BUSH TELEGRAPH

NOVEMBER

BUSH TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY

PLUMPTON RACECOURSE NOTES

Solid As A Rock could be just that in the 3.10  today

BUSH TELEGRAPH TUESDAY

 Some days you don’t quite know what to say. I don’t want to come across as being negative but by the same token I don’t wish to encourage people to back horses I am not going to back myself. Finding half-chance horses is always possible but unless they are juicy prices I take the view there is little point.   If there are any die-hards out there who like to consult this item before betting, then I can throw a couple of possibilities your way.

SOUTHWELL RACECOURSE NOTES

12.50

Five furlongs and Southwell is a successful recipe for Godfrey Street. Came Back’s tame exit (when he looked fit) at Kempton is off-putting and in any case his best form is at six furlongs.

LINGFIELD RACECOURSE NOTES

2.30: The visor did not seem to work last time for Cragganmore Creek. He is one of few guaranteed to stay the trip in a race that surely only concerns five runners.

2.30: Clerk’s Choice gets the nod in a tight race. These are only selections. At present it is hard to nominate much with confidence; but racing opportunities come and go in waves and the situation will turn.

Incidentally, I would be keen on Tidal Bay in the King George. Whatever your view of the Haydock outcome had he stood up, the run of Snoopy Loopy in the Hennessy does place Kauto Star in perspective. I think Kauto Star is vulnerable to an up and coming type in Tidal Bay who has never ceased to surprise. He does look a prospective star. The plan is to run in the Tingle Creek this weekend. I would prefer to see him go to Kempton a fresh horse but I am not the trainer who, it ought to be said, has done precious little wrong with this horse so far.

BUSH TELEGRAPH MONDAY

Something of a guessing game in progress today; however:

WOLVERHAMTON RACECOURSE NOTES

2.10: For those brave enough, a chance could be taken with Jubilant Note who has useful hurdles form in his native Ireland. Two recent spins on turf and experience at the competitive Dundalk track is to his advantage. He runs for an apprentice or amateur, should appreciate the extra trip, wears a visor for the first time and has made the trip from Ireland. Hang on, this horse has so many positives, it must be a good thing! Of course, this is the trap we can fall into on the all-weather. This horse has won once in eighteen attempts and has been sent here in the hope the pickings are easier than in Ireland. Like so many contenders at this venue, it is a desperate roll of the dice to try and get the beast to oblige. But I think he is worth a second look.

4.40: Another and more seasoned member of the desperation stakes is set to run here in This Ones For Eddy. Undoubtedly well-handicapped, this piece of trickery is still a maiden after fourteen runs and therein lies the rub. The trip may suit but the draw won’t. Worth watching with another day – possibly Armageddon – in mind.

FONTWELL RACECOURSE NOTES

Just to complete the joke, Doctored is overdue a win in this grade and has his chance in the 12.30

BUSH TELEGRAPH SUNDAY

A poor day’s racing and a chance for many to get the dreaded Christmas shop out of the way early!   Networker may be worth a second look in the last at Kempton for those anxious to bet, but I shall be giving the day a miss.

BUSH TELEGRAPH SATURDAY

NEWBURY RACECOURSE NOTES

Yesterday’s choppy ground tempers confidence.

12.25: Well thought of Cockney Trucker should be hard to beat here, especially as he receives weight from American Trilogy.

1.00: Tricky Trickster may be worth rowing in with. A winner over Points, he can jump and is apparently considered useful.

2.05: Good luck to Inglis Drever, but surely not a bet!

2.40: The complexion of the Hennessy changed with the rise in weights. I was all set to have a decent bet on Air Force One when it looked likely he would carry only 10st 3lbs. All that has changed and on this ground, with over a stone more, he will need to put in a Denman-like performance to win. I prefer his chance to Big Buck’s but think both have to overcome a big hill if not a mountain to win.

3.45: Hot Diamond may be outstayed in these conditions but he runs off a favourable mark, was beaten by a very good horse last time and will be winning soon.

KEMPTON RACECOURSE NOTES

4.00: A race that revolves round class act, General Eliott. A reproduction of his Newmarket efforts behind Virtual and Eagle Mountain wins this; but one has to factor in a poor effort in between and the fact he has had training problems. This surface should help him though and he is difficult to oppose.

Judging by the TV pictures, Newcastle are wasting their time inspecting as the prospects of racing appear nil.

