Friday Double...

Doncaster 14:00 - Overbranch
2m 3f, Class 4 Novices Hurdle - Good, Good to Firm in Places

Malcom Jeffersons' mare has been in fine form this season winning 3 out of her last 4 events. Although a lot of her winning has been done on easy going I don't think the forecast good ground will be a problem as she has acted on it and won on it before. Overbranch has tended to run in snatches at times but don't be put off by that as she stays very well, appears to be very game and can take this heat from Aimigayle.
WON 2/1

Doncaster 16:15 - Randwick Roar
2m 3f, Class 3 Handicap Chase - Good, Good to Firm in Places

We stay at 'Donny' for the second leg of the double and compensation awaits Gary Moore's runner, who put up a fine performance last time out when narrowly going down to to The Hairy Lemon at Kempton, who we incidently tipped up that day! The first two pulled some lengths clear away from the remainder of the field, and with the selection due to go up 4lbs in future handicaps now is the time to strike!
WON 2/1f

WON DOUBLE 8/1

Thursday Double...

Ludlow 14:20 - Hibiki
2m, Class 4 Novices' Hurdle - Good to Soft, Good in Places

The exciting Hibiki, looks to build on a nice win over course and distance last time and provide Richard Johnson with his 93rd winner of the current campaign. Still nicely weighted this bay Colt out of Montjeu should take all the beating and get todays double off to a flyer.
WON 10/11f

Well backed before the off, Hibiki landed the odds despite a late rally from the Nicky Henderson trained Prince De Beury. The tough Hibiki looks like it will appreciate further in time yet the 4 year old will continue to pick up valuable prizes at this trip in a positive first year over timber.

Taunton 15:30 - Super Nic
3m, Class 4 Novices' Hurdle - Good, Good to Soft in Places

Super Nic returns after a 49 day absence with Venetia Williams charges still running as well as ever. An Impressive winner at Hereford last time, Super Nic teams up with Sam Thomas today and should score easily over an ideal trip.
2nd 8/13f

Leading the field a merry dance for most of the extended 3m, Super Nic just found one too good, in the ultimately very well handicaped Lamanver Homerun. Paul Nicholls Novice ran on to win by 30l's and looks one to follow.

Wednesday Double...

Folkestone 16:10 - Countess Trifaldi
3m 7f, Class 3 Handicap Chase - Good to Soft, Good in Places

Countess Trifaldi, is a tough staying chaser making just it's fourth appearance for the Michael Scudamore yard. 3rd behind Butlers Cabin in last years festival, this formerlly Irish trained mare looks to finally open her account in Britain. With trip and ground ideal, I expect the Scudamore's to team up to full affect and take todays marathon prize.
4th 5/1

It seems a strange thing to say in such a "staying" race, but our selection was just done for a-bit of pace, turning for home and plugged on at one pace to finish 4th. A relentless galloper, Countess Trifaldi jumped well, but may just need a stiffer test in the future.

Folkestone 17:10 - Little Al
2m 1f, Class 5 Nh Flat Race - Good to Soft, Soft in Places

Oliver Sherwood is back amongst the winners and looks well represented by a nice bumper horse in the last at Folkestone. A decent third last time out behind Blencathra Bay, (subsequently beaten just half a length to the very promising Voice of Reason) Little Al looks a solid selection against some average types.
WON 5/4f

Little Al turned a 5l defecit turning for home into a 8l victory at line, after a strong, guttsy performance. Getting every yard of the trip Oliver Sherwoods bumper horse responded to Dominic Elsworths urges and went on to score easily.

Tuesday Double...

Leicester 15:20 - So Brash
2m 4f, Class 5 Novices' Handicap Chase - Good to Soft

This consistent sort has been knocking on the door recently and today could be the day that the door opens! With winning distance form to it's name and dropping down in class this surely represents a great opening for So Brash to stick a 1 by it's name.
FELL 3/1f

Mid division and going nicley, So Brash made a right gash of the 6th fence and took a tumbling fall out of the contest. In a muddling race full of incident, Minella Lodge went on to win by 3 1/2l's.

Catterick 16:10 - Autograph
3m 1f, Class 4 Begginers' Chase - Good to Soft

Sue Smith's mare is making her chasing debut today and if she can translate any of her hurdling from over to the larger obstacles, she must surely be difficult to beat, in what looks a weak contest.

