31st March

240 Towcester-Thorncliffer showed its first form on a right handed track last time and has a good chance on the rating it achieved there.The fav Quayside Court although obviously in good form after winning its last 2,needs to improve again and certainly doesnt want the ground to get any softer.Doubletoilntrouble is the only other realistic danger.

Back Thorncliffer 12pts at 4.0 at Bet365/Paddys-3rd(-12pts)Really a race for the taking with my pre race thoughts on Quayside Court procing correct,however Thorncliffer just didnt jump well enough to take advantage.

310 Towcester-My Viking Bay has only won at selling level so far in its career but from a pure ratings perspective,it looks a big price.A course and distance winner,when carrying under 10st7(like this race) its 1win-2places-3runs and it can go well for its in form trainer.

Handicap Debutant Valrene obviously has to be respected but needs to improve on what its done so far so All Annalena may prove the biggest danger.If theres lots of rain then Dirty Deal comes into the equation but it is 0/4 going right handed.

Back My Viking Bay 8pts at 6.5 at Ladbrokes/Hills(Accept 5.5)-3rd(-8pts)Poor run,even this grade possibly too much.Never got into the race.Rubbish finish to an ok month.(DT-20pts)

Monthly Total+159.90pts

Running Total+5264.31pts

30th March

210 Newton Abbot-Decimus was our nemesis last week,when just denying a big priced selection in a photo.Providing its recovered from that,either of its last 2 ratings see its go very close here.The only slight negative is a 0/3 record going left handed but that is a very small sample.

Rigolo Ville makes its handicap debut and may be capable of better while Samingarry is slowly improving.

Back Decimus 15pts at 4.3 at Bet365(Accept 3.5)-Won(+49.5pts)Everything went wrong but this well handicapped horse still got home under a very good ride from Nick Schofield.

Monthly Total+179.80pts

Running Total+5284.31pts

28th March

325 Ffos Las-Bellflower Boy looks a solid option here.A prolific winner of its races when its in form as it is now,its top rated on its last chase run.Its 1/1 at this track where the trainer has a 33% strike rate with his horses and his young jockey is 3wins-2places-8runs on it.

Victory Gunner is 2/2 here but cannot be improving at 15yo and probably wants the ground very heavy these days.Night Safe is very short considering its last worthwhile form was in 2009.Firebird Flyer may be the main danger but is very inconsistent.

Back Bellflower Boy 20pts at 3.0-4th(-20pts)Everything looked good until completely missed a fence 1 mile out,its jumping fell to pieces after that.

410 Ludlow-Probably backing a maiden isnt the ideal thing to be doing but on pure ratings,Ballywatt is a massive price.A very consistent animal that has only had 6 runs over fences,if its jumping can hold together then it will surely outrun its price.It has produced a series of excellent topspeed figures and a race must come its way soon.

Merrion Square is a big danger there is no doubt while Henry Hook should also go well.

Back Ballywatt 7pts at 9.0 at Bet365/Ladbrokes-2nd(-7pts)Smashed into 4.5 and cruised into the lead 3 out(hit 1.25 in running) but once again it just doesnt seem to be able to finish its races.(DT-27pts)

Monthly Total+130.40pts

Running Total+5233.81pts

27th March

430 Wetherby-The well handicapped Categorical finally burst back to form last time and is clear top rated on that.This course winner still races off a mark 11Ibs below its previous winning mark.If it can achieve a rating similar to last time then it must go very close.

Bertie Milan needs to prove its better over this trip while Dermatologiste is quite difficult to assess.Et Maintenant does have the ratings to run well if back to form.

Back Categorical 15pts at 3.35-UP(-15pts)Ground certainly wasnt as soft as was advertised,as this horse needs it very soft.Crept into it 4 out but never really challenged.

Monthly Total+157.40pts

Running Total+5260.81pts

26th March

430 Southwell-Jacobs Son has been in good form recently but is 0wins-1place-8runs in class 4 races and may be vulnerable.Northside Prince needs to prove its stamina while Phoenix Flight isnt proven on this surface and may be better with a more recent run(29 days+ 1win-4places-19runs).

