally like 2 year olds with only 2 runs as this is not conclusive proof of ability or temperament which might still remain in one still learning. NExt horse of interest is Ebiziyan but 1.11 is a stingy price. The straight 8 here, so only 5 to beat to place. Uninspiring form, albeit at a much higher level, there are question marks about the jumping, BUT was that jumping affected by the better class of horse he was facing then? Now you see me has shot up to 1.6 to palce while writing so I won't be having him over 5 furlongs in a handicap The other 2 Mullins /Walsh horses are in big fields and are genaerally favs because of the trainer reputation. Dimander looks to be the one at the prices today, with Ebiziyan the seemingly more solid option . THe race is the first at 1200 and I will confirm involvement by looking for consistent support for Dimander ( hints of it already with 9/4 in ebtting forecast showing 7/4 in the live market) Now 1.38 to place, 4 horses are sub evens here hinting at a 4 horse race. Has run at Lingfield previously which is a good advantage

30/12

1220 LING
BETTING FORECAST: 6/4 Bridgewater Boys, 7/4 Acropolis, 9/2 Teasing, 10/1 Obrigado, 20/1 Climate, Tenement, 33/1 Lancaster Lad.
SPOTLIGHT VERDICT: Acropolis has over a stone in hand on the pick of his runs this year and will win this without too much fuss, even over this trip, if he puts it all in, but that looks far from guaranteed and if he is made to battle at all he could be in trouble. Preference therefore is for BRIDGEWATER BOYS, who in contrast is no stranger to getting his head in front.[

Teasing now a non runner - will this make life easier for the 2 at the head of the market? Acropolis the one for money currently 1.45 and 1.46 means this is no guarantee despite the 3rd fav being a non runner - only 2 places.

1240 TAUNTON
BETTING FORECAST: 8/11 Hector´s Choice, 9/2 King´s Forest, 7/1 Blazing Desert, 12/1 Triple Bluff, 14/1 Seefin Mountain, 16/1 Seeking The Buck, 20/1 Marchand D´Argent, 25/1 Green Belt Elite, Hey Big Spender, 33/1 Wisteria Lane, 40/1 Le Toto, 50/1 Charlotte Street, King Of Charm, 100/1 Whenallelsefails.
SPOTLIGHT VERDICT: HECTOR’S CHOICE had a feasible excuse in a decent handicap last time, sets a clear standard on form and should be hard to beat. King’s Forest and Blazing Desert can fight out the runner-up spot.[

Kings forest cut to 7/4 now - could prove significant 1.18 HEctor and 1.32 Kings Forest - Blazing desert is Thornton/King and a good each way shout given the connections.

110 TAUNTON
BETTING FORECAST: 8/13 Over Sixty, 7/1 Bahia Blanca, Easter Legend, 10/1 Flutter Bye, 12/1 Shenanigan, 14/1 Cool Friend, 16/1 Rhinestone Ruby, 25/1 Allfortara, 40/1 Darn Hot, 66/1 Callerlilly, Sweet Optomist, 150/1 Elsie May, 200/1 Delaydee Vic,
SPOTLIGHT VERDICT: OVER SIXTY has an official rating of 137, sets a tough target for the others to aim at and should not have too much trouble defying a penalty and confirming recent form with Easter Legend and Cool Friend

Now 4/11 the fav - significant confidence? Again the Thornton/King combo exudes confidence -1.08 to place none too appetising a price

325 TAUNTON
BETTING FORECAST: 1/3 Pepe Simo, 3/1 Pipe Banner, 10/1 Hobb´s Dream, 25/1 Voramar Two, 33/1 Dontsayathing, 50/1 Beyond Moonbeams, Tropical Secret, 100/1 Commanche Smiles, False Identity, Hobby Horse, Over Valued.
SPOTLIGHT VERDICT: This looks a match between PEPE SIMO and Pipe Banner, who weren't a million miles apart when clashing on their debuts at Sandown. However, the selection perhaps should have won that day and, having gained further experience with a respectable effort at Newbury, he's expected to confirm the form

3 sub 25/1! Value in Pipe banner for the place? 1.09 and 1.29 the places for the first 2

ONE ADAY

Just how soft is the soft ground today at Taunton?
1220 LING would be of interest were this not a poor claimer with 1.45 for the 2 the place market. 1.45 is not a price which shows the market leaders are nailed on. Acropolis's spotlight is a worry

"Acropolis
Seems an eternity since he was fourth in Arc (actually in 2004) and not won since; plenty of form, including this year, to make him very hard to beat at this level, placed four times off marks in mid 90s earlier this summer; golden opportunity here, evenover trip on sharp side, but lacks AW experience and, more importantly, questionable attitude makes him dubious proposition at shortish odds."

