31st March

340 Exeter-Royal Native has only had 2 starts over fences and although it pulled up last time,that was on unsuitably heavy ground.

The previous effort on its chase debut wasnt bad but that was also on very soft ground.

Im hoping we will see a much better effort on good ground and at a track that it finished 1st and 2nd at from just 3 starts over hurdles.

The trainer is 5 from 19 with his chasers here.

Coolking is favourite and its anybodys guess whether it will turn out after winning yesterday but it had a pretty hard race.

Roll the Dice gets the blinkers first time but needs them to liven it up as its pretty badly handicapped now after a series of placed efforts.

Mighty Mobb is back over fences after 2 fairly poor spins over hurdles but looks to need softer ground.

On Trend has been in no form but I would be worried if the money came for it.

Its 1 from 1 here and is dropped down into a grade where its 2w-2p-4r.

Back Royal Native 9pts at 5.5 at Hills(Accept 5.0)-Won(+32.4pts*1 non runner*)

Monthly Total+162.70pts

Running Total+7580.44pts

30th March

325 Warwick-Seventh Sky appeals as the value here.

Its been in decent form all season and while theres always the worry,this time of year of of it being one run too many,it has to be backed at the prices.

If it brings its best form to the race then its got a serious chance here although i wouldnt want the ground to turn heavy.

Horizontal Speed is favourite but looks very,very short to me based on my ratings.

Back Seventh Sky 7pts at 7.0-Won(+42pts)I wish every horse wanted it like this one does.This was its 17th run of the season but it jumped superb and just killed them all off.

Monthly Total+130.3pts

Running Total+7548.04pts

29th March

340 Ascot-Top Gamble looks to have its work cut out here,giving weight away to its rivals,on ground faster than ideal.

The horse has been fairly consistent but looks very beatable on my ratings.

The trainer is 0 from 8 with his chasers here.

Uni Ace drops in trip,which may suit and McCoy has a 39% strike rate for the yard while Royal Regatta is another that went over too far last time and will be a force back in trip.

Chris Pea Green is progressive and shouldnt be far away.Crookstown has a fine record going right handed(rw-2p-9r) and is a touch overpriced.

Lay Top Gamble 20pts at 6.0-UP(+19pts after commission)

Monthly Total+88.30pts

Running Total+7506.04pts

28th March

430 Uttoxeter-River Purple has a less than impressive record of 0w-0p-7r when returning after 80 days or more,so it was encouraging to see it finish 3rd of 7th(beaten 4 lengths) when it returned to the track after an absence last time.

That bare rating gives it a decent chance but the return to this track(Uttoxeter 3w-3p-11r) and the recent run gives me hope it can at least match last seasons best.If it does,it must go close.

Its only 1Ib higher than its last winning mark.

Safari Journey won last time out at shorter but isnt as good at this trip and the sire has a just a 3% strike rate over this distance.

Ballbogey,Pensnett Bay and Spanish Arch all have chances at their best but were well below par last time out.

Back River Purple 12pts at 4.5-4th(-12pts)Strong in the morning market but weak just before the off.Touched 1.88 in running as it looked to be cruising but just fell in a hole in the straight.

The well backed winner had form figures this season of P-P(what chance have you got?) 

27th March

335 Wetherby-Some really poor racing tomorrow doesnt make things easy but maybe Ebazan on its first run for Brian Ellison,could run well at a price.

Im always keen on horses that have been running in Ireland then come over here as I always feel they are favourably handicapped in the UK.

Its back from a break,so its possible it wont be ready but at its best,it would go very close here.Im happy to find out at the price.

Mad For Road has posted solid ratings and is the right favourite.However the fact the bookies have it around the 7/2 mark,shows that they feel this awkward customer could be beaten.

It needs to do most of its work on the bridle and hangs badly under pressure.

Back Ebazan 5pts at 11.0 at various bookies(Accept 9.0)-Pulled Up(-5pts)

Monthly Total+81.3pts

Running Total+7499.04pts

26th March

305 Newbury-Ugolin De Beaumont is slowly progressing and steps into handicap debut here.

On my figures,it looks to have a stiff enough mark and will need a big leap forwards to compete with the principals.

The trainer is just 1 from 46 with his hurdlers here.

Chosen Well also moves into handicap company but looks nicely weighted and must run well.

Katgary drops in class and is respected while Nicky Hendersons pair of runners(Tistory and Megalypos) return from absences but at their best would go close,I doubt they will want for fitness

Lay Ugolin De Beaumont 20pts at 6.0-UP(+19pts)Majority of it matched early then filled in in play.