Abandoned: High winds

Tuesday's meeting at Catterick was abandoned in the interests of safety due to high winds.Steward Phil Tuck said: "Some of the girls in the first race were concerned about the high wind” Well. that's what you get for eating bubble & squeak before racing.

Monday Double...

Hereford 14:30 - I Hear A Symphony
2m 1f, Class 4 Maiden Hurdle - Good

The Analyst wasn’t too enamored with the ride that Richard Johnson gave our selection last time out at Chepstow and reckons with a more careful approach Philip Hobbs charge looks a good bet to get off the mark today. This looks a weak race and I fully expect this gelding out of Accordion to go on to bigger and better things.
2nd 5/4f

Oh boy, does The Analyst not like Mondays! Feeling confident after some good results at the backend of last week our first selection settled just behind the leaders on the inside. With a smooth passageway through to the lead he was sent on by Tom O' Brien around the top bend to go and win the race, or so we thought! But an awkward head carraige and constantly hanging to the left proved to be the undoing of I Hear A Symphony and he failed by 2 1/2 lengths.

Hereford 15:30 - Mickmacmagoole
2m 1f, Class 3 Handicap Hurdle - Good

The Analyst was at Cheltenham on the 26th Jan to see Mickmacmagoole fall when going well in a hot looking handicap. Usually a sound jumper, Evan Williams charge looks to be off a nice racing weight and should gain compensation today over a trip and ground that are ideal.
UP 15/8f

Out the back of the field for most of the race, combined with some sloppy jumping and you can see why the selection finished 6th! However 'magoole' made stealthy headway down the back straight to join the bunch of leaders and appeared to be travelling best, on the bridle as they turned for home. That was as good as it got as he faided tamely down the field. Oh dear!

Lough Derg...

"Competitive racing at Fontwell today, and a special mention must go to Lough Derg as he goes in the National Spirit Hurdle (15:50) in an attempt to secure more BHB order of merit points. Without putting this up as a tip, I expect a strong showing from the brave stayer and he looks the one to beat seeing as he is in the form of his life and the others have plenty of question to answer."

WON 5/1

Can I claim this, and include it in my stats? Ok, I wont... but hope you were on...!! The Analyst Certainly was and now has everything crossed that this tough, tough little horse can go on and lift the BHB order of merit title.

Feel free to add your comments and support to connections here...

See you tomorrow for another daily double.

The Analyst

Week review...

A better week at the office for The Analyst, despite being bed ridden for the most part with that killer of a disease, Man Flu!

We had 5 winners (including a 4.6/1 double) in 15 selections (33.3%) with a return of +£0.85 to a £1 level stake. Good to see us back in the positive and with two close up 2nd's and a 3rd, it could have been even better.

Competitive racing at Fontwell today, and a special mention must go to Lough Derg as he goes in the National Spirit Hurdle (15:50) in an attempt to secure more BHB order of merit points. Without putting this up as a tip, I expect a strong showing from the brave stayer and he looks the one to beat seeing as he is in the form of his life and the others have plenty of questions to answer.

Good Luck to owner William Frewen and the Pipe team today. The Analyst wishes you a safe and successful trip.

Order of Merit Current Leaderboard

1. Kauto Star
72pts

2. Lough Derg
71pts

=3. Monet's Garden
43pts
=3. Voy Por Ustedes
43pts

5. Katchit
39pts

Be Lucky,

The Analyst

Saturday Double...

Kempton 14:05 - Numide
2m, Class 1 Novices' Hurdle - Good, Good to Soft in Places

A close up 5th in the French Derby (2006), this Gary Moore trained 5 year old is about as exciting a recruit over timber as you could wish to find. Impressive in his two outings so far, Numide will be looking to progress again today and endorse his credentials further ahead of the Supreme Novices', at the festival.
4th 11/4f

Numide never really seemed to travel today in what was a fast run heat at the Sunbury Track. Always mid-divison Jamie Moore received no kind of response when he asked his mount to quicken, to ultimately finishing 8l's back in a one paced 4th. This was a strange performance by a clearly talented animal and it may just put the geldings Cheltenham plans on hold, at least for the time being.

Kempton 16:20 - The Hairy Lemon
2m 4f, Class 3 Handicap Chase - Good, Good to Soft in Places

Alan Kings consistent chaser, The Hairy Lemon rarely runs a bad race. A direct form line through a horse called Alphabetical, gives our selection every chance of turning over the previous course and distance winner Randwick Roar.
WON 9/4f

A typical guttsy dispaly from Alan King's charge, saw our selection prevail by a head to Randwick Roar. Battling it out for supremecy in the betting ring before hand, the two market principals were left to fight it out on the course as-well pulling well clear of third.

