The Pointing Thread
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Irish Stamp
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Thanks guys.
Good HC coming up at Uttoxeter - Robin Will not working well at all but the second and third in appear to need it like a bog and Hurricane Carter is no good.
Whatever happens I'm sure that Robin Will will touch 5/2 or 3/1 IR and he'll be worth a bet then.
Martin
Good HC coming up at Uttoxeter - Robin Will not working well at all but the second and third in appear to need it like a bog and Hurricane Carter is no good.
Whatever happens I'm sure that Robin Will will touch 5/2 or 3/1 IR and he'll be worth a bet then.
Martin
BennyB
Senior Jockey
No pressure Martin, but I'm expecting you to go through the card at Fontwell tonight. Whenever you're ready...
Part time punter
At the Start
Me too Martin, I could do with a few grand in the pocket ready for the weekend so if you could put up at least 6 of the winners that would be most kind.
BennyB
Senior Jockey
and don't forget the hunter chase at Ludlow, there's a good chap.
Irish Stamp
Forum Moderator
17:10
Good Novice Hunter Chase to start the card and it’s very hard to see past Adept Approach who’s been back to form of late in better races than most of these have been contesting. He’s fairly versatile in terms of ground so today’s is likely to suit and Phil Hall (trainer and jockey) has taken his time with this horse. He saw off the useful Freddies Return at Aldington when bouncing back to form and though beaten half a length by that rival next time out at Penshurst he gave the impression that this step up in trip would suit given he finished strongly that day. Of the remainder Owenacurra led all the way when beating Adept Approach earlier in the season but AA is more of a spring horse and the jockey on Owenacurra is a negative – he should front run though and we know he stays. West Cork Flash is another who should stay the trip well but like Owenacurra there are some pretty iffy concerns regarding the jockey and he’d want some more rain to arrive (best form is generally with cut). Rather Curious is well regarded by Dave Phelan but it was disappointing to see him finish beaten behind Oscarsfriend and Rather Curious looks a hard ride (would have preferred to see Paddy Smith riding too). Oscarsfriend was flying at home at the end of April but the trainer didn’t want to run him in an Open which with Adept Approach in here is effectively what this is. Man From Moscow has been below par all season whilst Alskamatic will need to step up to figure (been running in a decent area but beaten in winners races) and could provide Owenacurra with some competition for the lead.
Bet: Adept Approach @ 5/4 (Skybet, Betfred etc)
17:40
I think The Rattler O’Brien is a cracking bet here against Bay To Go. The latter is largely favourite due to his two Hunter Chase outings but was sold by Andrew Pennock (trainer of The Rattler O’Brien) in February. The Rattler O’Brien has won three of his four point starts so far, including very easily last time out at Horseheath and prior to that at Fakenham in what looked a decent winners contest. His one bad run came when pulled up at High Easter and though the jockey wouldn’t be the best he’s done well on this fellow so far (he usually makes the running). Bay To Go has run well in two Hunter Chases and won two points since he was bought by Heather Kemp but feeling here is that he had a hard race last time out in a much better race than this. Fitobust wouldn’t be the best horse and the trainer has been trying to sell him for a while now, he won a Maiden at Horseheath but that’s some way short of what will be needed here and he’ll need to step up under jockey Joe Hill (a negative compared to the yards usual jockey James Tudor). West Of The Road comes from Lauren Braithwaite’s yard and the booking of Gina Andrews is a positive given he’s usually ridden by the trainers husband Andrew. He’s another who’s won a Maiden and a Restricted (in a quicker time than TROB won on the same card) and Marlpit Oak has always been highly regarded by the trainer but is another who’d need to improve.
Bet: The Rattler O'Brien @ 3/1 (Sportingbet)
18:15
Dusshera would be odds-on if this was a point-to-point, it’s not and though she’s the best horse in the race she’s been beaten in a few Hunter Chases in the past and is very small so probably better suited to points. Bit Of A Clown won a restricted at Aldington over Easter but has been beaten twice since, he’s generally a consistent sort though any more rain would definitely play to his strengths. Earl Grez has had more than enough chances and places far more often than he wins, he was beaten by a useful sort last time out (well up to rules racing) though ultimately it was a Maiden. King’s Chase won well enough in a High Easter match race when 4/11 for his return from injury but was well beaten at Northaw in a Confined Hunts race last time out, that was less than two weeks ago but it was disappointing that he didn’t do better. Just Bridget ran well on her Restricted debut at Peper Harow (tight track in places) and she’s been brought along very slowly by connections having won a poor Mares Maiden at Godstone the time before whilst Irish Rebel is a big price for a horse who’s been running in better races than most of these and beat a useful type in a members when last seen (first sign of form in a couple of seasons).