So the best value in the race is Lexington Bay who is proven on the track,has no stamina doubts and ran well last time.Its also 5wins-2places-14runs when returning to the track within 28 days.

Back Lexington Bay 12pts at 4.5 at Ladbrokes(Accept 4.0)-Won(+42pts)Looked beaten 3 furlongs out but under a tremendous ride from Tony Hamilton,just got up.

5.0 Southwell-Despite being 2/3 at this track,Im surprised to see Neighbourhood as favourite as its not proven over this far and has a few Ibs to find with the top rated Lakota Ghost,who is very unexposed over staying trips and on this surface.

Neils Pride should run ok but has never won.Scribe is solid at this trip and track and should be the main danger.

Back Lakota Ghost 9pts at 5.5(Accept 5.3)-(Wasnt Matched)

450 Lingfield-Theres a possibility that the progressive Wordiness and Admiral Duque will improve past Norfolk Sky but its such a big price,that it has to be supported.

The selection is a consistent animal and 2wins-1place-6runs at this track.When returning to race after a break of between 15 to 40 days,it is a very solid 5wins-2places-11runs and its run last time puts it top rated.

Wordiness is considered a bigger danger of the 2 mentioned.

Back Norfolk Sky 8pts at 7.0 at Bet365 & Victor ChandlerUP(-8pts)Weak in the pre race market and ran accordingly(DT+34pts)

Monthly Total+172.40pts

Running Total+5275.81pts

24th March

355 Wincanton-Sidney Melbourne may be in a different class on its handicap debut for Paul Nicholls but its a short enough price.At a much bigger price,I like Oscar Prairie,who achieved a good rating last time over a bit further.Its at its best on a right handed track(4wins-2places-12runs) and is 2wins-1places-5runs in fields of 9 or less.It should be staying on in what will be testing conditions.

Back Oscar Prairie 5pts at 15.0 at various bookies-2nd(-5pts)Ran a fantastic race,leading 100 yards out but the winner battled back.So unlucky!

425 Wincanton-Whispering Jack has won its last two,is top rated and has an extremely strong profile,4/4 in the month of March,its 4wins-1place-8runs when returning to the track within 14 days,4wins-3places-11runs in fields of 9 or less and has run at this track 3 times,resulting in finishing positions of 1st.1st and 2nd.It must run well.

Milarrow is consistent and is the main danger

Back Whispering Jack 11pts at 4.3-4th(-11pts)Jumped slowly and out to his left throughout,really had no chance by doing that.(DT-16pts)

Monthly Total+138.40pts

Running Total+5241.81pts 

23rd March

No Selections Today

22nd March

350 Newbury-Quite a tight little race.Armedanddangerous ratings dont quite look good enough while Red Rouble may well find 3miles on heavy ground too far and is 0wins-4place-11runs going left handed.So that leaves Bennys Mist and African Broadway.

Theres no denying Bennys Mist has a good chance,4/4 in fields of 9 or less and 2wins-1place-3runs over 3 miles but at a bigger price,African Broadway has slightly better ratings,is 3/3 after a break of 80days or more and 1/1 at this track.

Back African Broadway 12pts at 3.85-3rd(-12pts)Will be keeping a close eye on David Pipes horses as this wasnt the first horse of his to disappoint after being supported.

435 Sedgefield-Not sure if Overyou will take its chance,as it only ran 2 days ago.Soudain has already beaten it this season and should go well again.The trainer is in good form with 2 winners from his last 7 runners and it looks the one to beat.Classic Cut is improving but on my ratings it looks better on good ground although it has won on heavy.

Back Soudain 12pts at 4.5 at Bet365-Won(+42pts)Overyou must be some tough animal to run as well as that just 2 days after another marathon.Soudain always looked like it was going to win.

250 Segefield-This looks quite weak and CD winner Ancient Times should run well.With 2w-2p-5r over this trip,these look its optimum conditions.Dun to Perfection is improving but hasnt run since November.The only other realistic danger could be Greatown on its handicap debut.