Eye Catcher;

Remember, to use the lables at the bottom of each page to snap other winners on a busy Saturday afternoon. Just to mention a couple of previous selections, Hobbs Hill & Negus De Beaumont who both run with great chances today.

Friday Double...

Warwick 15:45 - Amber Brook
3m 1f, Class 3 Novices' Hurdle - Good, Good to Firm in Places

Amber Brook was an un-lucky loser last time out when a staying on 2nd to the David Pipe trained Very Cool. That was over 3m and todays extra furlong is sure to help. Receiving weight all round, Nigel Twiston-Davies 7 year old is taken to get the better of Ian Williams newcomer from the flat, Bulwark.
WON 11/10f

A comfortable victory for Amber Brook who travelled well throughout the 3m 1f contest. Ridden out the back by Paddy Brennan, our selection looked the winner from along way out. Keep an eye out for this tough mare who is sure to run a big race in a staying hurdle race at the Cheltenham festival.

Warwick 16:20 - Arnold Layne
3m 5f, Class 3 Handicap Chase - Good, Good to Firm in Places

Arnold Layne was a faller last time out when in the process of running a big race over course and distance. A crashing fall on heavy ground (Said to have un-suited afterwards) was bad news for the The Champion Jockey and Tony McCoy is left with a race to be fit for Cheltenham. The Analyst understands what he is going through, laid up with Man Flu himself, he will go straight to the festival without a run.
WON 11/8f

This was very much compensation gained for Caroline Baileys tough grey. An out and out stayer, Arnold Layne was foot perfect at his obstacles and ground out an impressive win to score by 3 1/2l.

WON 4.6/1 Double

Thursday Double...

Huntingdon 14:20 - Driving Miss Suzie E/W
2m, Class 4 Mares Only Handicap Hurdle - Good

Forgiving this Mares last run, that was too bad to be true at a time when the yard was just coming out of a lean spell. A strip fitter this time out and back down the weights I expect Jonjo's, Driving Miss Suzie to put her foot down and steer a path to success.
UP 8/1

Huntingdon 15:25 - Crocodiles Rock E/W
2m 4f, Class 2 Novices' Hurdle - Good

We stay in the rejuvinated Jonjo yard to try and complete today's Each Way double. An impressive winner first time out, this JP McManus owned gelding was just beaten at Hereford last time by a smart type as the first two pulled clear of a decent field. Back on Good ground over a trip that suits I expect Crocodiles Rock to take all the beating.
UP 7/1

Wednesday "Luck of the Irish" Double...

Punchestown 14:35 - Impudent
2m, Novice Hurdle - Yielding, Yeilding to Soft in Places

With English racing currently being sponsored by Iceland, The Analyst turns his attentions to the Emerald Isles and Punchestown for today’s double. The Colin Murphy trained Impudent returns after a lengthy lay off in an attempt to win first time out over timber. With an eye catching jockey booking this 5 year old is taken to get the better of Jered for the out of form Noel Meade yard.
3rd 4/1

Noel Meade choose an awful time to get back amongst the winners from The Analyst's point of view as the previously mentioned Jered stole the honours today. Another Meade winner provided him with a double on the day as Paul Carberry rode the first 4 winners on the card.

Punchestown 15:10 - Boulavogue
2m 4f, Handicap Hurdle - Yielding, Yielding to Soft in Places

Ruby Walsh teams up with Charlie Swan in an attempt to take the 15:10 with the 5 year old Bay Gelding, Boulavogue. With decent form on both sides of the channel I fully expect the step up in trip and decent ground to bring out enough improvement to win a contest like this. 7/4 seems a massive price for a horse that should take all the beating.
2nd 9/10f

There is a familiar pattern starting to apear here. Everytime The Analyst tips up a horse that is then heavily backed through the morning and right up until the off, it is then subsequently beaten by a big priced winner. As big as 7/4 this morning, Boulavogue went off the 9/10f. Headed at the last, Ruby Walsh's mount kept on well under strong pressure before eventually going down by 3/4l to Moore's Law.

Tuesday Double...