240 Ffos Las-Tambura,stepped up to 3 miles for the first time,last time out and produced a rating that is 5Ibs clear of this field.

Its 1 from 1 at this track,loves soft ground and is 3w-0p-6r in fields of 9 or less like today.

Belmount is progressing and looks the main danger but has a large weight to carry.

Back Tambura 13pts at 3.75 at Hills/Corals-2nd(-13pts)I would have liked the rider to have started pushing before the winner cruised past into a 5 length lead.

315 Ffos Las-For me,the prices of Paddy The Oscar and Red Devil Lads are the wrong way round.

The latter won well last time,has won here and the jockey is an impressive 7 from 20 when riding for this yard.

Theres no doubt it will run well but the top rated Paddy The Oscar really should be favourite.

Its superb jumping means its always a force in these races,its won its last 2 starts at this distance and is 2 from 3 in March.

Crusing Bye(A selection for us last time out) has a chance on my figures but looked like a horse that was never going to go past last time(Famous last words) and this is a much better race in a higher class.

Back Paddy The Oscar 12pts at 4.0 at various bookies-UP(-12pts)Incredibly weak in the betting and for whatever reason,it weakened badly.(DT-6pts)

25th March

310 Newton Abbot-I like Velator here.

This horse ran well last time(Posting the best rating here) and returns to this track where its 1 from 1 at.

Between February and April its 4w-2p-9r and gets the excellent claimer Sean Bowen up for the first time.

His 5Ib allowance could be crucial.

Achimota looks next best to me,after a good win last time but may want softer ground and is 0w-1p-6r in this grade.

Theres been money Golden Chieftain and this horse is very well handicapped now but its 0w-1p-5r on sharp tracks like this and it really hasnt shown much for well over a year now.

Saroque has chances at its best but would prefer a more galloping track.

Back Velator 12pts at 4.0 at various bookies(Accept 3.5)-3rd(-12pts)Never travelling and given an incredible ride to hold every chance 2 out.Just couldnt quite pick up but no complaints.

410 Newton Abbot-Doubts about a lot of the field here but not the consistent Brody Bleu,who surely must run well.

It probably found 3 miles a bit too far last time and this drop in trip should suit.

Its interesting that its 2 career wins have been after a swift return to the track(14 days or less 2w-2p-4r) compared to 0w-1p-10r after an absence of 15 days or more.

Its got everything in its favour to get its head in front again.

Uhlan Bute drops in class but pulled up last time.Bravo Riquet has been in good form but needs a career best to win this.

Forresters Folly is very inconsistent,is up in class and 0w-1p-9r on left handed tracks.

Ballyegan has been carrying all before it at its beloved Taunton but here at this track(LH 0w-2p-11r) its clearly vulnerable and its up in grade too.

Olympian Boy isnt badly handicapped on its return to fences but the trainer is struggling for winners.

Back Brody Bleu 10pts at 5.0 at various bookies(Accept 4.5)-Won(+40pts)Accurate jumping won the day.

440 Newton Abbot-Black Narcissus showed its first real form when winning just 8 days ago.

Its possible that race fell in its lap however,the bare rating gives it 7Ibs to find with the top rated here and the yard are 0 from 12 here with their hurdlers.

The principals are Giveitachance and Sandynow,who both look rock solid while Minnie Milan could be suited by the step up in trip.

Lay Black Narcissus 20pts at 5.5-3rd(Cancelled due to non runner)(DT+28pts)

Monthly Total+92.3pts

Running Total+7510.04pts

24th March

310 Southwell-This probably revolves around Worthy Award who represents the McManus/O`Neill/McCoy team and makes its debut over fences.

The yard do well here(26% with their chasers) and if very strong in the betting then it would be a big concern.

However,the market has got it short enough already and that provides a nice price on Royal McNab who should appreciate the return to decent ground.

Its not had that many starts over fences itself and it finished 2nd last time,to a horse that has gone on and won again since.

Nomadic Storm is 2 from 3 here but would make more appeal at shorter.

Back Royal McNab 8pts at 6.0 at Paddys(Accept 5.5)-3rd(-8pts)Absolutely no idea what the jockey was doing on this but still looked like it could win before uprooting the 2nd last.

435 Wolves-Quite a tight race but I cant let Sunblazer go unbacked at the prices.

This is a pretty consistent horse who loves the new Tapeta surface here(Form figures 2nd-6th-1st-1st-3rd) and looks likely to be bang there at the finish.

Gabrial The Terror is on a roll and looks the main danger while Thomas Blossom and Percys Princess are up in class.