Bet: Nothing major here but Irish Rebel @ 12/1 E/W if forced.
18:50
Proper staying race here with some useful stamina laden horses opposing one another. Freddies Return is a standing dish in the SE and bounced back from a rare reverse behind Adept Approach to win from that rival in April. He was well beaten in a better race than this at Cheltenham at the start of the month and is a worthy favourite here and should be ridden from the back. Arbour Hill was runner-up in this last year over 3m 7f and is better suited to tests of stamina than the regular 3m pointing trip, however it’s disappointing that he’s not been in better form this year and he was a remote fourth at Cheltenham when last seen. The ground drying out would surely help his cause whilst the opposite is true of Duke Of Kentford who’s a horse travelling down from the Midlands. He won easily at Dingley at the end of April having led for pretty much all the way and he led from halfway on soft ground at Clifton-On-Dunsmore the time before. DOK is best with cut in the ground but handles good ground and any rain (doesn’t look like coming) would be greatly appreciated for Stuart Morris’ gelding. Of the remainder Orfeo Conti is very hard to win with but was only beaten 6 ½ lengths by Freddies Return last month and ridden with more restraint and with a weight swing he could go well here. Pastek is Novice rider ridden and has been well placed to win a couple of those contests whilst Master T is in the veteran stage of his career and has been behind Freddies Return and Orfeo Conti already this season.
Bet: No serious bet here.
19:25
Divine Intavention has had a number of hard races this season including last time out at Cheltenham so is probably worth opposing in this. Armoury House was in the process of running the currently unbeaten (in points and Hunter Chases at least) Master Medic close prior to running out and as such looks a decent bet at 10/1. Armoury House is likely to make the running under Chloe Boxall and though he wouldn’t mind some rain he has won on fast ground in the past. Hawkeye Native didn’t do a lot in Irish points to the end of 2012 but he won his Maiden over here easily first time out and though beaten in a Restricted when seen again he easily took the prestigious Dunraven Bowl last time out, if he’s able to reproduce that he’d have to go close. Start Royal won easily on soft at his trainers home course of Kingston Blount in a three runner affair in dire conditions in March whilst he was well beaten at Charing when last seen out as an odds-on favourite (Mount Sandel in front of him) in March. Mount Sandel ran well that day under new jockey Will Hickman (usually the mount of Will’s younger sister Frankie who won a number of races on Mount Sandel in the 2011/12 season). Mount Sandel was back in a Ladies race last time out and was disappointing in a three horse affair behind the useful rules horse Peplum. Le Commencement hasn’t done anything to recommend him in points whilst for personal reasons I’ll be hoping that the ground has dried out enough for William Butler to put his best foot forward here. WB ran his best race since joining this yard last time out and will be held up by Oz Wedmore here, sadly he doesn’t stay the trip in points so dropping back to 2m 6f should suit him and if the ground isn’t too soft he should at least travel well for much of the journey (he can take a strong hold too).
Bet: Disappointing that Sole Agent is out so now only the two places but Armoury House is certainly no 10/1 chance here.
19:55
This looks a very uncompetitive race, Double Mead hasn’t been 100% for her two runs so far but has still won them both and is a proper Open horse taking on conditions horses in this. Kevin Jones won easily on Annie Confidential at Maisemore Park in a bog but she’ll need to step up considerably to figure whilst Topless is too inconsistent to consider as a betting proposition.
Bet: Bit of a non-event and no match betting up on this.
20:25
Herecomesthetruth won a G2 in his youth but doesn’t really stay 3m properly so this drop back in trip should suit with regular jockey Phil York returning (Robbie McCarthy rode last time out). What Of It is something of a specialist in thsese races for the Ward team, he was well beaten at Cheltenham last time out though but did win a similar race to this at Towcester in March. He looks likely to go well whilst I know that Cedrus Libani is in good order at home and this drop in trip should really suit him, he’s a classy performer on his day and he’s no 16/1 chance if he jumps off (trainer usually leads him in – only time he’s refused this season is when she didn’t). Cedrus Libani ran well until stamina became an issue at Fakenham last month and it’s been the main issue in all his races so far this season, this trip will suit and he should go well (probably from the front). Jayo is a NR as he ran last night. Restezen d’Armor is another who appears not to fully stay the trip and will appreciate dropping back here whilst the others don’t look good enough in this.
Bet: Cedrus Libani @ 16/1 (Coral).
Hoping it's a profitable night and I'll be there if anyone makes it down to Fontwell this evening. Will hopefully be a few winners and if anything else pops out I'll post it on Twitter as unlikely to be able to get online properly later.
