Randy Rann's Blog

ROYAL ASCOT: SATURDAY 23rd JUNE 2012. IT'S AUSTRALIA DAY TODAY,FOR SURE

2012-06-23T03:46:00.001-07:00

The Aussies are raiding Royal Ascot and it is going to their day today, for sure.

The 'Wonder Mare from Down Under' BLACK CAVIAR is the star attraction today and it will be a very different atmosphere, than usual.

Those lads(and lasses) know how to have a good time and I expect there will be the odd one like my little mate above, sleeping it off, to be found somewhere.

The interest that the unbeaten Black Caviar has generated has been amazing and after Frankel got the meeting off to a flying start it's her turn to take centre stage.

She runs in the 3.45 Diamond Jubilee Stakes and will surely pick this lot up at any stage she likes, winning in a hack canter. Under three lengths is my guess, but that won't hide her superiority.

The place will erupt and I should imagine it will be a long time in subsiding.

We will see something special on a day where not just the supermare brings an antipodean feel to it.

The 3.05 Hardwicke Stakes contains the 1-2 from last year's Melbourne Cup and they will prove popular with the travelling hordes. The winner that day Dunaden will go close, but I fancy the second RED CADEAUX more. He was just touched off in that race and with this shorter distance in his favour, I think he may just prevail. He caught my eye staying on behind easy winner St. Nicholas Abbey at Epsom last time and this stiffer track will suit. He could be still improving and on a line through St Nick, has just as good a chance as favourite Sea Moon, yet is three times the price. Had a bit on at 9's each way with Ladbrokes and he will go well.

The 4.25 Wokingham Stakes is a massive field dash and the one I really like is MEDICEAN MAN. This one is trained by, would you believe, an Australian Jeremy Gask and those chaps know how to handle a sprinter. This one ran a blinder in Tuesday's Group 1 King's Stand finishing a close up fourth. A quick reappearance and an extra furlong could even bring about improvement, he will run well at around 14-1. His form with the highly progressive Mirza looks exceptional and I am sure the Aussies will be having a go at this one too.

His stablemate High Standing wouldn't be a total rag either and can go well for Mr Gask.

I really like the chances of those two above and I'm sure it's just a pure coincidence there are Aussie connections, but if you read an old blog of mine CHOISIR, SIR BOB & PLANT POTS you'll see it does work in mysterious ways.

The reception Black Caviar will receive if and when she wins will be something else, and it's going to be a long day for some of the Aussie boys. They had an early start with the Rugby and are going to be partying long into the night.

I have had a couple of each ways with The Cheka and Es Que Love who are both huge prices and should go well, but in all reality I just want to see Black Caviar put up an imperious display. She Will.

There will be plenty of caviar eaten by the toffs at Ascot today, but like those down to earth Aussie blokes I'm more of a cod roe man myself.

Happy late Australia Day.

Randy

ROYAL ASCOT: FRIDAY 22nd JUNE 2012. YOU NEED ASTROLOGY IN THIS GAME

2012-06-22T01:06:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was a case of nearly so, firstly I put Wednesday instead of Thursday in the title, always proof read your blog, the lesson learned.

I fancied Godolphin to win a race they have a great record in, sadly I picked the race before they actually did it.

I fancied a Frankie flying leap at some stage, he duly obliged on the biggest stage, unbacked!

The final kick in teeth came when I fancied a William Haggas horse in the Hunt Cup, who had good form on Kempton's polytrack and would go close. He did, finishing 6th, however the winner was a William Haggas horse who had good form on Kempton's polytrack and bolted up, again unbacked.

Crystal ball was definitely a bit misty yesterday.

Anyway looking in the stars today ASTROLOGY must be worth a good bet. He was a gallant third in the Epsom Derby behind brilliant stablemate Camelot, and on that form looks sure to run well in the 3.05 King Edward VII Stakes.

He has to prove he stays this distance, but his performance on soft ground in Chester's Dee Stakes over a furlong and half shorter looked as if it would be no problem. If jockey Ryan Moore can hold onto him a bit longer and commit later I am sure he will win this. He looked the second best horse in the Derby and though this stiffer test will suit Derby fourth Thought Worthy better, he was readily brushed aside that day.

Shantaram could surprise as he is proven on soft ground and over the distance. He was just touched off by Derby third Main Sequence in the Lingfield Derby trial and can give Astrology most to do.

GATEWOOD really caught the eye last time at Epsom, travelling and winning as if he is potentially top class. If handling today's softer ground he can go really close in the 4.25 Wolferton Handicap.

With the Germans taking on Greece in the second Euro Quarter Final tonight and the winner awaiting England if they can get past the Italians, I am sure most people will be honorary Greeks tonight.

Athens would be a nice coincidence bet in the 5.00 Queen's Vase and should go close on the soft ground, however he was disappointing last time.

The clue for this race is in the title, and the one I like is Sir Michael Stoute's ESTIMATE. She is owned by The Queen and I am sure the trainer would like to give the old girl her own vase back, she did afterall give him a knighthood!

ESTIMATE though does have a really good chance, she won really well at Sandown last time on softish ground. That track is stiff enough and she looks as if this step up to two miles will really suit. Soft ground won't be a problem either as she is by Monsun and I can see her going really well, especially as she gets an nice 3lb allowance.

A nice treble today, will hopefully cheer me up before we see something really special tomorrow.

Happy punting

Randy

ROYAL ASCOT: THURSDAY 21st JUNE 2012. MORE GOLD FAME FOR GLORY

2012-06-21T01:07:00.000-07:00

I was lucky to postioned perfectly up the rail at Epsom a couple of years ago and caught this snap of a watchful Aidan O'Brien casting an eye over FAME AND GLORY going down to the start of the Coronation. He duly done the business and has developed into one of my favourite horses.

He goes again today in The Gold Cup and even though there has been a lot of doubters this year, I see no reason to desert him. I have read that this race may be a stiffer test of stamina than last year and there are still doubts about him staying as well. The challengers are stronger and will be ridden to test the favourite.

However, there was a bigger field last year and he absolutely bolted up, looking high class all the way round. A smaller field today will suit even more and he holds most of his rivals on the form in the book, so looks a good bet to confirm that form.

I am hoping money comes for the others and his price drifts out to a nice bit of 6-4. I will be surprised if he is beaten and really hope he goes onto to win this for a second year running.

Of the others Colour Vision's form doesn't look good enough, I'm not sure Saddlers Rock will relish this stamina sapping trip and Opinion Poll has been soundly beaten more than once. The rest don't look good enough.

Expect FAME AND GLORY to prove the apple of his trainer's eye again.

As for yesterday, I thought Farhh ran a cracker to be placed and may have been really unlucky as he didn't get a great start but stayed on strongly for my place bet. There is a lot more to come from that horse.

Joviality landed a tidy punt and she was put up from my eyecatchers from Epsom;

http://horseracingtavern/2012/06/epsom-derby-2012-review-eyecatchers-tips/

Another of those goes today in the Ribbledsale at 3.05 and KAILANI must have a little each way chance back on this more conventional track after finishing down the field in the Epsom Oaks. She has to improve to turn the form around with a lot of these but the Godolphin stable have a great record in this. Five winners in the past and a couple of places mean their best fillies come here and my confidence will grow if the rain keeps coming, as she does prefer a bit of ease in the ground.

The rest of the card looks terribly hard and the Britannia Stakes at 4.25 is another one mile cavalry charge. KAHRUMAN looks sure to run well despite top weight and looks unexposed enough to be still improving. Ran well in Listed company last time and did win a Kempton maiden on the polytrack the time before, that normally indicates they'll like Ascot's terrain. His trainer William Haggas has two seconds yesterday and this one can go close today. His biggest danger may be Irish raider Piri Wango, with Frankie Dettori an eyecatching booking. We need to see that flying dismount at some stage this week!

Anyway thats enough for now, happy punting and good luck.

Randy.