1240 TAUNTON
6 horses are 100/1 or bigger bringing the field of potential placers (hopefully) down to 6 , 3 of whom will place if the outsiders run as their prices hint at.
Money for Kings Forest is very interesting and 1.32 is a good place only price. Similarly Hectors Choice is 1.2 which is a great price relative to the shorties at 1.08 and 1.09 today. Novice hurdle a worry for HEctor, and 4th in a 5 horse race when fav last time

110 TAUNTON
Significant support for Over Sixty cannot be ignored. 1.08 to place is very stingy but has Choc Thornton on board for Alan King and it's a pairing I like. 5 horses are sub 25/1 which is encouraging and there have been no market hints at a dark horse in opposition to the market leader

325 TAUNTON
11 runner race and only 3 horses are sub 25/1! Last race of the day at Taunton and a bumper to boot - the live market is very important in this case, and as I write Hobbs choice is the one for each way punters it would seem. 4 debutants, and 5 one time outers could be open to improvement. Pepe Simo was obviously thought of by the betting forecaster slotting him in as 1/3 fav, but the 1/2 in the live market shows he was a bit off the mark. As things stand, the 1.09 is too short for me in such a race type. If getting involved in this race, I would have to decide nearer the off given the fact that bumper races are market driven generally because of the relative lack of form

ONE A DAY
Over Sixty would be the one today, albeit at a poor price. I will decide if Kings Forest at a more appetising 1.32 will be my selection at race time. The more sustained support for Hectors Choice or Kings forest will determine my final choice, but as things stand, Kings Forest is the one they have come for into 7/4

29/12

Another place yesterday - my friend actually chose Liverpool away to Newcastle to make his 1.43% at a nice juicy price!
Interestingly, I collated all one a dayers and looked at level stakes backing - a 7 point profit for the period from November 1st to present. Quite a return for such generally poor odds! The key is a strike rate of 93.9%!!

1240 LIMERICK
BETTING FORECAST: 4/5 Tinakellylad, 9/2 Inagh Valley, 6/1 The Slug, 8/1 Dont Cross Tina, 10/1 Rosiel, 12/1 Alfa Beat, Blackwater Pete, Not To Know, 14/1 Echo Bob, Killowenabbey, 16/1 Clean Sweep, Title Race, Uncle Tom Cobley, 20/1 Cloverhill Lad, 25/1 Joker Man, The Clubhousebee, 33/1 Ath Dara Moon, Follow The Sun,
SPOTLIGHT VERDICT: A very ordinary maiden hurdle begins proceedings and there's no need to look any further than TINAKELLYLAD. Winner of a Kilmallock point-to-point back in April, he has shown a good level of form over hurdles so far, his best efforts when a decent third to Beau Michael in a conditions hurdle here in October before finishing a very close third in very testing conditions to Quiscover Fontaine in a maiden hurdle at Gowran Park earlier this month. That form was well advertised by the winner landing a conditions event here three days ago and that level of form puts him head and shoulders above these rivals.\n The main danger is likely to come from InaghValley.

Included because of the positive vibes for the market leader - a maiden hurdle though on soft ground with a big field in Ireland is not top of my list though! Interesting that Ballydoyle flat jockey J Heffernan is on the 2nd fav and he was subject of a big gamble on his last ride. With the profile of the race, I suspect prices for the place market will be generally bigger than usual - 1.11 to place but a very illiquid market

115 MUSSELBURGH
BETTING FORECAST: 1/3 Red Moloney, 5/1 Grand Diamond, 12/1 Casual Affair, 16/1 Best Horse, 25/1 Catai, 40/1 Piper´s Song.
SPOTLIGHT VERDICT: RED MOLONEY has the class to defy a penalty at this level before going on to better things, with course specialist Grand Diamond looking the main threat after an encouraging debut over hurdles