Back Ancient Times 13pts at 4.0(Accept 3.75)-2nd(-13pts)Well backed and ran well but beaten by a surprisingly well supported maiden(DT+17pts)

Monthly Total+154.40pts

Running Total+5257.81pts                                                         

21st March

445 Wolverhampton-With Ortea and Guest Book out of form and Rawaafed`s ratings on the decline,this looks to be between Exceedexpectations and Tyrur Ted.The latter has the slightly better ratings and may be the stronger stayer of the two.

Back Tyrur Ted 18pts at 3.0-2nd(-18pts)Pretty poor run to be honest,never looked like picking the easy winner up.

550 Wolverhampton-Big Sylv must run well here,a course and distance winner that is just top rated,it hasnt been out of the top 2 in its last 5 runs.Chosen Forever should also be on the premises as it burst back to form last time and is very well handicapped on its old form.Flag of Glory has a good profile,definitely best at Wolverhampton(3wins-0places-7runs) and at this trip(3wins-0places-6runs) and in this class of race(4wins-1place-14runs) and Jamie Spencer takes over for the first time.This leaves William Van Gogh as vulnerable in my view although not out of it on its best ratings,its 0/7 at this track and 0/4 over this trip.Its just the wrong price with the trainer without a win in the last 50 days(0wins-1place-9runs)

Lay William Van Gogh 30pts at 4.3-Won(-99pts)Couldnt have got it more wrong really.When the money came 10 minutes before the off,I knew it would be trying for its life from this stable.Won very easy.A rubbish day(DT-117pts)

Monthly Total+137.40pts

Running Total+5240.81pts

20th March

420 Haydock-Really good race featuring some in form,improving chasers.From a ratings and topspeed perspective,Mr Syntax is a massive price.1win-2place-3runs in the month of March,its 2 runs this season have shown steady improvement and it looks ready to strike

There are dangers though mainly from the improving Simply Wings and Safran De Cotte and although Mr Moonshine has a rating that would see it go close, Mr Syntax is the value.

Back Mr Syntax 15pts at 7.0 at Ladbrokes/Hills/Paddys(Accept 5.0)-5th(-15pts)It was the value as it got nicely backed into 4.5 before a late drift on track but made 2 poor mistakes and jockey was looking down at various parts of the race.
*Jockey reported that the saddle slipped(hence the looking down)*

505 Warwick-2 horse race for me between 2 improving horses.Speedy Bruere is respected but as yet isnt proven on ground as soft of this and its ratings dont quite match the progressive Denali Highway,who also posted easily the best topspeed figure last time.After only 3 runs over fences so far,there should be more to come.

Back Denali Highway 25pts at 3.0-Won(Wasnt matched)With the non runner,3.0 was probably extremely unlikely and I know some wouldve backed it anyway as I had it odds on in my tissue

Monthly Total+254.40pts

Running Total+5357.81pts

19th March

230 Exeter-Umberto Dolivate is improving and put up the top rated effort last time.Although not yet proven on this testing ground,its sire`s progeny have a great record on it and I expect it to have no problem with it and anyway repeat of its last run will see it go very close.Molon Labe and Buckhorn Tom are probably the main dangers.

Back Umberto Dolivate 16pts at 3.75 at Paddy Power(Accept 3.5)-2nd(-16pts)Well backed into 2.5 and despite giving the winner 10 lengths at the start,was produced to win the race at the 2nd last but just got outstayed.

Monthly Total+269.40pts

Running Total+5372.81pts              

18th March

440 Southwell-Marino Prince looks to be slowly running into form and its run last time is top rated here.It runs off a mark 7Ibs below the mark it defied last April over this course and distance.The trainer has also had 3 winners from her last 9 runners.The improving Massena is clearly the main danger.

Back Marino Prince 8pts at 6.0 at Ladbrokes(Accept 5.5)-Won(+40pts)Young jockey gave it a fine ride.Always satisfying when they get backed into where they were on my tissue.

Monthly Total+285.40pts

Running Total+5382.81pts

17th March

315 Lingfield-Pretty ordinary stuff as usual on a Sunday but Catalinas Diamond should run well.Its posted some very consistent ratings and 2 excellent topspeed figures recently.Although not a prolific winner,all 3 of its victories have been here.

This is pretty weak with the 2 bottom weights having no chance.Bubbly Ballerina has form at 6f but is probably better at 5 and the same can be said for Danziger.So that would leave Mother Jones but ive got that horse as very inconsistent,so the selection is easily the most solid option.