ROYAL ASCOT; WEDNESDAY 20th JUNE 2012. FRANKIE'S TURN

2012-06-20T00:12:00.001-07:00

Well Frankel delivered in some style yesterday and all the superlatives heaped on him are truly justified. The highest rating given to a flat horse and we did indeed something special. A true champion, and he will go on to be one of the legends of the sport, mentioned in the same breath as all the greats.

Another legend though has been finding it tough recently and folllowing yesterday's special happenings he will be determined to get his name back up in lights.

Frankie Dettori and Royal Ascot go together like peaches and cream and the thought of him having no winners does seem unbelievable. His nose has been put out of joint by his boss, Sheikh Mohammed using the younger jockeys more frequently and he will be determined to show everyone that famous flying leap once more.

Today he rides FARHH in the 3.45 Prince of Wales Stakes and I think he's got a lively chance. He has to improve massively on what he's shown so far as he was only winning handicaps up to now, but I think there is improvement to come. He has the top notch So You Think and The Queen's Carlton House to beat, but looks worth a decent each way punt.

Frankie reeled in So You Think in last year's race onboard the sadly departed Rewilding and I think he'll be trying to execute the same thing today. Carlton House seems a bit fragile to me and may not back up his recent win, though he is top class.

A lot of the others prefer softer ground and this unbeaten 4 year old may shock a few here today. I know he's fancied as he's around 8-1 and has been nibbled at.

After yestrday's poor punting day today's races look twice as hard and the big fields look unfathomable.

JOVIALITY however in the 3.05 Windsor Forest caught my eye at Epsom last time where she ran 2nd to Clinical despite hating that rollercoater track. Expect her to turn that form around today and is a good each way price. She ran 6th in last year's Group 1 Coronation Stakes not beaten far. The drying gound will suit and I can see her running a big race.

The Royal Hunt Cup at 4.25 is a mile long cavalry charge and is devilishly hard, but one at 18-1 at Corals catches the eye. MULL OF KILLOUGH was just touched off in the Lincoln at Doncaster and proved a big field straight mile suits. He was disappointing last time on soft ground, but back on better ground and after a little break can go well here. Another each way poke.

An each way patent on the above three looks a good shout. Thats three each way singles, three each way doubles and an each way treble if your not sure.

Hopefully we can recoup yesterday's losses.

As for the Euro's, you have to start believing, England CAN win this tournament. My 15-1 Betfred voucher keeps telling me so.

Happy punting

Randy.

ROYAL ASCOT; TUESDAY 19th JUNE 2012. GET READY TO WITNESS SOMETHING SPECIAL!

2012-06-18T16:46:00.001-07:00

I managed to snare this picture back in 2010 of a young two-year-old colt who simply demolished his rivals in The Royal Lodge at Ascot. I knew then he was a decent animal, but little did I realise what I had seen that day. Fast forward nearly two years and that magnificent beast finishing his race in splendid isolation is the mighty and undefeated Frankel.

The greatest five days of flat racing anywhere in the world kicks off with The Queen Anne Stakes and what better way to launch the high class action with a top notch Group 1 race featuring the best horse in the world. All the words bandied about in the press, on-line, on the news and everywhere else cannot do this horse any real justice.

Sadly due to other less interesting commitments I cannot make it to Royal Ascot today to soak up the atmosphere, anticipation and then sheer joy to watch a real champion. Everyone lucky enough to be at the course WILL witness something special as Frankel will surely win with great authority.

He is "The Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of The World" and will blast away his opponents and land his 11th straight victory, but at deserved ridiculously short odds is a no bet. The problem with trying to find an each way bet is you may be interested in other events instead of just enjoying a master at work. I would rather watch Frankel put in an awesome performance than be casting my eye back to the rest of the field fighting for scraps and trying to nick a place.

His nearest rival Excelebration is a top class Group 1 winning animal in his own right and in any other era would probably be the best horse around, but he has been firmly put in his place no less than four times by "The Champ". He has been beaten by a combined total of over fifteen lengths, including last time in the Lockinge at Newbury by an easy looking five. It is frightening to think that Frankel will come on for that run.

What made that performance even more impressive was the fact Frankel had an injury scare prior to the race, had missed some work and was meeting his rival who had the benefit of a previous run. He handed him a thorough beating and Aidan O'Brien's colt must be sick of the sight of his nemesis. His heart will sink once he eye-balls the mighty one in the parade ring, at the start or even in the race. He looks booked for second and is the safe and predictable each way punt, but the value is drying up. If he doesn't fancy it there could be a bit of value elsewhere if you have to have a punt.

Strong Suit is a two time Royal Ascot winner but is making his seasonal debut here. He also has to prove he stays a mile and on softish ground on this stiff track it may be just asking a bit too much. He will run well, but will surely come on for the run. His class though will probably see him into third place.

Worthadd likes to run up near the pace, but will get swallowed up once the big guns get going late on.

Side Glance has decent Ascot form, but doesn't look good enough.

Bullet Train and Windsor Castle are the pacemakers and will give way once their jobs are done.

The Mahmood Al Zarooni trained ex-Aussie Helmet looks interesting at a huge price and though he hasn't shown much this year, is a three time Group 1 winner back in his native homeland.Any ground seems to suit as does the mile trip and he may surprise a few as his owner Sheik Mohammed has landed this race many times in the past. Even Aidan O'Brien has collected this prize in the past with an Australian import Haradasun. He can't win, but may be a bit of value especially if Excelebration or Strong Suit underperform, highly unlikely, but worth a second glance.

The rest surely don't look good enough and to be honest, just watch the race and take in a once in a lifetime peformer, who is rightly being lauded as the best in the world by some distance. The perfect curtain raiser to some of the finest horseracing you will want to see.

There is however some value to be had in the other races and I like the look of SPIRIT QUARTZ in the Group 1 King's Stand at 2.30. This race is going to be a total lottery as there will be over 20 runners going lickety-spit over the minimum distance of 5 furlongs. My selection will need luck in running, but is a Group 3 winner in Italy over 6 furlongs on ground with cut. He seems a consistent sort and travels well in his races. He has caught the eye a couple of times this season including last time when just touched off at Haydock carrying a big weight.

He also ran well in the Temple Stakes at Haydock when a few lengths behind the well fancied Bated Breath. He has ground to make up on that one, but can surely get closer to him on this stiffer track. He is also nearly five times the price too and the booking of Frankie Dettori, who rides Ascot better than most is another positive. Looks cracking value at around 25-1. His trainer Robert Cowell won this race last year with Prohibit and that one one can go well too, he could be worth a saver at around 16-1.

The next race is the St. James Palace Stakes and there is another one who really grabs my attention. BORN TO SEA is hardly an original choice, but I can't believe he is still trading at around the 10-1 mark. Frankel has taken over the mantle, but Born to Sea's older half brother Sea The Stars was just as exciting, winning all the top races from the 2000 Guineas to The Arc, via The Epsom Derby in a vintage year back in 2009.

Now Born To Sea is nowhere in that league, but he is slowly getting the hang of things and looks as if this race will finally see him land a big pot. He looked above average as a juvenile, before disappointing on his last run as a 2-year-old. He was found to be lame and is surely being nursed along this year for a second half of the season campaign.

His first run this year in the 2000 Guineas was disappointing but he did finish well clear of today's favourite Power in that contest. Power turned the form around in the Irish 2000 guineas, but Born To Sea's run was very eyecatching. He had first time headgear on that day and seemed to be travelling sweetly before coming home in fine fashion to be a never dangerous fifth.

He was ridden by Kevin Manning then, but is re-united with the excellent Johnny Murtagh, who has ridden the colt in all his other runs and knows him well. It is interesting John Oxx his trainer sends him over for this and there aren't many better riders of Ascot than Mr.Murtagh. I really like his chances of improving again from that run and finishing in front of Power this time. He is certainly a value each way punt and I reckon his price will shorten all day.

The rest of the card doesn't really interest me for betting purposes but from my Epsom eyecatchers

http://horseracingtavern.com/2012/06/epsom-derby-2012-review-eyecatchers-tips/

HEAVY METAL in the 4.25 Coventry Stakes is worth a second look at a massive price. He was somewhat unlucky at Epsom and this is a huge step up in grade. He is a hardened and tough type though, from the Mark Johnston yard and will be battling on when a few have cried enough. He might lack the class of the O'Brien, Bolger and Hannon horses, but will run well.