Obvious candidate now 1/4 but I have come unstuck in these 2 the place races because there is simply no margin for error 1.26 and 1.11 to place

135 NEWB
BETTING FORECAST: 6/4 Gone To Lunch, 5/2 Money Trix, 7/2 Mr Pointment, 9/1 Sir Bathwick, 10/1 Trigger The Light.
SPOTLIGHT VERDICT: Mr Pointment is clear on official figures but may well be flattered by his rating and this may rest between progressive GONE TO LUNCH and Money Trix, who may yet live up to the high expectations of his connections.[FC]

An example of a race I cannot get an angle on - put off as I am by Trigger the Light being a Thornton/King horse!

150 MUSS
BETTING FORECAST: 13/8 West With The Wind, 15/8 Don´t Stop Me Now, 3/1 Vivaldi, 12/1 Metal Madness, 20/1 Bourse, 40/1 Orchestrion, Vallani.
SPOTLIGHT VERDICT: WEST WITH THE WIND looked a real pro when making a winning hurdle debut and is given a narrow vote but Don't Stop Me Now also looked good in her win and Vivaldi might beat the pair of them if the market happened to ooze confidence

Another 2 the place race but with a better profile - fly in the ointment is Metal Madness .Front 3 look the ones to concentrate on 1.61 and 1.54
to place - again both a over 1.5 and quite obviously this is no gimme
210 NEWB
BETTING FORECAST: 5/4 Dave´s Dream, 5/1 Quaspia, 6/1 Abbevillian, Kingsdale Orion, 7/1 China Gold, 16/1 Danetime Panther, 20/1 Cursum Perficio, Princeful, 50/1 Gremlin, 200/1 Tigger.
SPOTLIGHT VERDICT: Unbeaten DAVE'S DREAM (nap) looked a good prospect on his hurdling debut last winter and this looks a good opportunity for him to pick up where he left off. China Gold may give him most to do.[

A long absence but "take this on the way to better things" says Spotlight .Now odds on -Quaspia now 12/1 - either the betting forecaster has it badly wrong or the bookies are hiding this one! china Gold represents the excellent Thornton/King combination and is now 4/1 looking the obvious each way alternative 1.15 for Dave and 1.6 for CHina Gold

225 LEOP
BETTING FORECAST: 7/4 Pomme Tiepy, 3/1 Give It Time, 9/2 Shirley Casper, 13/2 Aura About You, 10/1 Brave Betsy, 14/1 Conclave, Garrai Ard, 20/1 Flirthing Around, Isabellareine, Storm Plan, 33/1 Backtothekingsnest, 50/1 Micks Kicks.
SPOTLIGHT VERDICT: POMME TIEPY needs to improve on the form that she showed when third to The Bishop Looney at Cork last time, but has strong overall credentials and represents a stable has been in irresistible form over the holiday period. A leading novice chaser over staying distances last season, she was found to be lame after a below-par run at Clonmel on her first run after a break before a switch to hurdling bore dividends when she made all to beat Cork All Star by 5 1/2l in a 2m2f Fairyhouse event.\n

Pomme Tiepy reappears with Ruby on board - a good mare but not really priced today as a confident winner 1.55 to place but Give it time is 2nd fav but 1.34 to place

305 GREAT LEIGHS
BETTING FORECAST: 13/8 Tartan Gunna, 9/4 Dover Street Art, 5/1 Toll Road, 6/1 Sounds Of Jupiter, 14/1 Alimarr, 33/1 Art Discovery, Crazy Colours, Maison D´Or, Philmack Dot Com.
SPOTLIGHT VERDICT: Toll Road is an interesting newcomer and any market confidence would look significant, while Dover Street Art ran well on his debut and looks sure to improve. TARTAN GUNNA was still palpably green at Southwell last time but he should continue to progress with experience and this could be his day

Good probability race which should involve the first 4 = Dover street art is now favourite - this is a maiden and Hayley Turner is on board and she has been rather naive and inconsistent of late and not one for me to really trust at present 1.13 to place is stand out in this market

ONE A DAY

A very niggly day - big field maiden hurdle, ultra short priced horse running in 2 the place race carrying a penalty , and a shortie who has not run since January 2008.