Back Sunblazer 8pts at 6.5 at Betbright(Accept 5.5)-2nd(-8pts)Really well backed into 9/4 and touched 1.25 in running but got nutted right on the line

505 Wolves-Ginger Fizz ran well last time over course and distance.That took its record on the flat to 0 from 11 and it got raised 2Ib for its troubles.

The yard are 0 from 27 here and this horse is vulnerable to anything that can improve.I cant have it as favourite.

Stoneham produced a solid rating when stepped up to this trip for the first time,last time out and the yard are 20% with their older horses here.

Conserve interests me as it steps up in trip that should suit.The sire has a good record here and Kirby is 2 from 4 for the yard.

Par Three hasnt raced here before but is 1 from 1 at the trip while Sensor looks like a gamble waiting to happen,stepped up significantly in trip with the hood on for the first time.

Lay Ginger Fizz 20pts at 4.5-3rd(+19pts after commission)(DT+3pts)

Monthly Total+64.3pts

Running Total+7482.04pts

23rd March

320 Taunton-Taradrewe returns from an absence here,its got an ordinary record fresh and is 0w-0p-4r going right handed while the trainer is 0 from 13 over fences here.

On its hurdles form,its weighted up to its best so will have to improve for the switch to fences.

Makadamia looked good when winning last time while Geordie Lad represents a yard that have a 24% strike rate and its sire has a 28% strike rate over this trip.

Lay Taradrewe 20pts at 5.5(Lay upto 6.0)-Fell(+19pts After commission)

*Cancel or trade out if any non runners*

450 Taunton-Shy John unseated early last time but was progressive before that and on its rating 2 starts back,it holds strong claims here.

That topspeed figure stands out here and its 2w-1p-6r going right handed.

King Massini drops in class but has been pretty in and out for a while and doesnt look reliable.

Barton Heather has only had 2 starts over fences but needs to improve to match the selection.

Back Shy John 16pts at 3.25 at various bookies(Accept 3.0)-Won(+32pts 1 non runner)(DT+51pts)

330 Towcester-This is seriously weak and I can see the dropped in class,Lord Landen running a big race.

I can find excuses for its 4 runs this season(First run after a break then 3 on very suit ground) it now moves into a grade where it won the last time it ran in it and is back on its last winning mark plus on decent ground for the first time this season.The yard are in flying form.

Cabaret Girl ran well last time but has been inconsistent in its career while Grand Article has 2 course wins to its name but is 0w-3p-13r over 2m2 or further.

Back Lord Landen 12pts at 4.5-2nd(-12pts)Not too sure how this lost to be honest.Looked like it was cruising.

430 Towcester-The money for Cosway Spirit means there is a decent price available for Midnight Dove now.

I am concerned about his inconsistency but if it can run anything like its last start then it will go very close in this race.

Back Midnight Dove 9pts at 5.5 at Stan James(Accept 4.0)-Fell(-9pts)Just creeping into it when it came down(DT+30pts)

Monthly Total+61.3pts

Running Total+7479.04pts

22nd March

325 Wincanton-Scoop The Pot is totally unexposed and what it produced last time over shorter already puts it top of the ratings here and with improvement likely with experience and the step up in trip,its clearly the one to beat for a yard that have a 21% strike rate over hurdles here.

Unless Paul Nicholls finds the key to Rothman then the main danger for me is Richard Newland`s Top Cat Henry.

Its only had 1 run for this yard and although that wasnt a great run,i would expect better here over shorter and on better ground.

Back Scoop The Pot 16pts at 3.25-4th(-16pts)Very well backed but hurdling was poor and never really travelling.The winner was nicely backed.

Monthly Total+31.3pts

Running Total+7449.04pts

21st March

345 Newbury-A few unexposed ones in the line up but Storm Force Ten stands out for me.

This horse finished fourth last time in a hot race where the 1st(In the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham)) and 3rd have both won since and this horse looks thrown in,in its first handicap,especially considering all its runs have been on soft ground and it looks bound to improve on better ground.

The trainer has a solid 4 wins from 15 runners record at this track..

Back Storm Force Ten 12pts at 4.0-3rd(-12pts)Hurdling fell to pieces unfortunately.The winner and 2nd were next best for me on my ratings,so the selection has run about 10Ibs lower than the rating i had for it.

215 Kelso-Decent,competitve race and the progressive The Last Samurai looks overpriced to me.

This course and distance winner has only had 3 starts over fences,winning its first 2 and then just about to jump into the lead at the 2nd last,at this track when unseating its rider.That rating gives it a sound chance here with the promise of more to come.

