Hi there, I’m not sure what many of us would have made of Saturday’s Derby if runner-up Hoo Ya Mal had won the race at 150/1. One of trainer Andrew Balding’s reasons for running the colt was that he had … Read More »

When a new manager comes into a club, one of the first things people look to is what players they can bring into the club to help them straight away. So with all the articles out there on transfers and … Read More »

Marten writes: “This bumper Platinum Jubilee edition of the Weekend Card is packed with features, including my 1,700-plus word preview of the Derby, my thoughts on the Oaks, additional pieces from two exciting new writers Laura Joy and Jordan Hopkins, … Read More »

Another season of dramatic and unpredictable Champions League football is nearing it’s end as Liverpool face Real Madrid in the Champions League Final in Paris. Two European giants come face to face in a repeat of the 2018 final, which … Read More »

Hi there, Some of you will be aware that I have expressed great enthusiasm in my publications for the prospects of Bay Bridge this season, but for all that I was surprised by the change of gear he unleashed to … Read More »

AND I THINK TO MYSELF…. The other day Wonderful World finished sixth in a fairly valuable seven-furlong handicap at Goodwood. He moved up threateningly two furlongs out but faded soon afterwards and ended up just behind Gisburn, who also beat … Read More »

Hi there, I have a great deal of respect for David Menuisier. He places his horses extremely well and talks eloquently and with insight about their prospects or achievements. It will be interesting to see how he gets on with … Read More »

Hi there! It’s the conventional practice to boast about successes in this business, but after over 50 years I have learnt that you are never in charge where racehorses are concerned and, in the oft-quoted words, it is a ‘great … Read More »

Hi there! It may seem perverse to bring your attention to a horse that finished last, but I think that Rawyaan is worth bearing in mind for a fast-ground handicap at some point this summer. Trained by Marcus Tregoning last … Read More »

A crowd will be on hand to watch the first Irish classics of the season for the first time since 2019 this weekend at the Curragh, where the Irish Guineas Festival kicks off on Friday. The Irish 2,000 Guineas can … Read More »

Hi there! No prizes for guessing today’s big eye-catcher. My Astra was far and away the most impressive winner of the day, pulling 12 lengths clear to win the 1m 2f Listed Rothesay Stakes at Ayr from an Irish raider … Read More »

Hi there! I am indebted to the readers who got back to me to explain that the Tote now guarantee to pay at least the industry returned SP on win bets or, when the Tote dividend is greater than SP, … Read More »