A day where following the live market is advised, OR a chance taken on Man Utd at home to Middlesbrough this evening at 1/5

Red Maloney is 1/4 to win and 1.11 to place and would be my one a day but the spectre of 2 the place racing is upon us again and he has no margin for error

28/12

PRophetic words yesterday "Oumeyade looks an obvious candidate today for me, albeit in a 2 the place race which is not ideal. Abstinence would be worth a second look. For me, this is very much a day to take cues from the live markets, but as things stand it would seem Oumeyade only needs to stay upright and beat 1 to place (as long as the outsiders run as outsiders!)"
Well a 66/1 winner meant that outsider did not run to his price. Abstinence was in an earlier race and won(thus placing) so job done for me but I will chalk this down as breaking my long winning run!

1225 LEOP
BETTING FORECAST: 4/1 Kempes, 9/2 Time Electric, 5/1 Puyol, 8/1 Chateau D´Eau, Lenabane, Panzer Chief, Roberto Goldback, 14/1 Lucky Lucas, Primora De Kerpaul, 20/1 Big Julie, Go On Ya Boyo, Outlaw Kid, Qbuster, 25/1 Luisant, Sister Lord, 33/1 Alwaystheoptimist, Sizing Asia, 50/1 Snowymountainview, 66/1 Hunters Dream.
SPOTLIGHT VERDICT: PUYOL may help to turn the clock back for John Mulhern, who often exercised a significant influence at this meeting in the past. The lightly raced Zaffaran gelding won a bumper at Roscommon last season and was having his first run in just over a year when winning a 2m Flat maiden at Navan that is usually an informative race in a jumping context.\n

Now 7/4 with Ruby on board - still a big field and a maiden hurdle 1.44 to place

105 LEIC
BETTING FORECAST: 11/8 Bensalem, 13/8 Toby Belch, 3/1 Helpston, 25/1 Pelennor, Portside, 33/1 O´Sogood, 50/1 Avon Court, Vagrant Emperor, 100/1 Blinded Bythelight, Radical Gunner, Silver Missile,
SPOTLIGHT VERDICT: BENSALEM looks a nice prospect and could be the answer to this getting weight off the top two, especially if carrying any confidence in the market as connections have an idea as to where they stand with Helpston.[

Helpston is a non runner so Bensalem looks strong to place here in a race where the original betting forecast shows 3 pre 25/1 -add to this it's a Thornton/King horse 1.48 / 1.08 -Toby BElch is 1.17

115 LING
BETTING FORECAST: 5/4 Hillside Lad, 7/2 Green Onions, 9/2 Fantasy Gladiator, 8/1 Manana Manana, 14/1 Countrywide Jaime, 16/1 Acrosstheuniverse, Edith´s Boy, Lady Vivien, 33/1 Menhir Bay, 100/1 Risky Lady.
SPOTLIGHT VERDICT: This is likely to concern HILLSIDE LAD and Green Onions who have both been improving with experience and should not be inconvenienced by this sharp test juding by the speed they showed last time.[AC]

3rd fav a non runner means fav is now odds on 1.96 / 1.18 - concern it is a maiden over 5 furlongs

135 LEIC
BETTING FORECAST: 3/1 The Randy Bishop, 9/2 Ours, 11/2 Russian Flag, 7/1 Naxox, Trigger Guard, 10/1 Great Tsar, Travelling Fox, 12/1 Turbo Shandy, 20/1 King Diamond, Mickwell Bay, 25/1 Battlefield.
SPOTLIGHT VERDICT: THE RANDY BISHOP is beginning to look progressive and, under a patient ride, didn't seem to have a particularly hard race at Market Rasen on Boxing Day. Travelling Fox is another to bear in mind.[

11 runners down to 7, with 2 at 20/1 or bigger. Ours no longer has the Randy Bishop or Russian flag to worry about, and as original 2nd fav could be worth backing with 3 places and only 7 runners 3.6 / 1.5

235 LEOP
BETTING FORECAST: 11/10 Neptune Collonges, 7/2 The Listener, 5/1 War Of Attrition, 6/1 Exotic Dancer, 12/1 Snowy Morning, 14/1 Glenfinn Captain, 33/1 Cane Brake, Slim Pickings, 40/1 Light On The Broom.
SPOTLIGHT VERDICT: NEPTUNE COLLONGES lacks the advantage of a run this season but is bound to be in good shape for such a significant prize, and looks set to collect a third Irish Grade 1, probably at the main expense of The Listener and War Of Attrition.