Some of the yards runners have been a little in and out but the price allows for that.

Sun Cloud won well last time but may prefer softer ground and is 0w-0p-5r when returning to the track within 28 days.

This is easier company than Cloudy Too normally races against and it should go well but Knock a Hand has to improve again to figure.

Back The Last Samurai 8pts at 6.5 at Paddys(Accept 5.5)-Won(+44pts)Jumped great and stayed on strongly(DT+32pts)

Monthly Total+47.3pts

Running Total+7465.04pts

20th March

440 Sedgefield-Doubts about most here but Gentle George appeals as the value in a very ordinary race.

It ran really well 2 starts back but was a little below par next time.Its possible the ground had dried out a little too much for it there but todays soft ground will be ideal.

Its 2w-1p-6r in March and is still fairly lightly raced for its age.

Harris ran well last time over hurdles but that was at its beloved Catterick(2w-2p-5r at that track) and its only 1w-1p-15r elsewhere.

It ran poorly the last time it was over fences.

Debt to Society is another that ran well last time over hurdles and would have decent chances on its run over fences 2 starts back but it does like coming 2nd,its best on good/good to soft ground and is 0w-5p-20r in this grade.

Snuker represents a yard that do well here with their chasers(7 from 22) but its been right out of nick and even this ground may not be soft enough.

Back Gentle George 9pts at 5.5 at bet365/Betfair sportsbook(Accept 5.0)-3rd(-9pts)One paced when it mattered.

430 Lingfield-Shalambar has its work cut against some unexposed stayers here.

Its a pretty exposed horse that prefers a lower grade than this and is definitely a better horse at Kempton(0w-0p-3r at this track)

On my figures,its also a better horse at shorter than todays distance.

Katies Gale and Silver Mountain are both progressing fast and should finish 1st and 2nd while Guards Chapel is solid over course and distance.

Lay Shalambar 20pts at 6.0-2nd(+19pts after commission)

220 Lingfield-Lady Kyllar looks to hold strong claims here,making its handicap debut against mostly ordinary sorts.

Its last run over course and distance puts its well clear on my ratingsand it should continue to progress providing Jamie Spencer doesnt make a mess of it on board.

Soft Love and El Che both make their handicap debuts but need to improve.

Back Lady Kyllar 20pts at 2.75 at Bet365/Paddys -Won(+35pts)Different class to these.(DT+45pts)

Monthly Total+15.3pts

Running Total+7433.04pts

19th March

230 Chepstow-Eaton Road has a bit to prove after a poor run last time,

So far in its career,its best form has been on softer ground and its 0w-0p-4r at this track.

Its also 0w-1p-6r in this grade and the trainer has a miserable 1 from 24 record here.

Its a Long Road is progressive and must go well while Dashaway and Ballyknock Lad have chances.

Lay Eaton Road 20pts at 5.5(Lay upto 6.0)-UP(Wasnt Matched Again!!!)

415 Chepstow-Azure Aware is still lightly raced over hurdles and stayed on strongly over 2m6f last time,suggesting this 3 mile trip will suit.

This horse love this ground(2/2 on good) and jockey is 10 from 38 when riding for this yard.

Royale Knight is better known as a chaser rather than over todays hurdles but conditions are ideal and it runs fine fresh although it tends to win from May onwards.

Chestertern drops in class but has to prove itself over this trip and on this ground(Good/GS 0w-0p-4r)

Back Azure Aware 10pts at 5.0 at various bookies-3rd(-10pts)Traded odds on(1.7) but sloppy hurdling in the straight cost it.

405 Ludlow-Mountain King is the one to beat,Its only had 2 starts over fences,its 1 from 1 here and represents a yard that are 30% with their chasers here.

However,ive got a tiny niggle on this faster and at 13/8,we can look elsewhere.

Arkaim lacks the upside of the fav but despite a couple of below par runs in a higher class,I think it could bounce back.

Its rating 3 starts back(Over course and distance) would give it very strong claims and its profile suggests it could return to that form.

Ludlow(1w-1p-2)...March-April(2w-2p-6r)...Racing right handed(6w-4p-16r)...class 3 (2w-1p-6r) and when carrying 11st8 or more(4w-3p-8r)

Back Arkaim 8pts at 6.0 at various bookies-Won(+40pts)Jockey did really well to get it started and scoot into an easy lead.(DT+30pts)

Monthly Total-29.7pts

Running Total+7388.04pts

18th March

915 Kempton-Catalinas Diamond ran well last time but that was at Lingfield(4 course wins) and its record here,is less impressive(0w-1p-10r)

Not only that but its drawn 11 of 12,which will be no help.I cant have it as favourite.