Back Catalinas Diamond 15pts at 3.35-UP(-15pts)Typically turned in a below par effort but you can see why Drowne doesnt ride many winners anymore,6 wide after 1furlong then 4 wide at the turn in a 6 runner field.

Monthly Total+245.40pts

Running Total+5342.81pts

16th March

435 Kempton-I like the unexposed Gods Own,who wont mind the forecast rain.Each of its 4 starts has seen a steady improvement and its top rated with hopefully more to come.Baby Shine and the unexposed Massini Lotto are feared most.

Back Gods Own 15pts at 4.5 at Bet365(Accept 4.0)-3rd(-15pts)Well backed and with Brennan looking round,it looked very good but the horse found very little

205 Uttoxeter-Lots of dead wood here and I make it a 3 horse race.Rocky Elsom is fav and improving but is going to have to take another leap forward on my ratings to trouble the solid Tresor De Bonte,who if repeating either of the last 2 ratings,goes very close here.Its Oscar is the other one in the mix as its slowly improving.

Back Tresor De Bonte 9pts at 5.5-Won(+40.5pts)Ground it out.(DT+25.5pts)

Days total minus commission+24.2

Monthly Total+ 260.40pts

Running Total+5357.81pts

15th March

305 Lingfield-Officer in Command has been running pretty consistently recently and this 3 time course winner is clear top rated.Bert the Alert goes well here and is a danger along with Conducting but if the selection can repeat its recent efforts,it should go very close.

Back Officer in Command 14pts at 3.5-Won(+35pts)Drifted pre race allowing us to get matched but won very easily.

Days total minus commission+33.25pts

Monthly total+236.20pts

Running Total+5333.61pts

14th March

425 Towcester-Not many that can be fancied here.Headly`s Bridge is 1/1 at the course and should run its race but does have a bit to find with Party Rock,who like many of Jenny Candishs horses,burst back to life in the last 2 weeks.It was an easy winner last time and should go well again.The only other realistic danger is Lord Grantham but it has to prove itself at this trip and on the softish ground.

Back Party Rock 15pts at 3.5 at bet365(Accept 3.35)-Won(2 non runners+31pts)

Monthly Total+202.85pts

Running Total+5300.36pts

13th March

335 Huntingdon-Samtheman produced its best rating so far last time and also the best topspeed figure in the race.Its best form has been in small fields(0-9runners 1win-1place-4runs) and it looks to hold a good chance in a weak race.Tisfreetdream won last time but has a stone to find with the selection while the very inconsistent Harrys Whim ran well last time but is better on good ground.

Back Samtheman 13pts at 3.85-2nd(-13pts)Ran well and hit 1.6 in running but couldnt get past the winner.

Monthly Total+171.85pts

Running Total+5269.36pts

12th March

320 Cheltenham-After disappointing in this race last year,Hurricane Fly has come back stronger than ever and each rating posted in its 3 runs this season,have shown a steady progression and you would have to think,it will be at its peak for this.Its already top rated on what its done so far this season and is clearly the one to beat.
On my ratings,Rock on Ruby isnt at its best on soft ground while Zarkandar has got to find a lot of improvement although it is 2/3 at this course.The biggest danger for me is previous winner Binocular,who will like the track and ground.Back Hurricane Fly 20pts at 3.25 at Bet365,William Hill,Paddys-Won(+45pts)

Monthly Total+184.85pts

Running Total+5282.36

11th March

340 Plumpton-Weak race and doubts about all of these but the handicapper has given Rosoff a real chance by dropping it 7Ibs since its last run and back down to its last winning mark.The winner of Rosoff`s last race has won twice since and the race is probably better than it looked at the time.Its a CD winner and despite the doubt that its not normally at its best at this time of year,theres enough to warrant the selection.Petit Ecuyer is next best,as it goes well around here but does have a little to find on my ratings.

Back Rosoff 12pts at 4.0-UP(-12pts)Hit the 2nd fence hard and unseated its rider.