Yielding/soft ground not ideal, but looks a 4 horse race at 11/8 , 9/2 , 9/2 , 9/2 . . 1.33 to place BUT a competitive race here

SHORTLIST
105 Leicester looks an ideal race - concern is that the ground is softer than advertised. Is Toby Belch worth a gamble at 1.18 as one of only 2 horses sub 20/1? 1.18 is far better than the quite obvious 1.09 of Bensalem.

135 LEIC is very interesting with the non runners reducing the field to 7 runners BUT still paying out 3 places -perhaps the favourite to place (probably Ours or Naxox?)

As things stand I will chance Toby Belch here to place at 1.18 although ready preference is for Benalsem with Choc on board but at only 1.08

27/12

Massive return to form for Kauto star and 1.35 the place was a late Xmas gift! keeps the run going .

The advantage of one a day showed itself yesterday as River Shankill was unplaced - so I plumped for the right one!

1210 STHL

BETTING FORECAST: 13/8 Fyodor, 9/2 Yungaburra, 13/2 Calmdownmate, 8/1 Grimes Faith, 12/1 City For Conquest, 14/1 Colorus, Monte Major, 16/1 Dubai To Barnsley, 20/1 Mumaathel, Rocketball, 25/1 Alugat, She´s Our Beauty, 33/1 Head To Head, 40/1 Ducal Regancy Red.


A poor 5 furlong claimer here and not a race I will get involved in - perhaps lay Fyador then if I don't fancy place backing him?
Colorus currently 7/1 and Mumaathel 12/1 - significant? Can we trust these market moves in a race like this? 2.74 / 1.4 for Fyodor

1215 WETHERBY
BETTING FORECAST: 7/4 Wessex King,(1.62) 5/2 Teenage Idol,(1.33) 4/1 Bogside Theatre,(1.58) 7/1 Harry The Hawk, 11/1 Quinder Spring, 14/1 Baltic Pathfinder, Simple Jim, 33/1 The Fabricator, 40/1 Country Servant, Oscar Wild, 100/1 Minster Lane, 200/1 Cawarra Red,

the 2 outsiders are non runners and Bogside Theatre has leapt into 2nd favouratism in a race where 3 dominate at the head of affairs Looking at the place only prices in brackets, Teenage idol is expected to place but the relatively big odds for Wessex and Bogside tell us this is a tricky race

1245 WETHERBY

BETTING FORECAST: 15/8 Sir Tantallus Hawk, 2/1 Abstinence, 15/2 Follow On, 10/1 El Chico, Titinius, 12/1 Brian´s Journey, Ginger´s Lad, 16/1 Copper´s Gold, 25/1 Mr Bond, 33/1 Arch, 40/1 Soneva Gili, 100/1 Anne Sian.

Significantly, the front 2 are now 5/4 and 15/8 with next best at 14/1 - Abstinence is the one who has shortened the most 1.25 and 1.3 for Sir Tantallus - may be worth following the money here for Abstinence?

105 KEMPTON

BETTING FORECAST: 11/10 Starluck(1.21), 4/1 Balzaccio(1.53), 5/1 Classic Swain,(1.69) 9/1 Ramona Chase, 10/1 Der Spieler, Silk Affair, 14/1 True Blue Saga, 16/1 Perlon, 66/1 Time To Play, 100/1 Hawkstar Express.

Again the front 3 are 4/1 or lower with the 4th fav 14/1. Starluck and Balzaccio both carry "sizeable penalties" as Spotlight describes it. Classic Swain does not. Again Nicholls and King cross swords on 2 of the front 3 Despite the penalty, Starluck is expected to place at least here with the other 2 breaching the 1.50 barrier (which we saw yesterday is an important consideration)

140 KEMP

BETTING FORECAST: 4/5 Oumeyade,(1.21) 2/1 Deep Purple,(1.67) 11/2 French Opera,(2.22) 16/1 Peredur, 25/1 Original, 100/1 Passato.