Taunton 15:20 - Fabulous Jet
2m, Class 3 Novices' Handicap Chase - Good to Soft, Soft in Places

A 7lb penalty should not hold back Evan Williams progressive Novice Chaser, as Fabulous Jet attempts to notch up a quick fire double. An easy victory at Hereford last time out should have left plenty in the tank to repeat that peformance and take today's prize.
WON 5/4f

Fabulous Jet, made all under Paul Maloney to complete a quick fire double. Obviously in good heart at present Evan Williams gelding is likely to be out again at Sandown on Friday in an attempt to notch the treble.

Taunton 16:20 - Woolcombe Folly
2m 1f, Class 4 Maiden Hurdle - Good to Soft, Soft in Places

Another exciting Nicholls novices is unleashed today as Ruby Walsh turns his back on Punchestown and heads to Somerset in search of more winners. With a decent book of rides, I expect the Irish Champ to ride at least a double today and Woolcombe Folly looks the one to be on in the 16:20.
2nd 2/1

The Analyst was just the shortest of short heads away from starting the week with a cheeky 6/1 double. Unfortunately "7" wasn't our number as David Pipe and Timmy Murphy teamed up to spoil the party. A short head meant that we stayed roughly where we were with regards to our £1 level stake, yet on another day we could have seen that improve by as much as £9.00. Such fine margins...

Week Review...

End of Week 5 in which saw our biggest priced winner so far... a runnaway 15/2 shot called Marsam raised the roof on the the 13th Feb.

We are getting near misses with our doubles at the moment with the last one being back on the 26th Jan... so that's the aim this week, more DOUBLE TROUBLE...!!

No bets today as the National Hunt card at Carlisle is off and Lingfield looks like a poor excuses for a bet...

Cheltenham...

Good news from the Paul Nicholls yard as Kauto Star looks to be ok after a scare on Saturday. There are also some strange noises coming out of the Denman camp ahead of the festival clash. Mr Barber has gone on record as saying he doesnt think the 2 time Gold Cup winner Kauto Star really gets 3m 2f at Cheltenham... Hmmmm! Paul I have 40p left on my Racing Post account, feel free to watch the last two years races if you wish.

The Analyst

Saturday Double...

Ascot 13:15 - Air Force One
3m, Class 1 Novices' Chase - Good

Chalie Mann's exciting chaser looks the one to be on today with conditions to suit. Decent Ground and 3m at Ascot look ideal and our selection is taken to out-stay the previously lucky Joe Lively.
2nd 15/8f

Really tough performance from Air Force One, whom barring two sluggish jumps could well have gone to Cheltenham with another win under his belt. A mistake at the 2nd last put pay to his chances but he still ran on strongly to only go down by 1 3/4l to Jonjo's Albertas Run. Despite this defeat, Charlie Manns exciting stayer will still carry my money in the Royal & Sun Alliance come the festival.

Ascot 16:45 - Gold Award
2m, Class NH Flat Race - Good

Nicky Henderson & Felix De Giles is a combination to follow at present, with the pair teaming up for double at Fakenham yesterday. The young jockey, full of confidence takes off a handy 7 to compensate for the penalty of winning last time out. With Nicholls bumper horses nearly always needing the run, we will take on ConflictofInterest first time out and back The Queens runner to complete the double.
WON 2/1

Easy to back before the off, The Queens Gold Award, put in a really impressive performance under a penalty to defy the well surpported ConflictofInterest. Under a confident Felix De Giles, who never raised his whip the this exciting novices ran on to win by a cosy 2l.

Friday Double...

Sandown 14:35 - Jaunty Times
3m, Class 3 Handicap Chase - Good, Good to Firm in Places

Tough and consistent, Henry Daly's Jaunty Times, wins it's fair share of races and should get off the mark in 2008 at Sandown this afternoon. Back down to a reasonable mark and with ground and trip in it's favour I expect a big run at a decent price.
3rd 10/3

Out stayed in a tough affair, Jaunty Times ran his normal guttsy race but was just out done turning for home. In a muddling market there was little money for anything, with punters un-decided on who they fancied. Paul Nicholls innconsistent The Luder eventually came out on top.

Fakenham 14:55 - Gansey
2m 4f, Class 3 Novices' Hurdle - Good, Good to Soft In Places

A Gansey, Woollen jersey, name derived from 'Guernsey' type jersey knitted for boatmen as for fishermen. Basically an "Irish Jumper". Dropped in class, and Ruby Walsh's only ride of the day (following the non-running of Sa Nau in the 15:30) means this un-exposed "Irish Jumper" should pull the wool over his opponents eyes and provide some much needed Friday night, beer money!