Hopefully once we have witnessed the Frankel procession we can settle down, enjoy the races and make a profit.

Good luck and Happy Punting.

Randy.

INVESTEC DERBY DAY;Saturday 2nd June 2012

2012-06-02T03:08:00.000-07:00

Well that went pretty well, yesterday. I am just recovering now. Missed the Morning Line, so don't know what all the goss is, so am a bit blind.

Will be at a wedding at the out-laws and might not even get to see the racing today, but will be having my twitter on at the back of the church to keep me informed.

Today we could see something special and in Camelot we could be seeing a star. He will probably bolt up but to me is way too short a price for me to be backing. I know a few people who have fancy prices at 20s and so on, who think its in the bag, but is it that simple?

Here's my thoughts, for what its worth and I reckon its worth taking on Camelot with his stablemate Astrology.The fact that Aiden O'Brien runs this one after taking out all his other runners means he should not be underestimated. He surely cannot be running him as a pacemaker as he would have left one of the rags in to blast off in front.I am coming round to thinking that they fancy this one.
He is by Galilieo so will appreciate this trip and better ground and though he has to improve I am sure he will. He won easily last time despite soft ground and will come on a ton for that run. He is definitely the each way value against the hotpot and though I would love to see Camelot go and be a worldbeater, I just have a little doubt. He won the 2000 guineas, but not in as taking fashion as you would like to see in an odds on shot here. He will probably win but is definitely no value.

Take Astrology to emulate his dad and nick one back from Camelot's dad Montjeu, who has been the daddy in the race in recent years.

The Epsom Dash is a real spectacle and a speculative punt is Stone Of Folca. He goes well really fresh, likes 5 furlongs on fast ground and is trained by a man who knows how to handle top notch sprinters. Backed him at 33s earlier in the week so hopefully he can nick a place.

Anyway, got to go have to polish my shoes.

Go on Astrology spoil the party, I've seen it in the stars.

Yours

Randy

INVESTEC OAKS DAY; Friday 1st June 2012.

2012-06-01T02:31:00.000-07:00

Pinch, Punch it's the first of the month, but it's the goings on at Epsom that will be first in my thoughts today. Two of the best day's racing of the year are run at my local track today and tomorrow and if I can ease my workload, will definitely be diving up there this afternoon for a looksie.

It's always difficult to persuade the wife, it's all professional, especially as my annual visit coincides with Ladies Day, but this year it is.

One client is in the Marquee on Tattenham Corner and I provide them with my view on each race, a sort of mark your card for them to follow and hopefully we can nail a few winners too. Have managed to make a profit for them for the last three years so this year the pressure really is on, but am sure I'll be blagging a few beers off them later.

Another oppurtunity has arisen to provide some notes and thoughts on the eyecatchers at the meeting and again I assure you it's not the ladies, that they are after. What's going to win next time is the aim and hopefully I can make a note of some future profitable punts for the likes of Royal Ascot.

Finding winners lately has been a bit of a task and at Epsom it's no easier, but it's all part of the challenge to test your mettle and much more rewarding, when you do nail one or two.
Epsom is a unique test and not every horse will act around this idiosynchratic track, as it's all about being balanced and having the right blend of speed and stamina.
It's always good to look for animals that have performed well around here before and are targeted at certain races again. Form around similar tracks like Brighton and Lingfield is no bad thing either.

So here goes, here's the rundown of what the boys in the tent will be getting. I'll be lauded or in hiding come the end of the day.

1.40 Princess Elizabeth Stakes Group 3 Fillies & Mares 1m 1/2 f

Very difficult start to the day but the one I like is CLINICAL, she was 3rd in this race last year and looks like she has been aimed at it again. Had some great form last season but looked a big baby to me, sure to have strenghtened up over the winter and the fact connections kept her in training as a 4-year-old is interesting. She won a Listed race last year and could have been packed off to the paddocks. Trainer's horses are running well too and if one man can lay a horse out after a long break to win it's Sir Mark Prescott. Each way claim.

2.15 Investec Wealth and Investment Handicap 1m 2f

With Kieren Fallon making the effort to ride at near his lowest riding weight it's always worth a look at his mount. BORUG ran really well last year without winning and has had three runs already this year without success. However his last run caught the eye when a staying on sixth of twenty at Newmarket and if kept a bit handier this time can keep on late for a place at the very least. Has cheekpieces back on and with Fallon booked, who rides Epsom well, all looks in place for a big run. Resurge won this race last year and should go well again, but I do like Borug.

2.50 Investec Diomed Stakes Group 3 1m 1/2f

Old boy Mac Love is a favourite of mine as he landed this at 14-1 in 2009 and was tipped up too, however at 11 must be on the wain. Favourite Worthadd will be tough to beat, but the one I will be having a punt on is DANCE AND DANCE. He won a handicap over course and distance here last season and looks sure to go close to landing this prize despite the rise in grade. Has had a couple of runs this season and looks ready to strike, the fact Ryan Moore has been booked is eyecatching too as he has ridden Marcret the last twice, but jumps on the selection here. Could still be improving and with course form will run well again, giving the favourite most to do. Will back him each way and in a forecast with the favourite.

3.25 Investec Mile Handicap 1m 1/2f

Again Kieren Fallon is riding off a low weight and Prince Jock shouldn't be ignored, but the one I really like is HIGHLAND KNIGHT. Was second in this very race last year so we know he handles the course no problem and looks as if he's been laid out to go close again. Backed him for the Spring Cup but he didn't like the soft ground and a return to better ground can see him improve from that run and must have a great chance of hitting the frame again. His biggest danger could be his owner's other horse Norse Blues, who has won around Epsom before and is worth a little saver, with man of the moment James Doyle booked.

4.05 Investec Oaks Group 1 1m 4f

The highlight of the day and I think the winner will come from the Lingfield Oaks Trial run last month. The winner that day VOW won really well despite running as green as grass and will have come on a ton for that run. She may have problems coping with this track but looks really high class to me and with Johnny Murtagh onboard will go close. He rides Epsom better than most, and if he can settle Vow early doors, her proven stamina and turn of foot will see her bolt up.She has to improve to trouble some of her rivals, but I have doubts about most of them. Maybe may have problems staying this far, The Fugue's form has a few holes in it and Kissed may not like the good ground. The biggest danger and each way play has to be COLIMA. She was second to Vow at Lingfield in that trial, which is always a good indicator for this race. She caught my eye travelling really well and stayed on strongly when jockey Jim Crowley asked her to get involved. She has a very similar profile to Ralph Beckett's Look Here who was second in the same race and went on to win this one. Sure to stay this trip, will hopefully improve for tackling better ground and has a jockey oboard who rides Epsom really well. Hopefully these two will battle it out, with Kailani staying on late for third.

4.50 Investec Surrey Stakes Listed Race 7f

You have to respect a three time course and distance winner and thats exactly what PRODUCER is. Rattled up a hat-trick here last year and looks cherry ripe to land this prize with a run under his belt. Ran over two furlongs further in a Listed race at Newmarket(form working out well) last time, the drop back to 7f is sure to benefit and a better showing is expected. Has to improve on figures and Fallen For You must be a danger, but this one's profile screams plot-up job and course form is worth it's weight in gold around here. Should go close.

5.25 Investec Asset Management Handicap 7f

The getting out of jail stakes and if I haven't nailed a winner or two, will be long gone before the lynch mob catch up with me. However have to have a poke as it's all part of the fun. A devilishly difficult race and my best advice would be keep your winnings in your pocket, but if you have to have a punt MY SHARONA might be worth a tiny bit on each way. She has only a 7 furlong good to firm win to her name and thats what she'll get here. Has to improve on all ratings but caught my eye running behind a winning punt at Epsom last month.That race was a poor handicap on soft ground over a longer trip than this but she gave the winner that day a load of weight. However she showed a good attitude once headed to cling on for second place and the drop back in trip on better ground will surely help. As I said before, course form!