Only 2 to place but 3 of the field are 25/1 or bigger! Another Nicholls hotpot with McCoy on board this time Again the market is hinting at confidence behind Oumeyade BUT a chance could be taken on one of the other 2 if we look at the place only odds for the rest of the field - 10.5 , 19 , and 44 !!!

155 WETHERBY

BETTING FORECAST: 15/8 Sacrilege(1.33), 11/4 Art Exhibition(1.38), Pemberton,(1.44) 14/1 Amir Pasha, Segal, Thunderstruck, 16/1 He´s A Geezer, 25/1 Capal Dubh Alainn, 150/1 Baileys Benchmark, Tank Commander.

Tricky from a form perspective - only one run for the majority and Segal is the debutant so added emphasis on what the live market might reveal.
Yet again, as is characteristic with the races so far, the ebtting is dominated by the front 3 with the 4th horse 14/1 or bigger.
Art Exhibition at 2/1 is only marginally behind Sacrelige at 7/4 - the difference is negligible Place only prices amongst the front 3 are negligible

230 WETHERBY

BETTING FORECAST: 5/2 Tot O´Whiskey, 11/4 Pop, Will Be Done, 3/1 Striking Article, 100/1 Lusento.

Lusento is out and the front 4 cannot really be separated price wise. This allows for a very decent place only price if we nail our colours to one horse. Tot o whiskey has been a Martin Blakey selection when 2nd and 1st previously - it's simply lucky dip here but worthy of consideration given the prices Place prices are 1.97 , 1.86 , 1.95 and 2.06. HUGE place only prices - 2 places -side with the market leader perhaps? Or if 2 go to 2.00 we can back both !



720 GREAT LEIGHS

BETTING FORECAST: Evs The Magic Of Rio, 7/4 Gone Hunting, 6/1 Fangfoss Girls, 16/1 Sorrel Ridge, 25/1 Mandhooma.
Shortlisted last night but looks a messy race to unravel for me with Fangfoss girls a bit shorter and Sorrel ridge at 12/1



820 GREAT LEIGHS

BETTING FORECAST: 13/8 Azure Mist, 5/2 King´s Colour, 4/1 Comrade Cotton, 12/1 Bury Treasure, Lopinot, 14/1 Lady Aspen, 20/1 Wahoo Sam.

Wahoo Sam now 7/1 and a decent each way price. The betting forecast was interesting with only 3 sub 12/1 but it has now changed significantly so a no play for me

SHORTLIST

It's a tricky day today with top heavy markets in nearly all of the markets. Will the clear ,say, 3 market leaders finish 1-2-3 ? That is the hope of course!

Oumeyade looks an obvious candidate today for me, albeit in a 2 the place race which is not ideal. Abstinence would be worth a second look. For me, this is very much a day to take cues from the live markets, but as things stand it would seem Oumeyade only needs to stay upright and beat 1 to place (as long as the outsiders run as outsiders!)

The 230 Wetherby is a race where you can chance one of the 4 at very big place only prices - and if doing this as a target profit per day ,the stake will be £2 or thereabouts whoever you consider!

26/12

1215 SEDG
ETTING FORECAST: 1/2 River Shanakill, 7/1 Lets Go Girls, 10/1 Elzahann, 14/1 Campine Rose, Crow Spinney, 20/1 Just Posh, 25/1 Cozwecan, 33/1 Chamerion, Don´t Tell Louie, Kafamber, 66/1 Ashgrove Diamond.

SPOTLIGHT VERDICT: No reason to oppose smart Irish pointer RIVER SHANAKILL, who created a favourable impression on her hurdle debut at Newcastle and is open to stacks of improvement. Campine Rose has place possibilities.

Huge price gap here which remains in the live market but Elzahann looks to be the each way alternative at 9/2 in the live market - the look of a probability race here with 4 below 20/1 -I like the "very much the one to beat" Spotlight comment 1.11 to place

1220 HUNT
BETTING FORECAST: 6/4 Starburst Diamond, 2/1 Star Lord, 6/1 Hello Moscow, 13/2 Jaunty Journey, 12/1 Double Obsession, 16/1 Going Wrong, 25/1 Dunkelly Castle, 33/1 Low Delta, 50/1 Stran Millis, 100/1 Bitesize, Oyashshecan, 150/1 Indian Sage.