WON 10/11f

Tough performance from Gansey, who gave weight around and still ran out an impressive winner. This may just be the stepping stone to more attempts over fences, but it will have done his confidence the world of good.

Eye Catcher; Fakenham 14:25 - Oscar Park

If it stands up it wins... class apart from his rivals, I fully expect this to win easy on it's way to the Royal Sun Aliance at the festival. (WON)

Valentines Double...

Chepstow 13:50 - I Hear A Symphony
2m, Class 5 Novices' Hurdle - Good to Soft

A good performance in Ireland last year prompted a hefty sum of money to change hands, and this bay gelding by Accordion is now with the Phillip Hobbs stable who won this race last year. The form in Ireland looks solid from both previous contested events and I expect a very bold show first time out in Britain.
FELL 10/11f

Backed off the boards from a monring price of 15/8, Phillips Hobbs charge travelled well for the most part and led after the forth flight, before making a novicey mistake and coming down at the last.

Kelso 15:05 - Caipiroska
2m 6f, Class 3 Amateru Riders Handicap Chase - Soft, Good to Soft in Places

The first thing that catches the eye is the jockey booking of Ninna Carberry! The selection did not appear to see out the 3 1/2 mile trip last time out however this 2 mile 6 furlong contest looks right up his street. Plenty of question marks over the rest of the field with the exception of Jimmy Bond who may give our 9 year old most to think about.
3rd 11/8f

Another well backed horse, Caipiroska went off the 11/8f from an opening show of 13/8. Held up for most of the journey, Nina Carberry and her mount made steady progress to jump the last in 2nd, before being out paced on the long run-in and eventually finishing 3rd.

Wednesday Double...

Musselburgh 14:20 - Marsam
2m, Class 3 Novices' Hurdle - Good

One for the Jamie Moore fans out there... (hey Joey) Desribed by John Francome as one of the "fittest & strongest" boys about, Jamie has only one ride today, and it's up in the Scottish Highlands. With decent ground and setting a strong pace will suit this tough 5 year old. A strip fitter for two spins round the flat, the selection is taken to get the better of the frustrating Akarem.
1st 15/2

"A Track suits Front Runners" A pillar to post victory for Jamie Moore's only ride of the day, meant it was a worth while 700 mile round trip for the Son of the famous star gazer! (right) Jumping and travelling better than all his rivals, a sharp two miles on drying ground saw the grey run away with this class 3 event.

Musselburgh 14:50 - Pencil House
2m 4f, Class 4 Hanicap Chase - Good

We stay north of the border to try and complete today's double, and look to the inform Donald McCain's and his charge Pencil House. Having met a couple of decent sorts on his last two outings this consistent handicapper looks sure to take advantage of a lenient mark and a beat what looks a weak field today.
4th 2/1f

Never really travelling Pencil House jumped slowly and ran on one paced over the 2m 4f trip that looked plenty short enough for him today. A typical McCain stayer, he lacked a gear on todays better ground and will no doubt be suited by further in time.

Stat Attack...

64 bets to date for The Analyst... with a winning strike rate of 26.6%...

Out of those 64 tips we have had 31 (48.4%) placed horses... with 17 (54.8%) of those being winning bets!!

Best week to date was between the 21st & 26th Jan... with 50% strike rate of 7 winners in 14 bets...

As a friend of the Analyst pointed out we currently lay midway in the Tipsters Table just above our friend from the Oldham Evening Chronicle... and as another reader mentioned it could be worse, we could play cricket for England!! With friends like these hey...

Keep the faith, I feel a monster Cheltenham coming on!!

The Analyst

Tuesday Double...

Folkestone 13:30 - Aux Le Bahnn
2m 4f, Class 5 Maiden Hurdle - Good to Soft

With two wins to his name in bumpers and a decent effort first time out over timber after a 10 month break, this likeable sort from the Noel Chance stable looks ready to rumble! The form has been franked in no uncertain terms by Superior Wisdom who came out on Saturday to win a class 2 event at Warwick. After a pretty sticky patch over the last week, The Analyst fully expects to clean up here.
2nd 4/5f

Although left in the lead for short while, Aux Le Bahnn was badly hampered at the 2nd last by the akward fall of Another Brother. Beaten on the run-in by a better handicapped horse there will be other days for Noel Chance's maiden hurdler.