Monthly Total+139.85pts

Running Total+5237.36pts

10th March

No Selections today

9th March

250 Ayr-Looks pretty competitive but Twin Plan at the bottom of the weights stands out on my ratings.Its really found its form and in ideal conditions it should go close.Golden Sparkle is still unexposed and is probably the main danger.

Back Twin Plan 20pts at 4.0 at Paddy Power(Accept 3.35)-Won(2 n/rs+57pts)Won like my ratings suggested

240 Sandown-Rigadin De Beauchene has been consistent and both defeats either side of its victory were by the very progressive Well Refreshed.Its still improving on my ratings and if holding its form,will be bang there with all the rain suiting it.

Theres No Panic goes well in small fields but is 0/4 right handed so Lively Baron is probably the main danger.Despite winning last time over course and distance ,Goring One has a mountain to find on my ratings.

Back Rigadin De Beauchene 15pts at 3.35-UP(-15pts)Too many mistakes and finished legless(+42pts)

340 Chepstow-As De Fer is difficult to assess accurately but it faces 2 tough opponents in the consistent Niceonefrankie and strong profile horse,Current Event.`Frankie` is top rated and in fields of 9 or less is 4wins-3wins-14runs and when returning to the track within 28days its record is 4w-2p-11r,it must go well.

Current Event pulled up last time but that was in a bigger field than it likes.Back left handed(4w-1p-9r),in a field of 9 or less(5w-0p-8r),on soft ground(3w-0p-4r) and in the month of March (2w-0p-2r),it has such a strong profile that it should run its race.

Back Niceonefrankie 12pts at 4.0-3rd & Current Event 7pts at 6.6-UP(-19pts)-Current Event,despite the profile,has clearly lost its way.Niceonefrankie ran well but the winner was impossible to find.(DT+23pts)
Monthly Total+151.85pts

Running Total+5249.36pts

8th March

Todays selection was a non runner

7th March

450 Carlisle-Saddle Pack interests me here,a course and distance winner that is 2/2 over this trip on good ground but has plenty of form with cut,so wont mind rain either.It hits top form at this time of year(March-April 2wins-1place-5runs) and should run well.

Nowurhullin is difficult to assess after only 1 chase start.Bogside is fav but is 0wins-2places-14 runs on good/good to soft ground and 0wins-1place-7runs going right handed.

Back Saddle Pack 12pts at 6.5 at betvictor or 6.0 at Bet365(Accept 4.5)-UP(-12pts)Given a good ride to come there 2 out but didnt jump the last couple well enough and finish a one paced 6th.

740 Wolverhampton-This looks between Big Sylv and Travelling.The latter is the bigger price and is the value.When returning to the track after 14 days or less its 2wins-0places-3runs and at this track 2wins-1place-4runs.

Stroke of Genius also runs well here but has a little to find on ratings.

Back Travelling 12pts at 4.3 at Bet365/Betvictor-Won(+39.60pts)Won going away(DT+27.6pts)
Monthly Total+128.85pts

Running Total+5226.36pts

6th March

250 Catterick-Pretty weak race,featuring many out of form and very inconsistent horses.Blazing Bull still has potential after only 7 career starts and on its last run(its 3rd over fences) it put up the top rated performance in this race,clocking easily the best topspeed figure.Something similar will make it hard to beat.Pyjama Game looks the main danger to me as its unexposed over fences.

Back Blazing Bull 20pts at 3.25 at Paddy Power(Accept 3.0)-Won(+45pts)

Monthly Total+101.25pts

Running Total+5198.76pts

5th March

250 Newcastle-Whiskey and Red will like the trip and ground but the 16Ibs rise it got after its last win,means on my ratings at least,that its now up against it.Ive got it over 8Ibs behind the principals mainly the improving Zaru,Unexposed The Friary and the solid Papamoa

Lay Whiskey and Red 30pts at 5.5(lay upto 6.0)-UP(+30pts)

450 Newcastle-Its a shock to see Categorical at 4/1 in the betting,as a dual course winner and dangerously well handicapped,im reluctant to lay but its been way off the pace for a long while now.A horse going the other way is Billy Cuckoo,consistent and still improving on my ratings,there are no negatives in its profile and if it runs its race again,it will be bang there.