Black Truffle is nicely handicapped and goes well here while Wedgewood Estates would have serious chances on its run over course and distance 2 starts back.

Welsh Inlet isnt out of it and Douneedahand is inconsistent but would go very close on its best form around here and the jockey is 5 from 18 for the yard.

Lay Catalinas Diamond 20pts at 6.0-UP(Wasnt Matched)

210 Haydock Back Dark Dune to beat War Singer 10pts at 4/5 at Hills-Unseated its rider at the first!(-10pts)

305 Warwick Back Emma Soda to beat The Last Bridge 10pts at 8/11 at bet365/Betvictor-Won(+7.3pts)(DT-2.7pts)

17th March

440 Wetherby-Arthurs Secret is unexposed and makes its handicap debut for a yard that do very well here.It is massively respescted but Luddsdenene is the value call.

This horse made its debut for this yard last time and ran really well,posting a big speed figure.

This is actually a drop in class and the trainer is 2 from 4 here ,on her rare visits to this track.

Mike McCann has a little bit to find on my ratings but as an irish raider ,has to be respected.

Watt Broderick is the only other one,with a chance.

Back Luddsdenene 8pts at 6.5 at various bookies-UP(-8pts)Held up off the pace and cruised into it but not much happened and that was it.

16th March

310 Southwell-Lay Lemony Bay 20pts at 5.0(Lay upto 5.5)-UP(+19pts)

420 Taunton-Lay The Road Ahead 20pts at 6.0-2nd(+19pts)(DT+38pts)

Monthly Total-49pts

Running Total+7367.34pts

15th March

405 Carlisle-Chavoy has been in solid form most of this jumps season.It has no negatives in its profile but needs to improve again to win this on my ratings.

Russe Blanc is another whos been very consistent but is now 12Ibs higher than when it won 3 starts back.

Purcells Bridge was poor last time but is 2 from 4 around here,at its best,its a big price but the one I like is Hada Men.

Unlike many of these,this horse is unexposed over fences and is 2Ibs lower than its last winning mark over hurdles.

It looks a spring horse(Feb to April 3w-2p-10r) and the yard won this race last year.

The trainer does very well here(7 from 27 with her chasers here)

Back Hada Men 8pts at 6.5 at Corals(Accept 5.5)-5th(-8pts)

440 Carlisle-Surprise Vendor burst back to form last time when just outstayed near the finish,with the front 2 miles clear.

This drop in trip will suit and on that rating,its clearly the one to beat.

Interestingly this horse has a great record when returning to the track quickly like today(14 days or less 6w-1p-13r)

Walser,Nafaath and Snowed In are all in form but exposed.If the selection runs its race then it will beat them.

Back Surprise Vendor 13pts at 3.75 at Ladbrokes(Accept 3.5)-3rd(-13pts)(DT-21pts)

13th March

320 Cheltenham-if this race was at Kempton then Silviniaco Conti would be an absolute certainty here,as its rating it produced over xmas far exceeds anything else in this line up.

It isnt however,its at a track where there are doubts certainly.It led over the last in this race last year before wandering about to finish a close fourth.

The trainer blamed that on stomach ulcers and sometimes you have to go with them.The cheek pieces have helped and he is having a fine week as well.

The fact is this horse is the best in this race and if producing something close to that Kempton run,will go extremely close.

The bookies are clearly dangling a carrot with the prices available.

Holywell and Coneygree are the two im most concerned about.

The former is a spring horse(Feb to April 6w-1p-8r) and is 2 from 2 here(Both at the last 2 festivals).Its got to improve to take this but everything is in its favour to do so.

Coneygree is a relentless galloper and produced the best speed figure in this race when winning last time.

However the trainer is just 1 from 30 with their chasers here and i wonder if the ground has dried up too much for it.

Back Silviniaco Conti 9pts at 5.5 at various bookies-UP(-9pts)

12th March

345 Towcester-Typical Oscar was progressing nicely(albeit at a lowly level) until pulling up last time.

That was on very heavy ground at Ffos Las.I would always forgive a horse a bad run there on that ground and its been given a break since.

If picking up the progression it was showing then it should go very close here.

The better ground will suit and the jockey has a 24% strike rate for the yard.

Cosway Spirit won this race last year and is 2 from 3 around here.

Its been poor this season however and the yard are a little quiet.

Nalim ran okay last time and is still lightly raced over fences but it needs to find a lot more than whats it done so far.