BUSH TELEGRAPH FRIDAY

NEWBURY RACECOURSE NOTES

1.00: Mount Helicon, an expensive purchase from France, is subject of appropriate reports for the money he cost. Likely to be short and should leapfrog his way towards the head of the Triumph Hurdle betting after today

2.05: These Pertemps races are always tricky for obvious reasons (you qualify for the final by turning up). With the ground likely to be against Galient, it is worth pointing out that favourite, Ballydub, finished second to an apparently unfancied runaway winner Punchestowns last time – a run that could flatter.

2.40: Ring The Boss, who does not find much at the business end, has been disappointing and, in a race up for grabs, faces no easy task against three highly promising rivals.

3.45: This is tricky with bumper form being transferred to hurdles. There is a message for China Gold.

LINGFIELD RACECOURSE NOTES

1.20: Blessing is fancied. On her Newmarket run she would win but one has to forgive two poor efforts either side.

MUSSELBURGH RACECOURSE NOTES

12.40: Don’t Stop Me Now is expected to be suited by this track, after jumping to her right last time.

2.20: Los Nadis is worth a second look. A winner on this card last year, his second last week, although a million miles away from a race like this, demonstrates his wellbeing and, a most consistent performer who goes well for his claiming rider, he should go close against more realistic opposition than Binocular.

KEMPTON RACECOURSE NOTES

8.50: On a day full of speculative suggestions, I cannot resist the 20/1 available about Aeroplane. This is a drop in grade for him and the surface may bring out the best in a horse that has had the odd problem or two. .

 BUSH TELEGRAPH THURSDAY

A poor days racing and I’m taking the opportunity to watch some interesting horses on the gallops at Lambourn instead.  A better investment of time than ploughing through sub standard racing. The quality animal I’m going to watch should pay the Xmas expenses.

BUSH TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY

KEMPTON RACECOURSE NOTES

Today’s card could result in another successful afternoon for the Nicky Henderson yard. They field several fancied contenders but are most keen on Boomshakalaka in the 3.15. He is reported to be in good shape and the opposition does not look strong.

French Opera can win the 1.00 but confidence is tempered The story is the same with Treasury Counsel. Georgian King, who jumped well enough before unseating his rider on his debut, is the one they fear most. Hora is another  with a chance, although Lord Ragnar is somewhat green and may not be ready for this sort of test yet.

CHEPSTOW RACECOURSE NOTES

2.15: Tamadot looks primed to win this.

BUSH TELEGRAPH TUESDAY

A poor day by any standards and one best left to its own devices. There are no messages.

 BUSH TELEGRAPH MONDAY

LUDLOW RACECOURSE NOTES

If only back to a semblance of what he once promised, Opera De Coeur ought to win this. Obviously he has a lengthy absence and some sort of training problem to overcome but, so often first time back is the time to catch such animals and he may be worth taking a chance with.

LINGFIELD RACECOURSE NOTES

12.30:   Lord Chancellor may get the better of the only other serious runner, Sonning Gate, in what is clearly a two-horse race. Both ran with promise on their debuts. Lord Chancellor’s run looks marginally better in the belief that his proximity to Three Moons [ties in with the useful Midday] gives him the edge.

2.00: River Kirov looks likely to be a short price to follow up on a clever win on Saturday. Obviously he has been brought out quickly in order to beat the handicapper, but has to win over an unproven trip. This is possibly a race to sit out, although if back to anywhere near his best and over a suitable trip, Convivial Spirit, who has won over a 9lbs higher mark, would be capable of springing a surprise.

BUSH TELEGRAPH SUNDAY

Despite rumours to the contrary, I am only human and some days just don’t seem worth the trouble. For me, this is such a day that falls into that category, so I will merely pass on two pieces of information I have received and wish you well…

TOWCESTER RACECOURSE NOTES

2.25: Gold Reef

AINTREE RACECOURSE NOTES

12.30: Fairyland .

BUSH TELEGRAPH SATURDAY

LINGFIELD RACECOURSE NOTES

3.20: BRONZE CANNON looks the day’s best bet. By Lemon Drop Kid, he is sure to appreciate his surface and has a touch of class. A reproduction of his run at Newmarket would just about see him win this; any improvement would be a bonus. As always in competitive heats round here, some luck in running is required.

3.50: Is a hard contest. Being a hold up horse, the wide draw may not be such a disadvantage to Chief Editor who, on paper, has Prohibit to beat.