Folkestone 14:00 - I Have Dreamed

2m 1f, Class 4 Novices' Hurdle - Good to Soft

A beaten favourite last time out at Huntingdon, I Have Dreamed previously destroyed a field at Taunton by 18l. Heavy ground was to blame for the defeat and having been there myself that day I can vouch for that! Gary Moore is in red hot form and was talking bullishly about the selection yesterday. With competition from Jardin De Vienne and Qrackers, you never know, we may get a price!

2nd 6/4f

Another case of second'itis as the well backed I Have Dreamed, came up 4l short in sharp Novice Hurdle contest. Never really travelling when turning for home the eventual winner Pascha Bere was always going better and looked a decent type stretching out to the line hands and heals.

Monday Double...

Plumpton 15:15 - Turbulance
2m 5f, Class 3 Handicap Hurdle - Soft, Good to Soft

Noel Chance saddles the talented but quirky hurdler Turbulance in todays Handicap Hurdle at Plumpton. A winner at Folkestone 2 outings ago, he was unsuited by the step up in trip and heavy going at Warwick last time. Still well enough handicapped Turbulance is taken to return to winning ways in conditions that are sure to suit.
2nd 11/4f

A game effort from the gutsy grey, but some slow right handed jumps over the last two obstacles put pay to any chances of getting his head in front. This left New Team to score for the Hot Robert Alner yard, who made it a good couple of days after The Listners empressive win in the Irish Hennessy.

Wetherby 15:40 - Hernando's Boy
2m 3f, Class 3 Handicap Hurdle - Good to Soft, Soft In Places

Phil Kinsella's mount Hernando's Boy, just doesnt know how to run a bad race. This tough handicapper has lost nothing in defeat this year running gallant races behind subsequent winners Traprain and Dancer's Serenade. With the step up in trip likely to suit the selection is taken to run another big race and a big price.
PU 9/2

Travelling well for the most part, Hernando's Boy stopped very quickly and was pulled up before jumping the 3rd last. Well fancied by most to run a big race, this wasnt a going day for the tough handicapper who barring any serious problems will be back to win his races.

Week Review...

The tough week in the office for the Analyst... with our selections running well for the most part but just failing to get placed or thier heads in front!

Remember I will tag every horse I tip to provide you with all the form and thoughts you require at the click of a button. Taking time to look through the weekend runners you would have seen Tino Tino win at 5/2 & Forest Miller be placed at 50/1!! Ballabriggs also ran a gallant race in defeat, finishing 2nd in Ayr's handicap chase.

County Zen gave us a great run for our money and provided me with a little more confidence heading into week 6! Stables to keep an eye on at present are Donald McCain, Venetia Williams and The Champ, Paul Nicholls as they continue to turn out winners. It was also great to see Len Lungo back in the winners circle so look out for that yard with runners at the northern tracks as we fast approach Cheltenham.

Quick word for the City Punter... (who I actually played golf with yesterday) he has been on fire as of late so keep checking his blog for alternative tips in the sporting world!!

Be Lucky...

The Analyst

Saturday Double...

Newbury 15:20 - County Zen E/W
2m, Class 1 Handicap Hurdle - Good to Soft

You're desperate for a winner, you're strike is tumbling, you are losing pounds quicker than you can say Euro Millions... so what do you do? You try and pick a winner in a 2m cavalry charge at Newbury! The Analyst turns his attention to the Totesport Trophy and the Phillip Hobbs trained, County Zen to get him out of trouble. Impressive in his two victories so far this season, this gelding is as tough as they come and teaming up with Richard Johnson they have the qualities required to win a tough handicap such as this. An attractive racing weight and a strong pace mean todays selection should go very close at a massive 14/1!!
3rd 16/1

Superb effort by a tough hurdler at the top of his game. A massive price before the off, Richard Johnson rode a fine race to knick some decent each way money for The Analyst.

Ayr 14:20 - Mortimers Cross E/W
3m, Class 4 Novice's Hurdle - Heavy

Tough progressive type, returning to a trip and ground that will suit. Sure to go close. A weak looking race that wont take much winning so it will pay to side with a something asured of getting the trip.
UP 16/1

Our selection ran well for the most part, but struggled to handle the Glue-like ground when asked to quicken. Running on one paced Mortimers Cross just failed to get in the places and complete the double.