Good luck and thanks for reading.
Martin
Good Novice Hunter Chase to start the card and it’s very hard to see past Adept Approach who’s been back to form of late in better races than most of these have been contesting. He’s fairly versatile in terms of ground so today’s is likely to suit and Phil Hall (trainer and jockey) has taken his time with this horse. He saw off the useful Freddies Return at Aldington when bouncing back to form and though beaten half a length by that rival next time out at Penshurst he gave the impression that this step up in trip would suit given he finished strongly that day. Of the remainder Owenacurra led all the way when beating Adept Approach earlier in the season but AA is more of a spring horse and the jockey on Owenacurra is a negative – he should front run though and we know he stays. West Cork Flash is another who should stay the trip well but like Owenacurra there are some pretty iffy concerns regarding the jockey and he’d want some more rain to arrive (best form is generally with cut). Rather Curious is well regarded by Dave Phelan but it was disappointing to see him finish beaten behind Oscarsfriend and Rather Curious looks a hard ride (would have preferred to see Paddy Smith riding too). Oscarsfriend was flying at home at the end of April but the trainer didn’t want to run him in an Open which with Adept Approach in here is effectively what this is. Man From Moscow has been below par all season whilst Alskamatic will need to step up to figure (been running in a decent area but beaten in winners races) and could provide Owenacurra with some competition for the lead.
Bet: Adept Approach @ 5/4 (Skybet, Betfred etc)
17:40
I think The Rattler O’Brien is a cracking bet here against Bay To Go. The latter is largely favourite due to his two Hunter Chase outings but was sold by Andrew Pennock (trainer of The Rattler O’Brien) in February. The Rattler O’Brien has won three of his four point starts so far, including very easily last time out at Horseheath and prior to that at Fakenham in what looked a decent winners contest. His one bad run came when pulled up at High Easter and though the jockey wouldn’t be the best he’s done well on this fellow so far (he usually makes the running). Bay To Go has run well in two Hunter Chases and won two points since he was bought by Heather Kemp but feeling here is that he had a hard race last time out in a much better race than this. Fitobust wouldn’t be the best horse and the trainer has been trying to sell him for a while now, he won a Maiden at Horseheath but that’s some way short of what will be needed here and he’ll need to step up under jockey Joe Hill (a negative compared to the yards usual jockey James Tudor). West Of The Road comes from Lauren Braithwaite’s yard and the booking of Gina Andrews is a positive given he’s usually ridden by the trainers husband Andrew. He’s another who’s won a Maiden and a Restricted (in a quicker time than TROB won on the same card) and Marlpit Oak has always been highly regarded by the trainer but is another who’d need to improve.
Bet: The Rattler O'Brien @ 3/1 (Sportingbet)
18:15
Dusshera would be odds-on if this was a point-to-point, it’s not and though she’s the best horse in the race she’s been beaten in a few Hunter Chases in the past and is very small so probably better suited to points. Bit Of A Clown won a restricted at Aldington over Easter but has been beaten twice since, he’s generally a consistent sort though any more rain would definitely play to his strengths. Earl Grez has had more than enough chances and places far more often than he wins, he was beaten by a useful sort last time out (well up to rules racing) though ultimately it was a Maiden. King’s Chase won well enough in a High Easter match race when 4/11 for his return from injury but was well beaten at Northaw in a Confined Hunts race last time out, that was less than two weeks ago but it was disappointing that he didn’t do better. Just Bridget ran well on her Restricted debut at Peper Harow (tight track in places) and she’s been brought along very slowly by connections having won a poor Mares Maiden at Godstone the time before whilst Irish Rebel is a big price for a horse who’s been running in better races than most of these and beat a useful type in a members when last seen (first sign of form in a couple of seasons).
Bet: Nothing major here but Irish Rebel @ 12/1 E/W if forced.
18:50
Proper staying race here with some useful stamina laden horses opposing one another. Freddies Return is a standing dish in the SE and bounced back from a rare reverse behind Adept Approach to win from that rival in April. He was well beaten in a better race than this at Cheltenham at the start of the month and is a worthy favourite here and should be ridden from the back. Arbour Hill was runner-up in this last year over 3m 7f and is better suited to tests of stamina than the regular 3m pointing trip, however it’s disappointing that he’s not been in better form this year and he was a remote fourth at Cheltenham when last seen. The ground drying out would surely help his cause whilst the opposite is true of Duke Of Kentford who’s a horse travelling down from the Midlands. He won easily at Dingley at the end of April having led for pretty much all the way and he led from halfway on soft ground at Clifton-On-Dunsmore the time before. DOK is best with cut in the ground but handles good ground and any rain (doesn’t look like coming) would be greatly appreciated for Stuart Morris’ gelding. Of the remainder Orfeo Conti is very hard to win with but was only beaten 6 ½ lengths by Freddies Return last month and ridden with more restraint and with a weight swing he could go well here. Pastek is Novice rider ridden and has been well placed to win a couple of those contests whilst Master T is in the veteran stage of his career and has been behind Freddies Return and Orfeo Conti already this season.