Back Typical Oscar 12pts at 4.5 at Bet365(Accept 4.0)-Unseated(-12pts)Very soft unseat.

145 Hexham-This is seriously weak.Theres a chance one of the handicap debutantes may step up but im hoping for a bounce back to form for Nautical Twilight.

Its been below par since easily winning 3 starts back but with the yard flying along now(5 wins from last 12 runners) hopefully it can get back to form.

Its only a pound higher than that win and has the stables conditional rider taking over, and his claim of 10Ib makes it look nicely handicapped.

Back Nautical Twilight 6pts at 9.0 at skybet(Accept 7.5)-4th(-6pts)Well backed into 7/2 but never put into the race with the jockey called in front of the stewards.You couldnt make it up really!!!!!(DT-18pts)

455 Hexham-Hopefully the ground wont dry out too much as Notonebuttwo likes a fair bit of cut but this horse looks to hold a fine chance on my ratings.

It was a little below par last time over hurdles but that was at a shorter trip and its last 3 runs at this trip,have resulted in 3 victories.

Its last chase start was 3 runs back and if repeating that effort then it will win this.

Its biggest danger is probably last years winner Samson Collonges but its 0w-1p-6r on good to soft ground and really needs the heavens to open.

Back Notonebuttwo 15pts at 3.5 at Paddys(Accept 3.0)-Fell(-15pts)Joke day in a joke month!(DT-33pts)

11th March

205 Cheltenham-There are more obvious ones in the race but I think If In Doubt is well overpriced here.

Its only had 4 runs over fences and has improved each time.It can be a bit in and out at its fences,so will need to good here but the price allows for that.

Its last run saw it post easily the best speed figure here and it will like the ground.

Don Poli represents a yard flying while Kings Palace is 4 from 5 here and is massively respected.

Back If In Doubt 4pts at 13.0 at various bookies-5th(-4pts)Ran on strongly but far too many fiddly mistakes to get competitve.

Monthly Total-24pts

Running Total+7326.34pts

10th March

320 Cheltenham-This race has a nice each way angle to it.3 bits of dead wood in just a 8 runner field and a short priced favourite.

Faugheen heads the market and is clearly the one to beat.Its very progressive but this is its first time against top flight opponents and its a short enough price for me.

On my figures,The New One has got it to do.Its not ran within 10Ibs of last seasons best so far this year and 2 miles on this ground will be a sharp enough test for it.

Hurricane Fly has won 2 Champions Hurdles and has been in fine form at its beloved Leopardstown this season but it could do with some rain and has to defy all the stats at its age to win another big one.

Jetski is a 7Ibs better horse at Cheltenham than anywhere else on my ratings.

Its had a very similar season to last year,when its ran well in Ireland but didnt quite produce its best.

Its best is produced here,where its finished 1st and 3rd at the last 2 festivals.

You would expect a good stamina test here and it looks impossible to keep out of the three.

Back Jetski 6pts each way at 6.0 at Paddys(Accept 5.5)-4th(-12pts)Pretty weak all day in the market but was there to win 2 out,Whereas last year it roared up the hill,this year it finished tamely to my usual each way finishing position of fourth

9th March

3.0 Plumpton-This isnt a strong race and May Hay stands out.

Its only had 2 starts over hurdles and finished 2nd last time behind a horse that hosed up next time up.

That suggests its opening handicap mark is generous and my ratings back that up.

Back May Hay 16pts at 3.25-4th(-16pts)Was there to win but just didnt pick up in the final stages.

320 Taunton-Unless Dormouse can regain some spark then this looks to rest between Ronaldinho and May Be Some Time.

The former drops in class and if producing its very best then it will be a very tough opponent but it isnt the most reliable.

It May Be Some Time was an eye catcher last time.Never put into the race and staying on strongly into fourth.

That was amateur ridden and you would hope Tom O`Brien will make a better job of riding it.

If he does and the horse runs its race then its definitely the value in a race lacking strength in depth.

Back It May Be Some Time 10pts at 5.0 at various bookies-Won(+40pts)Finally a winner and a well backed one.

240 Stratford-Rear Admiral is a very solid fav here.

Its progressing after only 3 starts over fences and the trainer is 2 from 10 with his chasers here.

Midnight Chorister looks a solid runner as well.Conditions are ideal for it to run well.

If It be your will has shown very little in 3 novice hurdles but now makes its chase debut,straight into a handicap,for a yard that are 4 from 11 here with their chasers here.

Eastern Witness is 0 from 12 and clearly beatable.The yard arent firing on all cylinders and i would have it at least twice the price it is.