ASCOT RACECOURSE NOTES

1.55: If the Elusive Dream we saw at Aintree last March is the Elusive Dream we see today, he can beat Chomba Womba and Crack Away Jack. A line through Whiteoak gives him the beating of his two main rivals.

HUNTINGDON RACECOURSE NOTES

12.40: News received suggests that Walkon is very useful and expected to win at the first time of asking.

BUSH TELEGRAPH FRIDAY

 There is nothing on the wires today.   There is every chance of a bet tomorrow. .

BUSH TELEGRAPH THURSDAY

MARKET RASEN RACECOURSE NOTES

2.40: Quentin D’Ex is strongly fancied to open his account over British fences. His stable are apparently confident.

On a day of limited opportunities, when betting is not compulsory, nothing else makes any appeal

BUSH TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY

WARWICK RACECOURSE NOTES

1.50: Midnight Sail apparently needed his last run and is said to have improved since. This looks a tricky contest but he should go well, certainly if reproducing useful bumper form from last season.

KEMPTON RACECOURSE NOTES

6.20: In nominating Came Back here, I am contravening a few established precedents. Firstly, he has not run for 96 days, secondly, he is drawn in the restaurant in two. To take the first point: The fact this is a claimer indicates this horse ought to be fit. There is no point in targeting a claimer for a horse that needs the run. That defeats the object! The draw might cause a problem or two but the opposition is not strong and several of these should be out with the washing by halfway, allowing Neil Callan a clear passage. Main danger, Little Edward is ten and Bazguy is 10lbs worse off with Came Back for three-parts of a length. He really ought to win this!

 7.20: Dialect takes a drop in grade having finished third to Apple Charlotte at Newmarket. However, that did not look a strong maiden by Newmarket standards and she would be vulnerable to anything half-smart.

 7.50: Red Alert Day has plenty in his favour tonight. Bonus is better over six, although he is effective over seven. Confuchias seems best on easy ground so this surface does not appear ideal. At eleven, it is hard to believe Quito can win so, all arrows point the way of Red Alert Day.

BUSH TELEGRAPH TUESDAY

SOUTHWELL RACECOURSE NOTES

1.50: Cut And Thrust, from a mark of 58, can surely win this. I know I am flying in the face of all that has been stated: no more bets at Southwell, and his draw may be disadvantageous. I don’t know. I am confused dot com. I only know if he reproduces his latest effort over this course when hunting up a strongly fancied horse, he should win. But…Watch the earlier races and see if the inside is churned up as it was the last time I saw racing from this place.

FOLKESTONE RACECOURSE NOTES

Again, I am forced into a an about-turn, having sworn never to take notice of messages from the Alan King stable after two such pieces of news proved so wide of the mark searchlights were needed. They look like the yard to follow here and apparently their best is considered to be Rustarix in the 1.40.   Don’t shoot the mssenger…

BUSH TELEGRAPH MONDAY

WOLVERHAMPTON RACECOURSE NOTES

 4.00: MATSUNOSUKE has plenty going for him today and it is worth taking a chance with an infrequent winner on the basis that what he doesn’t do today – he is not going to do in the future. The draw, the trip, the track and the fact he has been dropped 4lbs having raced at Southwell and before that over six furlongs, means he has the best chance he will get at this level. Arganil is the one to beat.

KEMPTON RACECOURSE NOTES

 Torrens has every chance in the 2.40 and a market move for Jake The Snake should be heeded in the 5.10.

BUSH TELEGRAPH SUNDAY

CHELTENHAM RACECOURSE NOTES

Some interesting racing once again but caution seems the watchword on the betting front.

1.10: Straw Bear has a point to prove today if he is to get off the mark over fences. A fragile sort over hurdles, there is the suspicion that he may lack the constitution for the rough and tumble of this game. With Tatenen carrying a 6lbs penalty, this is Straw Bear’s chance at this level after a quiet introduction at Exeter. He really ought to win but I am reluctant to back him.

2.20: The message for Aigle d’Or is very strong. Muted as a possible Champion Hurdle horse, the way this race has fallen apart means he is in a strong position to win today if he is the horse they claim him to be. The ground was blamed for his disappointing run at the Festival; it should suit now and there will be no excuses should he fail to deliver. I  expect King’s Revenge to run a decent race at a price but have to row in with AIGLE d’OR despite breaking every sensible rule by backing an inexperienced novice at a short price in such a competitive affair.