Friday Double...

Kempton 14:35 - Polomoche
2m 5f, Class 4 Novices' Hurdle - Soft

Mick Fitzgerald is always one to keep an eye when he travels down south, and he has exceptional record at Sunbury track. Even more cause for excitement is the fact that he is teaming up with boss Nicky Henderson to ride the talanted novice Polomoche. Workman like during it's first two victories, this gelding can defy a penalty and notch the hatrick over this extended trip.
FELL 10/11f

A tried fall when beaten. Nicky Henderson's charge never really settled into his racing today. We'll put this down to a bad day at the office... god knows The Analyst knows what one of those feels like at the moment!

Kempton 15:10 - Gwanako
2m 4f, Class 2 Graduation Chase - Good to Soft

We have been here before, Stewart Family owned, Nicholls trained, Walsh ridden, Novice Chaser. There is normally only ever one outcome! This talanted french import ran in some competitive hurdle races in the autumn however is thought to be bred to make a chaser. (Won his only start over fences in France) Nirvana Du Bourg commands respect for the in-form Venetia Williams yard.
3rd 4/6f

Experience told as the ever consistent Mister Quasimodo, relished the small field and drying ground to score by 5l. This trip may prove to be on the short side for Nicholls charge who is sure to be a force to reckon with over further.

Eye Cathcher;

Quick word regarding the Bangor 16:55 as this looks a really hot bumper, one to set the VHS for I reckon with plenty of nice types and winners likely to come out of the race. Certainly on breeding Play On Words (2nd) for Paul Nicholls looks the one to beat.

Thursday Double...

Huntingdon 13:40 - Noble Sham
3m 2f, Class 4 Handicap Hurdle - Good to Soft, Soft In Places

David Pipes Noble Sham has been a faller in it's last two starts when going well over fences, so is reverted back to hurdles today in an attempt to exploit a very low mark. With the aid of a talanted claimer also taking off a handy 5, the selection is taken to gain compensation off today's feather weight.
3rd 7/2 jf

Noble Sham finished well to go down by just 2 3/4l in a strongly run contest at Huntingdon. Another 50 yards may have seen him get to the line in front however jumping the 3rd last well adfrift it was being caught flat footed turning for home when the leaders quickened that cost him the race. This was part of a poor day for the Johnson/Pipe combination with the latter being fined £1000 by the Taunton stewards for the poor showing of Imperial Harry.


Huntingdon 14:40 - Cathedral Rock
3m, Class 3 Handicap Chase - Soft, Good to Soft in Places

Cathedral Rock is looking to build on an impressive victory last time, by notching up a quick fire double of his own at Huntingdon today. Nick Giffords improving 6 year old, scored by a distance at Fakenham and should have no problems with todays slightly softer ground.
FELL 5/2f

Falling at the 12th when going well, summed up another disapointing day for The Analyst. Well backed before the off Nick Giffords 6 year old came to grief with a novicey mistake.

Wednesday Double...

Ludlow 14:10 - Harringay
3m, Class 4 Beginners' Chase - Soft, Good to Soft on Places

Henrietta Knight has entrusted Timmy Murphy to guide Harringay round the right handed circuit of Ludlow in search of a first win over fences today. Crying out for a trip over the larger obstacles I expect a typical Murphy ride on this former talented hurdler. Watch and learn Mr O’Regan as Harringay should gain compensation today.
2nd 15/8

Harringay met a smart performer and a wonderful training performance to deny him victory at Ludlow today. The Henderson trained Menchikov put behind him a 656 day absence to runaway with a 23l success. Harringay in-turn trounced the rest of the field by a distance and will soon find a race worth winning.

Carlisle 14:20 – Lago
2m 4f, Class 5 Handicap Chase – Soft, Heavy in Places

Another chase, however at Carlisle this team where I fully expect consistency to win the day. After being dropped in trip last time out, Richard Lee’s Lago is returning to a course and distance in ground that he will relish and is taken to prove his class in a weak handicap.
4th 11/4

A one paced 4th, Lago travelled well for the most part but couldnt find anything when asked for an effort after jumping 3 out. Well backed before the off, the Richard Lee trained gelding just found one or two better handicaped.

Tuesday Double...