Railway Dillon is 2/3 on soft ground and 3wins-1place-7runs over this trip,so has to be respected but I feel the The Thirsty Bricky is probably the main danger,as it ran ok last time and this is its time of year.

Back Billy Cuckoo 15pts at 4.5 at Bet365/BetVictor(Accept 4.0)-UP(-15pts)Was bang there until 3 out but really didnt jump well enough.(DT+15pts)

Days total minus commission+14.25pts

Monthly Total+56.25pts

Running Total+5153.76pts

4th March

230 Southwell-Noble Legend is pretty solid here.1/1 at the course with 4 wins from just 9 career starts over fences giving it a very consistent profile.Not something that could be said about any of its opponents.There are a couple in here that have ratings that give them a chance but they have so many doubts,its difficult to see them reproducing them.

Have You seen me may run better back on better ground but its a long time since its shown anything,Gentleman Anshan could run well but its record fresh is nothing great.L`eldorado has a rating 2 starts back that gives it a shout but ran poorly last time.Noble Legend is easily the most solid option.

Back Noble Legend 11pts at 4.5-Won(I got partly matched last night but it will have to go down as a not matched as it continued to shorten up)

3rd March

250 Sedgefield-It would be no surprise if Rory Boy runs no sort of race as it is very inconsistent but its such a big price and is top rated on its performance last time out,that we have to have something on it.It has a reasonable record in this class 2wins-3places-10runs.Gwaldys Street is unexposed over extreme distances and is probably the danger

Back Rory Boy 4pts at 13.0 at bet365(Accept 10.0)-UP(-4pts)One of those when you think,should I have put this up,as it turned in a typically below par performance.

350 Sedgefield-Pretty weak race and quite a few exposed types.Hawthorne Bay has only had 5 runs over fences and produced a career best last time out,keeping on over 3miles.The step up in trip may eke out more improvement and it should go well.Cara Court is difficult to assess stepping up a mile in trip on only its 2nd run over fences but the consistent Mansonien Las is probably the main danger with a record of 1win-2places-3runs over this trip.

Back Hawthorne Bay 8pts at 6.0 at Bet365,Paddy Power(Accept 5.5)-4th(-8pts)Nicely backed into 4.0 but really didnt jump well enough but wouldnt have beaten Cara Court anyway.(DT-12pts)

520 Sedgefield-Overlaw has a great record of 3wins from 4 runs in March and after its promising run last time,it may be ready strike again.A record of 2wins-2places-8runs in this class is encouraging and I feel it should be favourite.Sleep in First is the fav  but has a career record of 0/17 and when returning to the track after 28 days or less,is 0wins-0places-8runs.It would not surprise me if the veteran Schinken Otto provides the biggest danger back at its favourite track and decent ground.

Back Overlaw 10pts at 4.5 at Bet365-2nd(-10pts)Ran a good race and just gave way at the last(DT-22pts)

Monthly Total+42pts

Running Total+5139.51pts

2nd March

3.05 Kelso-I like the progressive and consistent Sacre Toi here.Up against a host of inconsistent horses ,when encountering soft ground over 2 miles its 3wins-2place-5runs,it looks sure to go well. 

Back Sacre Toi 20pts at 3.0 at Bet365-Won(+40pts)Well backed and won easily

330 Doncaster-For a horse that has won good races over 2m2f on the flat,its probably not surprising that Aaim to Prosper has been staying on in its 3 runs over hurdles at barely over that distance.The encouraging thing is i have this top rated already and you must surely expect a big jolt of improvement now stepped up in trip for its handicap debut.Barafundle looks the main danger.

Back Aaim to Prosper 14pts at 3.5 at Paddy Power,William Hill-Won(+32pts 1 non runner)(DT+72pts)
Monthly Total+64pts

Running Total+5161.51pts

1st March

4.0 Newbury-A few unexposed hurdlers but all need to improve to beat Was my Valentine if it can reproduce its last rating.You would have to think if it was trained by some one else then it would be a strong fav,which is where it should be.The top speed figure it posted suggests there is more to come.

Back Was my Valentine 8pts at 6.0-UP(-8pts)Really ran too bad to be true

Running Total+5089.51pts