PUNCHESTOWN RACECOURSE NOTES

All eyes here will be on Jered in the Maplewood Hurdle. This is his chance to consolidate his position as a possible Champion Hurdle winner. If there is a danger, I am more inclined to believe it is Won In The Dark, who had a prep-race two weeks ago on the Flat, rather than Sizing Europe who needs to bounce back from a troubling performance at Cheltenham last time we saw him. Basically a race to watch.

BUSH TELEGRAPH SATURDAY

CHELTENHAM RACECOURSE NOTES

1.25: It is difficult to split West End Rocker and Big Fella Thanks on their excellent runs at Chepstow in October. There is only a wafer between them and a mistake one way or the other today over these demanding fences could decide today’s result.

2.00: This presents a betting opportunity. For me, the race rests between Halcon Genelardais and Joe Lively. Halcon Genelardais looks sure to give his running but faces a stiff task under his weight.He has his conditions but this is a big ask. JOE LIVELY could be well-handicapped. A one time Sun Alliance hope who runs Cheltenham well, he has a good record at this half of the season and races at the right end of the handicap.He looks an interesting prospect at the weight.

2.35: A very difficult Paddy Power Gold Cup. I am prepared to dismiss Ashley Brook, Don’t Push It and Silverburn for various reasons but am unsure as to the winner.

3.10: Sullumo is seen as having a sporting chance in another tough contest.

UTTOXETER RACECOURSE NOTES

12.30: PHOUDAMOUR ran a race full of promise on this track a fortnight ago, snapping at the heels of the leaders in the closing stages and looking as if the run would bring him on. At a tricky course which he clearly handles (he won his bumper here), he is taken to realise his considerable potential.

GREAT LEIGHS RACECOURSE NOTES

3.35: Kings Destiny ran much to free last time and from an outside draw there must be an equal worry on that score today. Petrovsky is seen as a solid alternative. However, the Jarvis stable may win the following event with Ballet Dancer, although with Valletta in the field it is no foregone conclusion.

BUSH TELEGRAPH THURSDAY

LINGFIELD RACECOURSE NOTES

2.50: MYSTERY SAIL looks to have a fine chance of gaining revenge on Rio Guru and Susi Spends on today’s revised terms. She is worth a small bet.

BUSH TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY

Not a bad day for National Hunt enthusiasts but perhaps one that is not over punter-friendly.

KEMPTON RACECOURSE NOTES

12.30: The best message in what could be a warm novice hurdle is for Blazing Desert, said to be in the top division of his powerful stable’s novice hurdlers. He will need to be as good as they assert to represent a bet here, but certainly warrants a place on any short list.

BUSH TELEGRAPH TUESDAY

 A moderate day’s racing and no selections of note

BUSH TELEGRAPH MONDAY

There are two possibilities on today’s cards:

CARLISLE RACECOURSE NOTES

 1.55: Tot O’Whiskey looks worth consideration against unreliable opposition. Already a winner over this testing course and distance, he faces two beatable opponents in Faasel and Crozan. In what is likely to develop into a slog, Tot O’Whiskey has already proved he is up to the task.

SOUTHWELL RACECOURSE NOTES

Another proven performer, Victory Quest has a clear chance to do what he does best. Fully effective here and against Dart, who has stamina to prove, he will have no problem with conditions and is seen as a safe alternative.

BUSH TELEGRAPH SATURDAY

WINCANTON RACECOURSE NOTES

12.40: RAVELLO BAY is highly thought of and lines up against Tchico Polos as a very fancied candidate. She is receiving 13lbs less the mare’s allowance and is taken to make it count.

2.20: RING THE BOSS  did not make a semblance of a mistake at Cheltenham last month and on ground that suits him today, has to be the call against high class hurdler, Breedsbreeze, who is unproven over the bigger obstacles.   2.50: This is a big ask for little Katchit who has to concede weight in testing ground. It will be a very good performance from the Champion Hurdler to win this.

We have been set some knotty puzzles at DONCASTER. However, I have a couple of interesting ideas there which appear on PENNIES TO POUNDS.

BUSH TELEGRAPH FRIDAY

A very poor day’s  racing that seems to have attracted horses best ignored. For that reasons there are no ideas or bets today..

BUSH TELEGRAPH THURSDAY

HAYDOCK RACECOURSE NOTES

1.40: In receipt of 6lbs from Woolfall Treasure, Balzaccio has a clear chance to make amends for his Ludlow defeat – a defeat that has assumed greater credence since the win of Resounding Glory at Wetherby.