Market Rasen 14:00 - Maraafeq
2m, Class 4 Juvenile Novices' Hurdle - Soft (Heavy in Places)

Maraafeq looks the part in what is a particulary poor novices event. Venetia Williams debutant is a winner over 1m2f on the level in France, and wouldnt have to be a world beater to get off the mark at the first time of asking. The Analyst's selection has most to fear from Start Royal, however that horse will have to improve having ran a stinker on his debut at Kempton last month.
WON 4/1

This was a weak contest, however Venetia's novice still won nicely enough and is sure to improve for the experience. An 8l victory was a wide margin for a horse that drifted alarmingly in the betting.

Sedgefield 14:50 - Negus De Beaumont
2m 4f, Class 4 Beginners' Chase - Heavy (Soft in Places)

Having mentioned Ferdy Murphy's charge 2 weeks ago saying "look out" for a quick reappearance from Negus De Beaumont, well here we are! Dropping down to 2 1/2 miles, which will be plenty short enough for him, however with the heavy conditions the selection is strongly fancied to outclass his rivals and enhance the festival entry he holds next month.
4th 13/8f

Question marks over my selections jumping were answered, however with no other excuses for Negus De Beaumont he is fast becoming a frustrating type to follow. Ferdy Murphy's charge will no doubt prove to me more affective as an out and out stayer as neither his jumping or travelling are particularly quick.

Weeks Review...

Tough week at the office for the Analyst... however in this game you have to understand that you will get times like this! Hey even Derren Brown, couldnt come up with the anwers! Never the less we must battle on!

I have taken the liberty of attaching the press "naps table" (look here) so that I can gage my own success against the so called experts! Remember I put up three bets a day (two singles and one double) so the strike rate and returns on your level pound stake can change very quickly.

5 weeks tomorrow will be the first day of the 2008 Cheltenham festival... so stay tuned over the next few days as I will be letting you in on my Ante-Post "lucky 63"

Tommorow's meeting at Hexham is off due to snow, and with nothing catching The Analysts eye on the all-weather, I will be back on Tuesday with another daily double...

The Analyst

Saturday Double...

Apologies first for the delay in todays tips... technical problems i'm affraid!!

Anyway, we are here now and all set for a bumper Saturday. Great to see Doncaster the go ahead with lots of Cheltenham clues are on offer there today.

Doncaster 15:00 - Saintstaire
2m, Class 2 Handicap Chase - Good

Paul Nicholls charge Saintstaire, followed up a win at Newbury with a gallant 2nd behind O'Toole over fences at Cheltenham last time. That performance was even more impressive given that he was conceeding 21lb to the winner and beat Maljimar (back in 4th) who has since come out and won so impressively. The more than capable Liam Heard takes off a handy 3.
UP 9/2

Hampered when all ready beaten 2 out meant there was no way back for Saintsaire today. Slow jumps at most of the obstacles meant this just wasnt a going day for Paul Nicholls charge.

Sandown 15:10 - Hobbs Hill
2m 4f, Class 1 Novices' Chase - Soft, Good to Soft In the Back Straight

Backing Charlie Egerton's imposing Bay Gelding at odds against is just to good an offer to turn down. Impressive on every outing this year, this 9 year old is going from strength to strength. Today's trip and ground will be ideal and the selection is taken to get the better of Paul Nicholls high class Silverburn.
NR

Friday Double...

Chepstow 14:25 - Tino Tino E/W
2m 4f, Class 3 Handicap Hurlde - Heavy, Soft in Places

First run in this country too bad to be true finishing 50L behind subsequent winner Five Dream. Was backed off the boards that day (2/1 fav) so clearly thought better of at home. His breeding indicates that this step up in trip ought to be in his favour and could be a nice price to gain some compensation.
UP 11/1

Racing too keenly took it's toll as the David Johnson owned Tino Tino, never really got into the race. Although held in high regard, this maiden may show more respect for the jumping game when sent over the larger obstacles.


Catterick 14:50 - Tell Henry E/W
3m 1f, Class 3 Handicap Hurdle - Soft-Good, Soft in Places

This front running type has seems to have learnt to settle in his races and he will need to if he is to see out this extended 3 mile trip. Generally very consistent and able to act in all types of going this chestnut gelding is an exciting e/w selection this afternoon.
UP 7/1

Held up and travelling well for the most part, Tell Henry never got a blow in, when push came to shove. Perhaps suited by more cut in the ground, things seemed to happen to quickly for him even over todays 3miles.