Anyway there you have it, hopefully a tidy profit to play up tomorrow on Derby Day.

Good luck and happy punting.

Randy.

THE 2012 GRAND NATIONAL;DAY OF LEGEND

2012-04-14T01:51:00.001-07:00

The greatest steeplechase race of the year is here and for around ten minutes around 4.15pm there is no need to be anywhere else other than in front of the telly, thats if your not there, that is.

The Grand National is under pressure from all angles and whilst there are a lot of issues to deal with, it is surely the greatest spectacle in racing. Last year was a bad year for the race with horses sadly killed and the bad press, but no stone has been left unturned to make the race as safe as possible. Enjoy it for what it is, ten minutes of drama, dreams, excitement, pleasure and hope, hope you might win a few bob.

I have loved the National ever since 1977, when one of my dad's mates put a bet on for me. I gave him £2 of my paper round money to put on his choice and watched the race with the whole family. His selection was the legendary Red Rum and when the great horse roared in to win the race for the third time, the buzz was amazing. The £20 winnings bought a hell of lot of subbuteo teams,most notably Liverpool & Barcelona, the grandstand & floodlights and I have been hooked ever since.

The once a year punters will be out in force, the old grannies will be clogging up the tills in the bookies and old mates will be coming out of the woodwork looking for tips.

The race is like no other and whilst it is a lottery and you need a lot of luck, it has fallen to the classier types in recent years. This year's Gold Cup winner Synchronised has got a great chance, as has last year's winner Ballabriggs and both will go close, but picking either one of those is too easy.

I like to find one with a story, so for what its worth heres my three against the field.

1.PLANET OF SOUND;10yo Trainer P.Hobbs
Three years ago at Aintree I had the first five winners on the first day of the Aintree meeting and was in line for the jackpot and placepot. The final leg was Planet Of Sound. The favourite fell at the first and this one was cruising along, I was watching it in the Corals in the town with a couple of old boys and they were of the opinion I had it in the bag. Planet Of Sound hit the front and I nearly had a coronary, however he hit the last fence and faded into third.
I had the placepot up which paid £79, but the agony of how close I was, was when the jackpot dividend came up......£20K and change.
Phil the ex-jockey in the bookies laughed and said
"You'll have a long white beard down to your knees, before you get that close again!"
Needed that comment, it was like a knife into my gutted gut!
Anyway this horse has a serious chance, is a Grade 1 winner has been laid out for the race, has run two good trials in the Hennessy and King George and the stable is flying. Likes a flat track on goodish ground and if getting into a nice rythymn will go close and pay me back, its karma I tell you.

2.ALWAYS RIGHT 10yo Trainer J.Wade
This one has been a long term fancy of mine for the race after he ran a blinder in last year's Scottish National when beaten only a length into 3rd. Showed he had the stamina as that trip was over 4 miles and is a strong fancy. Has since been disappointing since, but has had a little operation to help his breathing and if that works he has a major chance. Looks like hes been laid out for the race too and can go close. Always Waining won The Topham over the big fences yesterday, what price the double?
Also when it comes to National, I'd like to think I am ....always right.

3.RARE BOB 10yo trainer Dessie Hughes
This one has a great chance despite his silly odds.Have had a bit on at 40's and when he drifted to 50's had to have a little more. Has run well at Aintree before and looks to have the right profile for the race. Has won a Grade 1, has been placed in an Irish Grand National, has hammered the fancied Organisedconfusion in the past, is the right age and looks like hes been laid out for the race. Caught the eye last time when staying on nicely and would have given the one time favourite for this race Prince de Beauchene a fright at last year's meeting but for unseating late on. Trainer Dessie Hughes has gone close in the past and is due a change of fortune. Whether he will stay well enough to win is one thing, but he will give us a good spin for our money. Likes to race up with the pace so hopefully can keep out of trouble and who knows what may happen on the second circuit. The final piece of the jigsaw is that hes the only one of the field I have captured in action and Tom Segal, Mr Pricewise, has tipped him up too....great minds and all that!

The legendary late Ginger McCain, trainer of Red Rum and father of Ballabriggs trainer Donald holds court in 2010. This year's Grand National meeting won't be the same without him. It's somewhat ironic it's the Beebs final coverage.

Calgary Bay is another fancy, but you can have ten stabs at this race and not back the winner.

Enjoy the spectacle, hopefully both human and equine participants return home safely, a new legend will be borne.

May the horse be with you.

Randy.

Free Tips on Olbg.com http://goo.gl/fsLNa

AND BREATH.......................ITS ALL OVER!THANK GOD!

2012-03-16T14:08:00.000-07:00

Thank God it's all over! A desperate day punting today, but it was always going to be a bookies day.

The festival is over and I for one thank the lord that wallet, marriage and liver just about have made it through a week of massive over indulgence.

I have spent my whole working life fitting and working in toilets and to have OLBG back up mine and other tipster's judgements by putting up their views in the khazi's at the Cheltenham Festival was absolute genius. The thought of geezers reading your thoughts on the races whilst holding their old boy will live with me for a long, long time. The fact that 8 out of 10 tips were landed tells you there are some seriously knowledgable tipsters on Olbg.com, anyone can share in this and its all for free. Even made The Belfast Telegraph!

I had been tipping Rock On Ruby up to anyone who would listen for at least a couple of months and when he bolted up in the Champion Hurdle I was chuffed to bits. However the one who paid for the whole week was Alfie Sherrin who I'd backed at 40's, 33's, 25's and 14's, the fact I was on the winning post and got a wave from winning jockey Richie McLernon made it the most amazing bet I think I have ever had! This pic will be a framed shot one day!
Its been great to catch up with fellow @OLBG members and I for one can't wait to see the promo video, I hope too much of my ad-libbing doesn't end up on the cutting room floor!

Anyway well done to Olbg for sponsoring the Mares Hurdle on Tuesday and well done to all the members who have got involved in the spirit of the festival. Olbg even manage to donate a few bob to worthwhile charities and give out real cash prizes. Get involved because it's a great community spirit and in this day and age, getting something for nothing is rare old treat!

Good Luck and roll on next year! Please re-tweet to fellow members. All photos on http://randyrann.foliopic.com are up for sale for a small fee and for every pic sold I will make a donation to Olbg's chosen charity.

Yours very tired and emotional

Randy Rann

FESTIVAL FEVER REACHES FEVER PITCH!

2012-03-12T03:21:00.001-07:00

There is only sometimes of the year when whatever your bag is takes over all rational thoughts in your mind and mine is here. I know that to many The Cheltenham Festival means absolutely nothing, but a quarter of million punters will make their way to the natural amphitheatre in The Cotswolds, Gloucestershire, that is Cheltenham racecourse.

Ever since I made my first visit in 1998 I have made it a point to get back there for at least one day of the festival, to enjoy a day's racing that I don't believe is equalled anywhere else in the world. I am sure even The Melbourne Cup in November, the race that stops a nation, would be hard pushed to rival this gig for atmosphere.

Much to the detriment to the rest of the national hunt season all roads lead to these magical four days and I for one am good for nothing during this week except trying to earn my weeks wages by punting my way through the devilishly hard races. However more often than not I have just about survived with wallet, marriage and liver intact and if that happens this year, I will take it now.

I would suggest to anyone who has never attended a day at this special meeting is to do it at least once, the atmosphere, the noise, the entertainment is second to none. These four days are truly the equine Olympics and every owner, trainer, jockey, stable lad or lass goes there with the sole wish to end up in the hallowed winner's enclosure. That's what makes this meeting great for a punter, you know anything you back, no matter at what odds, is busting a gut to gain immortality as a Cheltenham Festival winner.

The thousands of Irishmen who make their annual pilgrimage here only add to the mix and when the tapes go up on Tuesday at about 1.30pm to signal the start of the Supreme Novice Hurdle, the roar may even be heard back in their homeland. Without them it just wouldn't be the same, must have Irish blood in my pedigree somewhere!