Bet: No serious bet here.
19:25
Divine Intavention has had a number of hard races this season including last time out at Cheltenham so is probably worth opposing in this. Armoury House was in the process of running the currently unbeaten (in points and Hunter Chases at least) Master Medic close prior to running out and as such looks a decent bet at 10/1. Armoury House is likely to make the running under Chloe Boxall and though he wouldn’t mind some rain he has won on fast ground in the past. Hawkeye Native didn’t do a lot in Irish points to the end of 2012 but he won his Maiden over here easily first time out and though beaten in a Restricted when seen again he easily took the prestigious Dunraven Bowl last time out, if he’s able to reproduce that he’d have to go close. Start Royal won easily on soft at his trainers home course of Kingston Blount in a three runner affair in dire conditions in March whilst he was well beaten at Charing when last seen out as an odds-on favourite (Mount Sandel in front of him) in March. Mount Sandel ran well that day under new jockey Will Hickman (usually the mount of Will’s younger sister Frankie who won a number of races on Mount Sandel in the 2011/12 season). Mount Sandel was back in a Ladies race last time out and was disappointing in a three horse affair behind the useful rules horse Peplum. Le Commencement hasn’t done anything to recommend him in points whilst for personal reasons I’ll be hoping that the ground has dried out enough for William Butler to put his best foot forward here. WB ran his best race since joining this yard last time out and will be held up by Oz Wedmore here, sadly he doesn’t stay the trip in points so dropping back to 2m 6f should suit him and if the ground isn’t too soft he should at least travel well for much of the journey (he can take a strong hold too).
Bet: Disappointing that Sole Agent is out so now only the two places but Armoury House is certainly no 10/1 chance here.
19:55
This looks a very uncompetitive race, Double Mead hasn’t been 100% for her two runs so far but has still won them both and is a proper Open horse taking on conditions horses in this. Kevin Jones won easily on Annie Confidential at Maisemore Park in a bog but she’ll need to step up considerably to figure whilst Topless is too inconsistent to consider as a betting proposition.
Bet: Bit of a non-event and no match betting up on this.
20:25
Herecomesthetruth won a G2 in his youth but doesn’t really stay 3m properly so this drop back in trip should suit with regular jockey Phil York returning (Robbie McCarthy rode last time out). What Of It is something of a specialist in thsese races for the Ward team, he was well beaten at Cheltenham last time out though but did win a similar race to this at Towcester in March. He looks likely to go well whilst I know that Cedrus Libani is in good order at home and this drop in trip should really suit him, he’s a classy performer on his day and he’s no 16/1 chance if he jumps off (trainer usually leads him in – only time he’s refused this season is when she didn’t). Cedrus Libani ran well until stamina became an issue at Fakenham last month and it’s been the main issue in all his races so far this season, this trip will suit and he should go well (probably from the front). Jayo is a NR as he ran last night. Restezen d’Armor is another who appears not to fully stay the trip and will appreciate dropping back here whilst the others don’t look good enough in this.
Bet: Cedrus Libani @ 16/1 (Coral).
Hoping it's a profitable night and I'll be there if anyone makes it down to Fontwell this evening. Will hopefully be a few winners and if anything else pops out I'll post it on Twitter as unlikely to be able to get online properly later.
Good luck and thanks for reading.
Martin
Part time punter
At the Start
Top man Martin, thank you. I'l take the five winners you've put up rather than the six I asked for!!!
Have a great evening!
Have a great evening!
Colin Phillips
At the Start
Thanks, IS.
icebreaker
At the Start
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Great write up !
Many thanks, I.S.
Many thanks, I.S.
Roddy Owen
At the Start
Outstanding Martin
icebreaker
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He is an absolute rogue at the start, isn't he !
(Had to be led in again).
Great call, I thought around three out he might actually catch the winner.
Great call, 3/1 for the Place is none too shabby at all.
edgt
Senior Jockey
I would hate to be involved with a hyped point to pointer Martin; you would see straight through it ! Top class posting as always. A pleasure to read.
P.S. Birthday wishes Martin
P.S. Birthday wishes Martin
Last edited:
Irish Stamp
Forum Moderator
Thanks guys - could have been better and Cedrus did his best to make me look like an idiot.