Lay Eastern Witness 20pts at 5.5-UP(+19pts After commission)Finished where it should have.

*Cancel or Trade out if Red Admiral or Midnight Chorister dont run*

330 Plumpton-The strong support for Noble Friend means SportsReport is a nice value price now.

Its still quite lightly raced over fences and is progressng.

The new favourite is 0 from 16 in its career.I respect the money but its record speaks for itself.

Back SportsReport 12pts at 4.5 at Bet365(Accept 3.75)-2nd(-12pts)Spent most of this race patting myself on the back for sending out a late selection when it had reached such a big price.10 lengths clear cruising at the 2nd last but folded up and got headed 10 yards from the line.Traded at 1.03 in running.(DT+31pts)

Monthly Total-8pts

Running Total+7342.34pts

7th March

455 Sandown-Rouge Et Blanc should go well here.Its latest run produced a fine rating that if reproduced,will win this.

The horse it finished behind,won again next time and this better ground will suit.

My only slight niggle,is that the young claimer that rides it(Thomas Garner)is at the meeting but doesnt ride it.

It seems an odd move when every extra pound carried is vital.

Saints and Sinners is on a roll but the trainer is 0 from 11 with his chasers here while Granville Island has the ratings to go close but again,represents a yard that struggle here(0 from 12)

Back Rouge Et Blanc 12pts at 4.0 at various bookies(Accept 3.5)-UP(-12pts)Didnt jump well enough.Just another in a long line of disappointing runs this month.

2.0 Sandown-Its a big field and obviously competitve but on my ratings,Aigle De La See stands out.

Its still unexposed and Nicky Henderson has won this race twice in the last 4 years.

Back Aigle De La See 7pts at 7.0 at various bookies-UP(-7pts)6/1 into 7/2.Not the busiest ride you will ever see.

420 Sandown-Yorkist is probably best on softer ground and on speed figures,is the slowest of these.

It does have McCoy onboard,so will always be shorter than it should be even though it ran well below form last time.

The trainer is 1 from 29 with his runners here.

Traffic Fluide is unexposed and improving.It will go very close if continuing its progression.

Ubaltique and Seventh Sky both have the form to run big races.

Lay Yorkist 20pts at 5.3(Lay upto 5.5)-3rd(+19 after commission)(DT=)

6th March

435 Sandown-Pretty good,competitve race.

Greywell Boy has won this race,the last 2 years and will obviously be popular with McCoy aboard.

Its not been in great form this season but does tend to come good this time of year(Feb/March 3w-1p-7r)

Sands Cove won last time but struggles in this grade(Class 3 0w-2p-11r)

I would expect both Morgans Bay and Pearls Legend to run well but the value has to be the unexposed Yabadabadoo.

Its only had the 2 starts over fences and posted a fine rating and good speed figure last time out.

Back Yabadabadoo 7pts at 8.0-3rd

410 Ayr-This is a race with little strength in depth.

The obvious fav is Teddy Tee,whos slowly improving but has gone up 10Ibs for falling last time.

Bourne is well handicapped but is unreliable and 0w-0p-9r in March and April.

At a big price,Maggie Blue would have a great chance if it can reproduce its easy win over course and distance before christmas.

Its best 2 runs over hurdles have come here and the little break its just had ,could have been just what it needed.

Back Maggie Blue 5pts at 11.0 at bet365(Accept 9.0)-UP

210 Leicester-This race is full of exposed,unreliable types and you wouldnt want to take a short price about any of them.

Bebinn is the obvious one after a good run last time over course and distance.If it reproduces it then it should win but thats not guaranteed.

Killfinnan Castle and Oranger both ran okay last time but are very inconsistent and represent trainers that are 0 from 22 here combined.

Musical Wedge has done nothing this season and could well have had enough of it all but its now 20Ibs lower than its last winning mark.

This is a drop in class into a grade where its done well(Class 5 2w-2p-9r) and after toiling in heavy ground this season,it may prefer the slightly better ground.

Back Musical Wedge 4pts at 15.0 at various bookies-3rd(-16pts)

5th March

425 Southwell-Oriental Relation posted a fine rating and speed figure last time over  6 furlongs at Kempton.Only getting worn down late on after showing good speed from the start.

Being on the pace is where you need to be here and it has a good course and distance victory to its name,where it posted the same rating as last time out.

Providing it turns out fit and well,It really should take a bit of beating.I Certainly expect it to be clear favourite by the off.

Its currently sharing that with It Must Be Faith,whos been in solid form at Chelmsford.