I will be there to experience this and it will be great to meet up with old friends and have the "craic."

This year see's the inaugural running of The Olbg sponsored Mare's race and well done to Olbg.com for backing a race here. I was lucky enough to land their Cheltenham tipster challenge in 2011 and a more than handy £500 came my way, which was much appreciated.
Anyone can enter the tipping challenge and have a crack at it, it's all free. Check them out on twitter at @Olbg or http://www.olbg.com and register, it's easy.

My list of ante-post bets is as long as my arm and some are great, some are good, some are bad and some are in the bin already, but there is definitely some big wins in there I am sure.
Check them out on http://goo.gl/fsLNa.

For what it's worth here's a few golden rules I stick too and that I try my best to follow, it will help you survive, what can be a marathon nightmare, if you lose your discipline.

1. Don't listen to hype. The rumours that fly around are normally Chinese Whispers from people who have heard it third or fourth hand.Back your own judgement and don't change your mind.
2.Back more than one in a race, if you land a winner at this meeting you will be doing well and sometimes there is value to be had with a couple, at decent odds running for you.
3.Don't punt in every race, you need to survive for four days and if you chase too hard too early it could be game over. As the great Kenny Rogers once sang " You gotta know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em, know when to walk away and know when to run." He was talking about cards but those wise words will serve you well here.
4.Look for runners with past festival form, it's a unique test here and horses who run well at previous festivals, do so time and time again.
5.Back a coincidence name if it means something to you, because the formbook can get turned on it's head here. Last year I nailed the Cheltenham Bumper winner because his name was Cheltenian and I had no other view on the race. It won at the very nice odds of 14-1.
6..Enjoy the experience, punting is meant to be fun and can be seriously satisfying if you land a winner, but it's just as important to leave with happy memories.

Anyway heres a few fancies for day one, Tuesday 13th March.

1.30 WILLIAM HILL SUPREME NOVICES HURDLE
Usually there is a short priced favourite here, normally a banker that will get the punters off to a flyer or fill the bookies satchels. However this year is the most open race in years and the two I like are Steps to Freedom and GALLILEO'S CHOICE. The first named is a course and distance winner and looks laid out for this, but hasn't run for 123 days. It may be the plan, but I can't help thinking he would have run at least once this year. Normally horses that have had a cotton wool approach to this meeting have been stuffed. It's a tough place to come and win if your not 110% fit, but his trainer has done it before and he should go close.GALLILEO'S CHOICE was a better rated flat horse than Steps To Freedom and had better form, he once chased home Fame And Glory, the multi Group 1 and Ascot Gold Cup winner. He also nearly landed a Grade 1 race in Ireland on soft ground and the quicker conditions will surely suit this classy sort. He has had a recent run and has the right profile, could be good value at around 8-1.His trainer is a master but has only had 1 festival winner, he is surely due one.

2.05 RACING POST ARKLE CHASE
The dogs and their wives have been barking that Sprinter Sacre is the next Pegasus and it's hard to disagree on what he has shown this season. He has bolted up on the bridle on flatter tracks and does look something special. However he got beat up the hill here last year and is so exuberant he may not get up that hill again.He hasn't jumped a fence around Cheltenham and though he could have jumped this field silly, I can't see him being that far clear of AL FEROF, that that one hasn't at least got a chance of outstaying him up the hill after jumping the last. The fact that the bookie Paddy Power will refund all losing bets if Sprinter Sacre wins gives you hope for AL FEROF as they rarely get it wrong when they take one on. Cousin Vinny, Dunguib & Cue Card were three shorties who were beaten after Paddy Power had took them on. I have been all over this one all season and tipped him up at 10s on Olbg and have backed him each way at 10's,8's,5's and 11-4 so he could make or break my start to this years battle with the bookies. Connections really rate this one and whilst the likes of Peddler's Cross have been scared off by Sprinter Sacre they are not afraid to take him on. Ran a decent race in The Grade 1 Victor Chandler last time against the older and smart Somersby and Finian's Rainbow. Jockey Ruby Walsh gave him a good sighter that day and never knocked him about, so I am sure there is more to come from this one, who can win. Has experience of the Cheltenham fences, has finished 2nd & 1st at the last 2 festivals and is a definite finisher up that hill. Has been punted off the boards and trades at around 5-2, which to me is still a fair price.

2.40 JLT SPECIALITY HANDICAP CHASE
This race is a very competitive handicap and a case can be made for many of these but one that really catches my eye is TULLAMORE DEW. I have backed this one at the last 2 Cheltenham Festivals and he hasn't let me down finishing placed both times. Ran a screamer last time when he nearly reeled in the smart Massini's Maguire to finish a very close 2nd. This 3m 1/2 furlong trip will surely suit and he can stay on again for a place at the very least. Have backed him at 14-1 and he must go close. The final tick in his strong fancy box is whilst in Australia recently, my wife's cousin's husband pulled out a vintage bottle of Tullamore Dew his dad gave him. The bottle apparently dates back from 1968, the year I was born! Had to back him after that!

3.20 STAN JAMES CHAMPION HURDLE
The highlight of day one and this one looks like Hurricane Fly's race to lose. He won so well last year that he looks sure to take this if anywhere near that level again. Has only run once this season and could not have been anymore impressive when landing The Irish Champion Hurdle. Will go off a very short price but deserves to do so. The one doubt I have is that it wasn't a great race last year and he basically beat three stayers in Peddler's Cross, Oscar's Whisky and Thousand Stars. Also big outsider Clerk's Choice was too close up too, so not sure the form is that special. Should win and worth a win bet, but the one who really catches my eye at the prices is ROCK ON RUBY. His trainer really wants to win this race and puts up a strong challenge to the favourite and this one looks his best prospect, in my opinion. I put this one up on Olbg at 20-1 and had a little each way on it then. I backed it again at 14's and again today at 12's. I can't believe he is a bigger price than stablemate Zarkander on a form line through Raya Star (who will go well later in the week). Also nearly caught Binocular last time at Kempton and this return to Cheltenham will surely see him improve and go very close to beating Binocular, who is over half his price.Nearly won The Neptune last year over 2m 5f here at the Cheltenham festival and was dead unlucky to be nutted on the line. That race has always been a decent trial for The Champion Hurdle the following year with past winners Istabraq and Hardy Eustace going on to land the big one as well as 2010 winner Peddler's Cross going close last year.Apart from pushing Binocular close last time ROCK ON RUBY bolted up in the Gerry Fielden at Newbury under a welter burden. Clearly on the upgrade, connections are sweet on him and he should be nearer 6-1 in my book. Might have to back him again!

Hopefully these four will get me off to a decent start and get me in the running for the Olbg tipster prize for the second year in a row.

The rest of the card doesn't really float my boat but these should go well

4.00 GLENFARCLAS CROSS COUNTRY
Last year's winner SIZING AUSTRALIA looks an each way punt to nothing at around 5s.

4.40 OLBG MARES HURDLE
Quevega will win. Chased home hopefully by KELLS BELLE and KENTFORD GREY LADY for each way money.

5.15 PULTENEY LAND INVESTMENTS HANDICAP HURDLE
Too hard for me, will do a Kenny Rogers and go to The Centaur for a pint and a dance!

So there you have it, first day sorted.

Let battle commence

Happy punting

Randy.

Follow on Twitter @Randy_Rann. Please Re-Tweet this if you like it.

AMAZING GREYS

2012-01-21T01:39:00.000-08:00

With the spectacle that is the all encompassing Cheltenham Festival less than two months away, and festival fever gripping everyone who is involved or in love with horse racing, I thought it was time to have a review of my ante-post portfolio.In addition, I have gone through a lot of the races to try and unearth a few gems as there is nothing better than going into the battle that is Cheltenham with a few favourable vouchers burning a hole in your pocket. What struck me this year is the number of grey horses with outstanding chances in tons of the races. Whilst this may not be unusual, I really can't believe there have been so many of the housewife's favourites featuring so prominently at the top of so many markets. The sight of those grey ghosts charging up the hill a la One Man, Desert Orchid, Rooster Booster,Detroit City et al is a joy to see. Here we go through a seemingly endless list of great white hopes.