TOWCESTER RACECOURSE NOTES

2.30: Gold Reef is apparently expected to supplement the win in this race last year for her stable.

LINGFIELD RACECOURSE NOTES

1.20: It is hard to get away from the claims of Rebecca De Winter in the Claimer. There are dangers associated with backing horses that plummet in grade so dramatically, but surely, even if not the same filly she was at the beginning of the season (which must be the case), she has sufficent in hand to beat these. It is also seen as significant that Richard Hughes takes the trouble to ride her.

GREAT LEIGHS RACECOURSE NOTES

6.20:  There is a word from Lambourn here for Hellbender..

BUSH TELEGRAPH WEDNESDAY

HUNTINGDON RACECOURSE NOTES

1.40: Cosmea is of limited use at the price but apparently is on the upgrade and expected to defy a penalty.

CHEPSTOW RACECOURSE NOTES

1.30: Sagredo is considered better than his first run at Cheltenham indicates and may well show considerable improvement today.

NOTTINGHAM RACECOURSE NOTES

With soft ground forecast, one should tread carefully here.

2.30: Cocktail Party seems effective on soft, indeed it seems what she wants, so she may bounce back here.

KEMPTON RACECOURSE NOTES

On a day cluttered by guesswork, Spanish Moon is the class act here. Not always on his best behaviour, he has a clear chance if putting his best foot foreward.

BUSH TELEGRAPH TUESDAY 

Two possibles (no more) today.

EXETER RACECOURSE NOTES

1.40: This looks a hot hurdle that could throw up several future winners. Clearly the fit, According To Dick is the one to beat. However, the Alan King yard are keen on the chances of Penharold who by all accounts compares favourably with their top novices.

SOUTHWELL RACECOURSE NOTES

2.30: Temple of Thebes looks overpriced with Ladbrokes this morning at 6/1. She showed she handled the surface with a good second last time and little improvement is required to beat some rivals that by and large have shown their hands.

BUSH TELEGRAPH MONDAY

Just two horses worthy of some attention today.

WARWICK RACECOURSE NOTES

In the 3.10, Officier De Reserve, rated 140 over fences, has a clear-cut chance to win a novice hurdle against inferior oppostion.

WOLVERHAMPTON RACECOURSE NOTES

 4.20: Tikka Massala may be worth a second look. She has already finished a neck in front of La Capriosa on her only start. Improvement is likely, particularly as, being by One Cool Cat, she should be at home on this surface. La Capriosa did finish fourth last time to the strongly fancied Rublevka Star who bolted to the start so her run may flatter her to a degree.

BUSH TELEGRAPH SUNDAY

HUNTINGDON RACECOURSE NOTES

There are two messages to relay at HUNTINGDON:

1.15: Uffa Fox is fancied in the opener. It falls into the, ‘If you say so’ category for me.

2.50: Georgian King has reportedly schooled well and the yard seem to feel he can beat Hold Em even though he has plenty to find on hurdles ratings. Again, a useful message if you have a view.

CARLISLE RACECOURSE NOTES

2.10: On very testing conditions, there has to be a question mark about Tidal Bay against the proven stayer Albertas Run. A race to watch.

SOUTHWELL RACECOURSE NOTES

3.00: Matsunosuke returns to his best trip of five furlongs but without experience on this track can only be watched. He is a horse currently waiting to win once he gets his optimum conditions.

BUSH TELEGRAPH SATURDAY

NEWMARKET RACECOURSE NOTES

3.20: Godolphin hold out high hopes that GOLD SOVERIEGN will be hard to beat here and he does look a fair each-way wager. Lease Of Life faces a big hike in class, Moynahan is a horse that has yet to fulfill his potential and although the trip will suit Whistledownwind he is on a high enough mark. Despite the numbers this race looks solvable and I am rowing in with the message for Gold Sovereign.

3.55: This looks a two-horse race between Bankable and Virtual. Bankable has done nothing wrong that you put your finger on except fail to win. In restrospect, his form with Eagle Mountain looks good enough, but in the belief that once horses get into the habit of losing it is hard to find their way back, I am giving the preference to the progressive VIRTUAL.

So two bets on what is Newmarket’s last card of the season.

Jump fans have an interesting day but there are too many question marks over the cards for me to get involved. The Charlie Hall looks a poor race, full of the usual suspects. State of Play wins on the book but not in reality.

I can pass on a good word for Riverside Theatre in the 3.50 at Ascot. Backing bumpers with penalties is not the wisest course of action but the stable appear bullish.