First time out at this track for Mick Appleby is never a bad angle but its sire is 0 from 17 here and it looks very very short to me.

Back Oriental Relation 16pts at 3.25-Won(+36pts)Stuck on well.Touched 12.0 in running,which was surprising as it never lost the lead.

345 Carlisle-Its very exposed but on my figures,Molko Jack should be favourite here.

Its last 2 runs have been very solid(In the context of this weak race) and if reproducing either under ideal conditions,then it will go very close.

Grey Life is at the head of the market and is the main danger.Its short enough for a horse thats 5Ibs above its last winning mark.

Sergeant Pink would have chances at its best but has been below form on the flat and is 0w-0p-rr at this track 

Ultra Du Chatelet takes a massive drop in trip.The trainer has won this race twice in the last 4 years but this horse is 0 from 5 around here.

Back Molko Jack 12pts at 4.0 at various bookies-UP(-12pts)One of those where if I didnt send it,I would have probably regretted it.As it was,this horse drifted and then jumped awful and finished last!(DT+24pts)

Monthly Total-23pts

Running Total+7350.34pts

3rd March

350 Newcastle-It was all happening a little too quick for Blue Kascade last time until hitting the uphill run in at Kelso ,where it stayed on strongly to only be beaten a few lengths.

This represents a drop in class and the return to the trip of 2 starts back should see it remain competitve.

The trainer is 2 from 11 with his chasers here.

The market has Jac The Legend in as favourite after winning on its chase debut last time.Its obviously unexposed but this is a better race and the trainer is 0 from 24 in the last 14 days.

Vinny Gambini should appreciate the step up in trip but the trainer doesnt do very well here(2 from 36)

SettleoutofCourt drops in class and likes it here.Its pretty exposed now but should run its race.

Back Blue Kascade 12pts at 4.0 at various bookies-Pulled Up(-12pts)

450 Newcastle-Montoyas Son was on a roll the last time we saw it and if it turns up in the same form then its a serious danger to all.

However its never won after such a break as today(94 days) and I think we can get it beat.

Take it on with Categorical.This horse won this race last year and the trainer himself has won the race 3 times in the last 4 years.

The horse has won 4 times at this track and the trainer has an impressive 29% strike rate with his handicap chasers here.

Back Categorical 7pts at 7.5 at Paddys(Accept 6.5)-3rd(-7pts)

240 Southwell-Theres little doubt in my mind that Different Scenario has all the exposed runners in this field covered.

Its been in very solid form and loves it around here.Anything close to its latest rating over course and distance will make it tough to beat.

The only one im slightly concerned about is Serenity Now,who steps up makredly in trip and the sire has a 19% strike rate here.

However its going to need to improve a fair bit for it to beat the selection.

Back Different Scenario 18pts at 3.0-4th(-18pts)

3.0 Exeter-Bravo Bravo ran a decent race last time but now goes up into a grade where its never won(0 from 10).

This horse hasnt won for 2 years and yet remains on its last winning mark.The trainer is an underwhelming 1 from 31 with his hurdlers here and 1 from 51 overall.

Rugged Jack will appreciate a return to its favourite track(Exeter 2w-1p-6r) and the drop in class(Class 4 2w-3p-8r)

Brave Deed is unexposed and should have more to come.

If Somemothersdohavem handles the ground then it will go close

Lay Bravo Bravo 20pts at 5.5-Wasnt Matched(DT-37pts)Despite everything being well supported,this was an awful day!

*Cancel or Trade out if Rugged Jack,Brave Deed or Somemothersdohavem dont run*

2nd March

250 Southwell-Some pretty awful racing tomorrow but hopefully Tarabela can get the month off to a decent start.

Its latest run gives it a fair shout in a very weak race.

Its 6w-3p-12r between February and April and the trainer is 2 from 2 with his chasers here.

This horse clearly likes giving weight away to inferior rivals as a record of 4w-2p-12r when carrying over 11st8 shows.

The Last Bridge has chances on its best form but has ran 2 awful races the last twice.

Dixie Bull wouldnt be far away on its run 2 starts back but was well below par last time.

Kilcascan is consistent but has 8Ibs to find on my figures here,so the biggest danger is Hi Vic,who is very difficult to assess but the booking of Noel Fehily suggests they mean business.

Back Tarabela 10pts at 5.0 at Corals/betvictor(Accept 4.5)-4th(-10pts)Somehow finished out of the places despite dominating this race for 95% of it(Touched 1.49 in running)Weakened Tamely in the straight.

Hopefully some people saved on the danger!