AL FEROF.(Trained by Paul Nicholls, a 7-y-o gelding.)

This novice is so well thought off he is set to take on more experienced rivals in today's Victor Chandler Chase and will surely go very close. The Arkle against fellow novices looks the safest option but if he bolts up in Ascot's big race, then connections will surely think of going for The Queen Mother Champion Chase. Has blinding festival form as was 2nd in the Bumper, two years ago before going on to land last year's Supreme. I'd rather see him go for the Arkle as he'll surely have a better chance in that, but the stable obviously think they have something special here.Whether he can beat the likes of Finians's Rainbow today remains to be seen, but this is a very smart horse.

GRANDS CRUS(Martin Pipe 7yo gelding) Here's another novice who may take on the big boys in this years Gold Cup. Is a most progressive sort who has taken to jumping fences well and looks sure to run well at the festival. Would rather see him run in the RSA Chase this year, where he would be the likely favourite, but with not much strength in depth in the Gold Cup its understandable connections are thinking of a crack at the big one. Was a good 2nd in last year's World Hurdle behind the legendary Big Bucks and at one stage was travelling so well I thought he may even win. This one is high class. We'll see him next week at Cheltenham and that will tell us more.

DIVERS (Ferdy Murphy, 8yo gelding) Is obviously a spring horse with a preference for good ground.Should get those conditions in March. Won the Centenary at last year's festival and will run well wherever he goes this year. Ran a cracker in the Paddy Power Chase on ground softer than ideal before disappointingly unseating in the Spinal Research Handicap back at Cheltenham. Will be freshened up and may go for the Byrne Plate or Ryanair over a course and distance that will suit.Having Graham Lee back in the saddle will be a bonus.

BABY MIX (Tom George 4yo gelding) Have backed this one at 8-1 for the Triumph Hurdle on the strength of his win back in December where he beat the well regarded Hinterland very easily. What impressed that day was the way he travelled and jumped, he looks the one to beat. Will hopefully run in the JCB Triumph Hurdle trial race at Cheltenham next week and if he wins that nicely, 8s will look value.

BARBATOS (Ian Williams 5yo gelding) was very impressed with this ones win last time where he came away very strongly from a decent enough field at Cheltenham on New Year's Day. Has ground to make up on the very smart Fingal Bay, but has a lot of scope and can improve back on good ground. Around 16-1 for the Neptune Hurdle is cracking each way value, as long as he turns up for that race. Trainer rates this horse highly.

SIMONSIG ( Nicky Henderson, 5yo gelding.) Was 2nd to Fingal Bay on bad ground at Sandown last time not beaten far and was in turn, miles clear of Barbatos, back in 3rd. Has good form on good ground and is a point to point winner so looks to have plenty of stamina, a trait that is often required to land the Supreme Novice Hurdle. Around 14s for that and hopefully he'll take up that option, as I have backed it! Been a bit of talking horse and will be good each way value wherever he goes.

The Pertemps Hurdle is often won by a progressive staying type and the two who catch my eye so far are OUR FATHER (David Pipe 6yo gelding) and SIVOLA DE SIVOLA (Tom George 6yo gelding). Our Father hasn't finished out of the first two in all four outings and has some nice bits of form carrying big weights. Looks sure to run well, as will Sivola de Sivola who is also improving at a rapid rate of knots.

Apparently been working well and wasn't beaten too far at last years festival behind Bob's Worth.

GREAT ENDEAVOUR (David Pipe 8yo gelding) Won the Paddy Power Chase very impressively this season, before disappointing the next two times. However both of those could be excused as he probably didn't stay in the Hennessy and then was hampered next time at Cheltenham. Has good festival form as won the Byrne Plate gamely in 2010 and would have been placed last year but for a late fall in the Spinal Research. A fast run 2m5f on goodish ground looks ideal and the Ryanair could be his target for which he is around 14s. Like his chances if freshened up for a spring campaign.

THOUSAND STARS (Willie Mullins 7yo gelding) This one ran a cracker to be 4th behind classy stablemate Hurricane Fly in last season's Champion Hurdle, getting a bit outpaced before staying on late. won the County Hurdle in 2010 so is another who likes the festival in March. Stays further and is very consistent and I would like to see him run in the World Hurdle, where reigning champ Big Bucks can't be opposed, but at 10-1 with William Hills is blinding each way value.

ZAYNAR (Nick Williams 7yo gelding) This one has been called a few names in the past, but a change of scenery seems to rejuvenated him and Nick Williams has done wonders with this horse. Won the Triumph Hurdle really impressively and was placed in a Champion Hurdle too, so likes the festival in March.Cut no ice in last season's World Hurdle, but the switch to fences seems to have improved him. Won a good novice chase at Ascot last time and the 3rd and 4th in that race have won races since. Part owner Victor Chandler would surely like him to win on his big day at Ascot and if he goes well could be a lively one for Cheltenham.

A couple of others out today at Ascot who have caught my eye are KENTFORD GREY LADY(Emma Lavelle 6yo Mare) and SMAD PLACE (Alan King 5yo gelding) and both have great chances today. The mare has been mightily impressive in two wins this season and is a short priced favourite to enhance her reputation today. A win will see her shorten up for the Mare's race at the festival , she's around 16s at the moment and she could be the best of the English against the Irish hotpots. Smad Place has massive potential as a chaser and will probably need the run, but keep an eye on this one as he is still young enough to develop into a top notcher. Hasn't run since last season's festival but looks sure to run well in an open race today especially as the step up in trip looks sure to suit.

The final one is a bit of a dark one, or a more ghostly white to be precise but I have to include him on this list. Many will scoff but NACARAT (Tom George 11yo gelding) is a rather interesting entry in the Queen Mother Champion Chase. I fancied him for last year's Ryanair but he bypassed Cheltenham as the track doesn't play to his strengths, however a fast run 2 mile championship race will be the more exhilerating if this bold jumping grey is bowling along in front. He will probably run at Kempton first in the old Racing Post Chase, but I would love to see him run at Cheltenham on ground that is likely to suit. Hoping he may hold on for a place is wishful thinking, but who can forget One Man taking the Queen Mum after disappointing in the Gold Cup or the great Desert Orchid battling to Gold Cup success on a track that didn't play to his strengths. The ghosts of Cheltenham's past may well be re-lived through some of these and I'm sure a few bob each way on these will return a profit.

All comments gladly received.

Yours grey-tfully

Randy.

Free tips are on olbg.com and all ante-posts are on http://goo.gl/fsLNa

If you like the photos please have a look at http://randyrannracing.foliopic.com/

MONDAY 23rd JANUARY 2011, Weekend's Report

What a nice weekend. The greys didn't let us down with Smad Place the highlight with a 7-1 win. Al Ferof ran as well as expected in the Victor Chandler and now heads to Cheltenham a major player for the Arkle. Kentford Grey Lady I thought was a bit unlucky in 2nd and is still a nice each way poke for the festival wherever she turns up. Zaynar ran well for a long way before finishing 4th and is another who could still go well at the festival.

Yet another grey to add to the list is CHAMPAGNE FEVER (Willie Mullins 5yo gelding) who was very impressive in winning the flat race at Fairyhouse yesterday. Whether he is ready for the hurly burly of the Cheltenham Bumper yet is one thing, but if he turns up there should run well as has massive potential.

A couple more to mention are both from Alan King's yard. MEDERMIT (8yo gelding) & WALKON (7yo gelding) as both of these have excellent Cheltenham form. Medermit might need a step up in trip to 3 miles and not sure what race he could go for but maybe the Ryanair over 2m5f will suit as it takes some getting. Walkon was disappointing last time but back on good ground at the festival will definitely run a big race. Was 2nd to Zaynar in a Truimph Hurdle once.

One thing for sure is I'm looking forward to Cheltenham in March and am counting down the days.