Unsure of Adept Approach would have won had West Cork Flash not unseated Caroline Dennis but you have to jump round to win.
Martin
Unsure of Adept Approach would have won had West Cork Flash not unseated Caroline Dennis but you have to jump round to win.
Martin
chroniclandlord
Senior Jockey
Well done IS.
Irish Stamp
Forum Moderator
17:55
Overlut most likely winner - laid out for this one and won it in the past. Cedrus Libani is expected to go well but quirky so not a pre-race betting proposition but a major shout if jumping off on terms. Saphir Des Bois failed a dope test after his Leicester win (not in the public domain due to investigations) and looks a good race to open the card. Marky Bob should lead as always but think that Overlut and CL (ignore the RP comments as only issue he's had in points is the trip).
18:55
That's Rhythm a worthy fav and it had looked good with Nick Wakefield up until the past few runs, now it has a jockey so will take a heck of a lot of stopping. Description had a couple of hard races of late and Swift Counsel has stamina doubts IMO, Knight Blaze could be the fly in the ointment but stepping up markedly in grade here but shrewd yard wouldn't be coming up for the air.
19:25
Hot hot race this, Harbour Court a worthy fav and Hawkeye Native running well since he came over. Surprised that Adept Approach is as big as he is given that looks likely to stay the trip and won over 3m 2 1/2f the other day - worry with him is he wasn't as impressive as I expected him to be that day and takes on quite a few useful horses here. Charles Bruce likely to make it a true test of stamina as he did at Cheltenham and a repeat of that should see him in the frame.
20:30
Best horse here is Mossey Joe and he seems to be over his wind/bleeding issues that blighted his career a couple of years back. Was a 150+ rated chaser at his best and looks back to his best now - good ground should be fine for him (though will help Salsify also). Chapoturgeon had a hard race LTO so think that will play against him and What A Laugh should be best of the British runners IMHO, but unlikely to beat the three Irish horses.
Enjoy Stratford - looks a great card and fancy Maple Valley Gale strongly in the Hunter Chase at Downpatrick.
Martin
Overlut most likely winner - laid out for this one and won it in the past. Cedrus Libani is expected to go well but quirky so not a pre-race betting proposition but a major shout if jumping off on terms. Saphir Des Bois failed a dope test after his Leicester win (not in the public domain due to investigations) and looks a good race to open the card. Marky Bob should lead as always but think that Overlut and CL (ignore the RP comments as only issue he's had in points is the trip).
18:55
That's Rhythm a worthy fav and it had looked good with Nick Wakefield up until the past few runs, now it has a jockey so will take a heck of a lot of stopping. Description had a couple of hard races of late and Swift Counsel has stamina doubts IMO, Knight Blaze could be the fly in the ointment but stepping up markedly in grade here but shrewd yard wouldn't be coming up for the air.
19:25
Hot hot race this, Harbour Court a worthy fav and Hawkeye Native running well since he came over. Surprised that Adept Approach is as big as he is given that looks likely to stay the trip and won over 3m 2 1/2f the other day - worry with him is he wasn't as impressive as I expected him to be that day and takes on quite a few useful horses here. Charles Bruce likely to make it a true test of stamina as he did at Cheltenham and a repeat of that should see him in the frame.
20:30
Best horse here is Mossey Joe and he seems to be over his wind/bleeding issues that blighted his career a couple of years back. Was a 150+ rated chaser at his best and looks back to his best now - good ground should be fine for him (though will help Salsify also). Chapoturgeon had a hard race LTO so think that will play against him and What A Laugh should be best of the British runners IMHO, but unlikely to beat the three Irish horses.
Enjoy Stratford - looks a great card and fancy Maple Valley Gale strongly in the Hunter Chase at Downpatrick.
Martin
Irish Stamp
Forum Moderator
Thanks TS - gutted for Angela, Libby and Will who've gone up to Stratford and not had a run from Cedrus 
Martin
Martin
icebreaker
At the Start
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15/2.
Marvellous stuff. Top tipping, I doff my hat to you, sir.
icebreaker
At the Start
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And now, That's Rhythm.
No, that's tippin' !
No, that's tippin' !
icebreaker
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Quite extraordinary.
Rounds off a stupendously successful tray of selections.
Very well done, indeed.
Desperate Dan
Senior Jockey
Well done, Martin.
Irish Stamp
Forum Moderator
Thanks lads - sadly no more Hunter Chases until around the end of November with one at Wexford and none in the UK until January in all likelihood.
Martin
Martin
Colin Phillips
At the Start
Thanks for that, Martin, excellent work.