I hardly ever put up odds-on chances as selections because the horses in question are readily ‘findable’ in the racing press and, quite apart from that, the strike-rate when tipping or backing short-priced horses needs to be impressive, to say … Read More »

There was a small profit last week, thanks to Clan Des Obeaux, and I think Frodon can go in soon, as well. He bumped into two very talented individuals at Ascot and, although hard to place, he generally produces his … Read More »

It is fair to say I have not adjusted to the new NH season just yet and I am keeping investments on the modest side until a few form-lines start coming good. Sizing John misses the Grade 1 Betfair Chase … Read More »

It is always galling when horses come nowhere near justifying their official rating and that was the way of it with Vintage Folly at Doncaster last week. She was well backed and came close to landing the Listed race over … Read More »

Ian Carnaby

Permission’s victory last week was good news for us and I thought she did well to wriggle out of an awkward position on the rails. She started at 7/2 but was bigger than that in the morning so I hope … Read More »

Last week’s results were something of a mixed bag and it was galling to see both Roaring Lion and Pastime beaten a neck, especially as both looked like winning half furlong from home. 8/1 and 9/1 would have done nicely. … Read More »

Ian Carnaby, Racing News

Last week’s results were something of a mixed bag and it was galling to see both Roaring Lion and Pastime beaten a neck, especially as both looked like winning half furlong from home. 8/1 and 9/1 would have done nicely. … Read More »

The Flat is gradually ebbing away and a visit to Cheltenham today acted as a reminder of how popular quality NH racing has become. Watching Derek O’Connor on Donald McCain’s facile winner What Happens Now, it was easy to understand … Read More »

I was pleased and relieved when Dark Red came through to win the opener at York last week. Not only did he pay for the day at 10/1 but we were right to conclude that he needed to concentrate better. … Read More »

Bateel, Ian Carnaby

Roger Charlton did us proud last week with Cribbs Causeway winning at Newmarket and Projection chasing up Blue Point in a Group 3 at Ascot. He wasn’t unlucky and the Godolphin horse will always have that mid-race speed over him, … Read More »

It crossed my mind to write a piece about Dark Red in the press but, of course, you never know what furies might be unleashed. Maybe he didn’t like the surface at Chelmsford last Saturday evening and maybe he takes … Read More »

Ian Carnaby, Racing News, Roger Charlton

I had a passing thought about Saturday’s Cambridgeshire, which was that Dark Red, unsuited by the slow early pace in a four-runner affair at Doncaster, would enjoy the much faster gallop here and merited a small each-way bet at 33/1. … Read More »