Randy

MY 2011-2012 TOTESPORT TEN TO FOLLOW

2011-11-12T03:36:00.000-08:00

The National Hunt season has been underway for some time now but, what has gone before hasn't added up to a hill of beans and the real start is The Paddy Power meeting which has just got underway at the mecca that is Cheltenham and as ever all roads lead to The Festival back there in March. The Totesport Ten To follow kicked off too, which tells you the significance of this meeting,and now the real big guns come out to play. As per usual there are hundreds of lists of ten flying about and as I have entered this comp every single National Hunt season the following ten are the ones all dreams are pinned on. With a guaranteed prize of a cool quarter of a million quid up for grabs and the ten grand prizes along the way, enjoy the ride to all who have entered and please leave your comments.

So here goes, hopefully this ten, some not original but guaranteed heavy points scorers will lead to a healthy profit as well as Cheltenham 2012 Festival Glory.

AL FEROF(left); 6yo Paul Nicholls. This horse has been to the last two Cheltenham festivals finishing 2nd in the Bumper and 1st in the Supreme Novices. All he did in that win in March was stay, and with the switch to fences can come back next year to have a crack at the Arkle.The ability to stay further than the bare 2 miles has always been handy in races like the Arkle and the fact that championship pace suits, he will develop into a strong contender.Will be intriguing to see how he fares on Sunday and has the likes of Peddlers Cross and Menorah to deal with, but I reckon he'll prove best of the lot.

HURRICANE FLY(above); 7yo Willie Mullins. The reigning Champion Hurdler and though there will be plenty of new challengers like Spirit Son, Oscars Wells and The Real Article, they will all have to improve massively to trouble "The Fly". Won with something in hand last March and can mop up the bonus races in Ireland before coming back and defending his title.

DIVERS (left); 7yo Ferdy Murphy. I saw this one win the Centenary at The Festival back in March and with his connections thought straight away, plot up Paddy Power Chase.Trainer Ferdy Murphy produced L'Antartique to do the same double and has a good chance to do it again with Divers. Is a 7yo second season chaser, a course and distance winner with a low weight and looks the ideal sort for the race. Travelled well off the pace back in March before winning, in my opinion, with a bit in hand. Ran a poor race on his seasonal debut at Carlisle, but surely will come on a ton for that and on better ground has a cracking each way chance in The Paddy Power Chase, despite drifting in the market.

FIRST LIEUTENANT;6yo Mouse Morris. Won the Neptune at The Festival and all he did was stay on strongly up the Cheltenham hill. I had backed Rock On Ruby in that race and thought he had it won, but this one, after looking in trouble, roared up the stiff finish and nabbed the prize on the line. Will be the right age in March to be a strong contender for the 3m RSA Chase. Trainer is getting plenty of experience into him and he definitely looks a chaser to follow.

HIDDEN CYCLONE;6yo J.Hanlon. Was only beaten once as a hurdler, finishing a close 3rd in a Grade 1 in Ireland behind First Lieutenant and Zaidpour, and that is smart form. Trainer reckons this one could be a Gold Cup horse of the future and the switch to chasing will surely bring out more improvement. To me, he too could develop into a RSA Chase horse himself.

AITEEN THIRTYTHREE; 7yo Paul Nicholls. This one has Hennessy Gold Cup written all over him and have already backed him at 10-1 for that race. Loves Newbury and with a satisfactory comeback run under his belt behind the smart Somersby, looks to have a big shout back at that track in a couple of weeks. Didn't like Cheltenham in last season's RSA and a flatter track seems to suit better. Could run well at Aintree too.

CAPTAIN CHRIS; 7yo Philip Hobbs. The world is this ones oyster and he has so many options, tripwise. He can go anywhere and win. Seems to prefer right handed tracks and a trip, but still managed to win the Arkle last season and can build on that this year to become a major presence within the chasing division. Could develop into a Gold Cup horse and a run in the King George at Kempton will tell us more. Could even take the Ryanair over 2m5f if connections don't fancy a crack at the big one this season. Should have won on seasonal debut at Exeter this season, but unluckily jockey Richard Johnson unseated, however the leap he made at the last told you he had loads left in the tank.

FINIANS RAINBOW;8yo Nicky Henderson. Lovely big scopy chaser and chased home Captain Chris in last season's Arkle after looking all over the winner at one point. Looks to be a real star in the 2mile Championship races this year and can go well in races like The Tingle Creek at Sandown and the Queen Mother Champion Chase.

The last two, pick themselves as they surely have no peers.

LONG RUN;6yo Nicky Henderson. Won the King George and the greatest Gold Cup I can remember last season and all this as such a young horse. Can win both again this year as his main rivals Kauto Star and Denman are too long in the tooth to trouble him now. If he stays clear of injury he will be at the top of the tree for a long time to come and will end up a "Legend".

BIG BUCKS; 8yo Paul Nicholls. Legendary status already hangs around this one's neck and all roads lead back to Cheltenham for a crack at The World Hurdle. Will surely win that for the fourth time before either going chasing or coming back for a fifth one. One of my favourites of all time, it is unbelievable to think he is only eight and if he stays sweet will again prove himself unbeatable.

There you have it a fine list of horses and one that will take some beating. Enjoy the season and happy punting.

Randy.

BREEDER'S CUP 2011; COME FORTH GOLDIKOVA,CHURCHILL DOWNS

2011-11-04T11:19:00.000-07:00

The Great Mare Goldikova Will Be Walking Off To The Paddocks.

The 2011 Breeder's Cup is upon us and to be fair its all about one horse, Champion French Super-Mare Goldikova. She bids for an unprecedented fourth successive Breeder's Cup Mile tomorrow night and as one of my favourite horses of all time, I, as millions of others do, hope she does win and win in style.

Even the Americans, who aren't too partial to the Europeans coming over and plundering their prize money, love this wonder horse, who will be retired after the race and off to the most eligible studs in the racing world.

Her form this season, some say isn't as good as past seasons, but its all about tomorrow night and that fourth history making win at the Breeder's Cup. Any horse that had won two Group 1 races and been touched off in another three by top notchers Canford Cliffs, Immortal Verse and Dream Ahead would be a stone cold certainty, but such is her reputation, some have doubts.

I say, she can't be beat, but that may be the heart ruling the head and by gaining stall 1 she should get a clear run, so there will be no excuses. I took 5-2, which looks a big price now and on a track that suits she will be very hard to beat, as its surely in the stars.

I have been hooked on The Breeder's Cup ever since living legend Lester Piggott came out of his enforced exile to win on Royal Academy for his old boss, Vincent O'Brien in 1990. The A-Z since reads Arazi-Zenyatta, who's individual come from last to first victories and near victory are both still fresh in the memory.

I love, (who doesn't) French fillies and this year again, there are a few who have massive chances and this Yankee yankee should hopefully reap dividends for some much needed funds. So for what its worth here's my fancies

1. ANNOUNCE; Filly & Mare Turf, Friday
This one looks sure to go really close as is a closer (as the Americans say) in her races and can finish with a late burst and nail this close home. Was beaten by Nahrain in France and takes that one on again here, but looked unlucky that day and should reverse the form. At around 5-1 looks a cast-iron each way chance and as long as the track stays quite quick should go very very close. Has some superb form in France with Sarafina and Champions Day winner Cirrus Des Aigles.

2.SARAFINA; Turf, Saturday
Looked unlucky to me in the Prix De L'Arc de Triomphe finishing with good effect from a poor draw.This race will be run to suit and with her fine finishing kick can again take this close home. Is a fine-looking filly and the fact she runs on the Saturday against her male counterparts means she must be well fancied. There are niggling doubts about all her opposition and her form with the aforementioned Cirrus Des Aigles means the 5-2 looks good value. I thinks she can win well and take over the mantle, from Goldikova, as the Breeder's Cup pin-up.

3.GOLDIKOVA; Mile, Saturday
The wonder mare has to win, going for her fourth successive Breeder's Cup Mile, she will go very close. There is nothing wrong with her form this year and I am hoping history will be made, shame this wasn't the very last race on the card, to give her the chance to close out the meeting with a heart warming victory. To me her only danger in the race is the improving Byword, but she's beaten that one before.