SPOTLIGHT VERDICT: This looks likely to concern the two with previous winning form over hurdles, STARBURST DIAMOND and Star Lord. Starburst Diamond's guaranteed stamina tips the scales in his favour.

4 horse race? Starburst is now odds on in the live market and Going Wrong, at the prices, looks a decent each way shout 1.21 to place

1220 LEOP
BETTING FORECAST: 8/13 Cousin Vinny, 6/1 Superior Ben, 7/1 Attercliffe, 9/1 Total Excitement, 12/1 River Canon, 14/1 Bootlegger, Harro The Hero, 16/1 Lord Lansdown, 20/1 Alderseed, Controversial, Oklahoma Jack, 25/1 Chapmans Peak, Liscarton Oscar, Shorecliffe King, 33/1 Glavey, Larry Luso, Lastoftheleaders, Rathrockscourt, Sable Bay, Tuscany Star, 50/1 Baskin Gael, Denver John, Gogo Gizmo, Present A Star.

SPOTLIGHT VERDICT: COUSIN VINNY will be all the rage in the first race of the meeting. The first horse to complete the Grade 1 Cheltenham/Punchestown bumper double, the Bob Back gelding jumped well and generally made a very favourable impression when third behind stablemate Hurricane Fly when thrown in at the deep-end for his hurdling debut in the Grade 1 Royal Bond Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse. It will be a major surprise if he fails to take advantage of this opportunity.\n 1.38 win and 1.11 to place , Cousin Vinny has hardened in the betting but 22 runners in opposition

1245 MR
BETTING FORECAST: Evs Mount Benger, 13/2 Twocute, 10/1 Jades Double, 12/1 Art Gallery, No Supper, 14/1 Ostinata, 20/1 Blandford Flyer, Blushing Hilary, Matinee Idol, Moon Melody, Speedy Directa, 25/1 El Coto, Etoile D´Or, Little Task, 33/1 Government, 66/1 Invincible Rose, Petrichan,

SPOTLIGHT VERDICT: Hard to enthuse about many of these with the obvious exception of MOUNT BENGER, who was impressive on his first run for Jim Best recently and is an obvious candidate to swiftly follow up under a penalty 3rd fav a non runner -why are Matinee Idol and Blushing Hilary both around 7/1 in the live market? Good each way prospects? This is a selling handicap hurdle -so not quite the best quality race on offer today - positives - 18 runners mean 4 places - 1.29 to place albeit in a market which has not quite got going yet

1245 SEDG
BETTING FORECAST: 6/4 Brackenmoss, 11/4 Kings Maiden, 4/1 Lemon Drizzle, 10/1 Mansonn Leda, 12/1 Pelican Point, 20/1 Kopylova, 25/1 Miss Middlefield, One More Gypsy, 33/1 Bambino Rossi, 50/1 Bring On The Bling.

SPOTLIGHT VERDICT: BRACKENMOSS made a promising start to her hurdling career at Ayr and gets the vote over a trip that should suit her well on breeding. Dual handicap winner Kings Maiden should be thereabouts, while Lemon Drizzle is one to watch closely in the betting

3 sub 10/1 - pretty much as you were in the live market with a slight market move for Kings Maiden 1.21 and 1.41 to place the 2 market leaders

115 SEDG
BETTING FORECAST: 7/4 Jass, 5/1 Storymaker, 7/1 Master Builder, 10/1 Auroras Encore, Leac An Scail, Osolomio, 14/1 Glengap, Our Jim, Pass The Class, 20/1 Aston Lad, 25/1 Sacred Mountain, 33/1 Moyne Pleasure.

SPOTLIGHT VERDICT: A decent race of its type for the track. Storymaker is one to keep an eye on but the one that appeals most is JASS, who turned in an improved effort at Ayr last time. He's fancied to notch his first win over fences, despite dropping in trip. Masterbuilder the potential each way alternative to the fav here if the price move is reflective of chances 1.51 to place for Jass should sound some alarm bells - 1/2 for a 7/4 shot to place is relatively big -some see it as value but I have noticed that when the 1.5 is breached we have to tread warily

125 TOWC
BETTING FORECAST: 5/4 Rate Of Knots, 2/1 Rico Hombre, 9/2 Ballyboley, 10/1 Push The Port, 16/1 Caspar Of Tarsus, Gritti Palace, 33/1 Miss Fleur, 100/1 Johnny Harris, Mr Parson, Stockton Flyer.

SPOTLIGHT VERDICT: Any apparent confidence behind Rico Hombre would temper enthusiasm a touch but RATE OF KNOTS made a pleasing start over fences at Huntingdon and is taken to fulfil that promise. The 2 market principles are 1.4 to place but this is Towcester - a wholly unique race course with a killer uphill finish and after 2 miles 6 in this beginners chase ,the horses will just want to curl up infront of the telly and watch Raiders of the lost ark (AGAIN!) after meeting that hill!

135 WOLVES
BETTING FORECAST: 1/12 Premier Banker, 12/1 King´s Chorister, 16/1 Key Of Fortune, 33/1 Fire Me Gun.

SPOTLIGHT VERDICT: An easy opportunity for PREMIER BANKER to add to his debut success at Lingfield three weeks ago

1.07 to win and 1.04 to place - bleedin' obvious !
205 KEMP
BETTING FORECAST: 11/10 Punjabi, 5/1 Snap Tie, 11/2 Pierrot Lunaire, 8/1 Blue Bajan, Harchibald, 14/1 Straw Bear, 25/1 Afsoun, 100/1 Leslingtaylor.

SPOTLIGHT VERDICT: PUNJABI sets the standard on his form in the spring and can confirm his superiority over Harchibald and Straw Bear who have won past editions of this race. The selection looks more adaptable than most if there are tactical headaches and he also has less to prove than the improving Blue Bajan and the second-season hurdlers Snap Tie and Pierrot Lunaire Top class and graded affair so none can be discounted and with that we will get a decent place price on the market leader of 1.37 with 3 to place

230 TOWC
BETTING FORECAST: 10/11 National Petition, 4/1 Salsero, 7/1 Jacarado, 12/1 Fisherman Jack, Ross Leader, 16/1 Blunham Hill, The Langer, 20/1 Star Glow, 25/1 Follow The Flow, 50/1 Anshabil.

SPOTLIGHT VERDICT: NATIONAL PETITION is being cleverly placed by Venetia Williams and can complete a quick hat-trick in a race he wouldn't have got into after he's been reassessed. Salsero can chase him home.

Selection a couple of days ago but Towcester is a unique track Salsido has come in for some support ,now 5/2 against the jolly - a price gapper selection a couple of days ago, but this is Towcester -1.29 to place

240 KEMP
BETTING FORECAST: 5/4 Kauto Star, 7/2 Voy Por Ustedes, 8/1 Air Force One, 9/1 Imperial Commander, Our Vic, 16/1 Snoopy Loopy, Tamarinbleu, 28/1 Exotic Dancer, 33/1 Albertas Run, 40/1 Briareus, 500/1 Mont Misere.

SPOTLIGHT VERDICT: Given his past outstanding achievements, what form Kauto Star turns up in must be easily the most important question in his hat-trick bid but there is cause for some disquiet on that score and, given the forecast odds, preference is to search out other options. VOY POR USTEDES is the suggestion, in view of his lofty form in comparison to most of the others and his improvement for the move up from 2m to 2m4f. Our Vic ended last term with his best form ever and Imperial Commander is a major rising star

A faller last time I place backed him, surely Kauto wont fall again? Still heading the market and Ruby returns ,spleenless, to take over the ride. 1.35 to place represents a great price relatively speaking for a proven high class horse

340 TOWC
BETTING FORECAST: 4/6 Neil Harvey, 5/2 Ironical, 10/1 All The Fashion, 20/1 Argentato, 25/1 Just Another Joker, Tanner Towers, Torta Nel Cielo, 33/1 Mirafra, Playing With Fire, 100/1 Trysor Lyn.

SPOTLIGHT VERDICT: NEIL HARVEY and Ironical are the standout contenders and Nick Gifford's charge probably achieved that little bit more on his debut.

A bumper so live market imperative nearer the off. Live market remains pretty consistent with the betting forecast.

1.29 and 1.41 to place in a market not yet fully formed

ONE A DAY

Kauto star is standout for me at the prices -surely he must be there or thereabouts at the business end and 1.35 does convey the competitive nature of the race.

River Shanakill my other at 1.11 but ready preference for Kauto Star today to bounce back and at least place