4.HAVRE DE GRACE; Classic, Saturday
The final leg of the yankee and hopefully with three winners in the bag this filly can upset the two fancied ones Uncle Mo and So You Think. Uncle Mo may not stay the 1m2f trip and hasn't been a well horse either so is looked over and though So You Think is a very tough horse he has had some some strenuos races this season. He was just beaten by the horse who's name keeps cropping up, Cirrus Des Aigles on Champion's Day, but has never run on dirt, if he acts on it will surely go close, but again I will pass him over.
Havre de Grace has won her last two in Grade 1 company, the last one by over 8 lengths and but for a nose defeat would have won all of her last 6 races. hasn't got a great draw, but can hopefully emulate her sire Saint Liam, who won this very race in 2005. The fact connections run her in the Classic when there is easier pickings on the Filly & Mare's day on Friday means she is well fancied. At around 9-2 is a corking each way bet.

There you have it, hopefully a profit can be made, but win, lose or draw it will be a fitting send off for the great horse that is Goldikova, who can then go forth and multiply.

Happy punting,

Randy

ROYAL ASCOT 2011.GOLD CUP DAY

2011-06-16T02:26:00.000-07:00

Gold Cup Day always envokes memories of the great Yeats, who won four Gold Cups and has been immortalised with a statue in the hallowed winner's enclosure.Luckily I was there to witness the great horse's fourth triumph and the reception he got that day was quite something. Today his stable's Fame And Glory bids to take over the mantle from his illustrious predecessor.It has to be taken on trust that this one will stay the gruelling two and a half mile trip.I think he will but if he does then the six-year old mare Fictional Account must finsh close up.This horse doesn't have much to find on her two efforts behind Fame And Glory and though obviously not as classy, the fact that her connections have entered her up here, must mean she has an outside chance.She promises to stay this trip, has won over Two miles at the course and won't mind any rain, so even though she has loads to find, a slog around here might just what she wants.Have backed her at 20's each way. I think either way The Gold cup will remain in Ireland.

What a Royal Ascot it has been so far, the first day it was a case of what might have been. My fancies on the opening day, Goldikova and Zigato, were close, but not close enough.Goldikova's jockey Olivier Peslier carried 2lbs extra, but was only beaten a length and Zigato was held up so far back, staying on strongly in the end to grab a fast finishing fourth. a case of one jockey overweight and one jockey over waits! Never mind, watch out for Zigato, well bred, proven at Ascot a definite Gold Cup horse in the making. Frankel though was the highlight and though only just holding on, is still unbeaten and rates a monster.

So You Think on Wednesday being reeled in late by Frankie Dettori on Rewilding, was a great race to watch, but Frankie's use of the whip, won him the prize, but earnt him a ban. its hard to weigh up whats right, the win will go down in history, but the ban won't worry the multi-millionnaire jockey. A case of winning is all that matters.

My Day Three fancies

2.30 Bannoch

3.05 Rumh

3.45 Fame And Glory

Fictional Account EW

Good Luck & Happy Punting.

ROYAL ASCOT 2011.LET BATTLE COMMENCE.

2011-06-13T14:24:00.000-07:00

The highlight of the flat season is nearly upon us and I for one, can not remember a more eagerly awaited festival. This year's meeting has all the hallmarks of being one of the best ever, there seems something for everyone. The opening day, with three Group 1's as the opening three races, whets the appetite in tremendous fashion, especially the very first race of the whole meeting, The Queen Anne Stakes over a mile.
There are some great punting oppurtunities and with a bit of discipline, hopefully a profit to boot. With any luck we can get day one off to a flyer.

My best bets for tomorrow are;

2.30 Queen Anne Stakes(Group 1)1 Mile Straight.

What a battle royal this promises to be. The more I look at the race, the more I think the French super-mare GOLDIKOVA will take the world of beating. Her win on her seasonal debut in the Prix d'Ispahan shows she remains extremely tough to beat.The form of that race has been boosted by the victories of Byword & Cirrus Des Aigles over the last two days and if any rain gets into the ground, I think it will inconvenience her less than chief rival Canford Cliffs.
Some experts are pointing out that Canford Cliffs is better than Paco Boy, from the same stable, and that one ran Goldikova so close in this race last year, but the form of that race looked far stronger than Canford Cliff's victory in the St James's Palace Stakes on the same day over the same course and distance.
The way Goldikova quickened and took lengths out of a genuine Group 1 field was mightily impressive and this was backed up by the clock, as the time was much faster too.
I can see Cape Blanco taking this field along early and if Goldikova can get first run can nail that one close home, leaving Canford Cliff's just a bit too much to do.The 3lb she gets from her main market rival might just be enough for her to hold on for a narrow victory.
13-8 with Hills looks value for a 5pts Win Nap.

3.05 King's Stand Stakes(Group 1)5f

This race looks as open as any race at the whole meeting and is devilishly hard to predict.Any number of horses can take this and how the race will pan out is anyone's guess, however one that catches my eye at a ridiculous price is STONE OF FOLCA. This one ran twice at last year's Royal Ascot finishing a close 4th as a 2yo in both races. Trainer John Best really does know the time of day with his sprinters and will surely have this one primed to run a big race tomorrow. Stone Of Folca, won an egg and spoon race on his seasonal debut at Folkestone and followed that up with a decent effort in the Temple Stakes at Haydock, when finishing 9th behind the well fancied Sole Power. He finished well that day after missing the break and the return to this much stiffer track will surely suit and he can finish a lot closer to Sole power this time. Theres no way he's a 50-1 shot and 3-y-o's have a pretty decent record in this race from not a lot of runners.Hopefully this one can hit the frame, staying on late.
1pt ew on STONE OF FOLCA at 50-1, with a little saver on GROUP THERAPY, who was a staying on 5th in that Temple Stakes and is a course & distance winner too.

3.45 ST.JAMES'S PALACE STAKES(GROUP 1)1 Mile Round

This is all about one horse FRANKEL, who is head and shoulders above this field. A course and distance winner when smashing the oppo in last season's Royal Lodge, he should have no problem beating this field up.The form of all his races have been boosted, including that Royal Lodge, where Treasure Beach who was beaten miles, nearly won this year's Epsom Derby. This year's efforts were boosted too, by Greenham 2nd Excelebration, winning the German 2000 Guineas and the English 2000 Guineas vanquished finishing 1st and 2nd in the Irish version. That performance by Frankel in the 2000 Guineas was simply awesome and with proven track form can break the hearts of these, Dubawi Gold and Excelebration should fill the places.
We're not going to get rich backing this on at long odds on, but just watching should be exciting enough.
2pts double with Goldikova looks a good bet.

5.00 ASCOT STAKES (Handicap) 2 Miles 4f

ZIGATO looks a great bet here.Already a course winner over 2 miles on his 2nd run this season when all he looked like was a progressive stayer in the making. Has been kept relatively fresh for this and as a close relative to the smart filly Sariska could be potentially a top notch prospect himself. Looks a cracking bet at around 5-1 as should hit the frame at least and rates a bet to nothing. 1 pt ew.

Hopefully there are a couple of nice winners in these and let the battle commence.

Happy Punting.

Randy.

2011:POTENTIALLY BEST FLAT SEASON EVER -MY TEN TO FOLLOW

2011-04-30T04:00:00.000-07:00

To me the 2011 Flat season, really has the makings of one of the best ever and the Qipco 2000 Guineas marks the start of the quality stuff.
With some seriously good three-year-olds, from last season kept in training as older horses, taking on some potentially top notch ones this year, there should be some magical clashes later in the season when the young pretenders take on the older brigade.
With the 2011 Flat Totesport Ten To Follow Competition about to start this weekend with the Guineas meeting at Newmarket, its time to air my own particurlar fancies. Every year I have a pop at this comp and the value for money, for a season's long entertainment you will find very hard to beat. I have also set up our own version of the competition, which will give some of South London's finest bar stool tipsters a bit of fun throughout the season and ultimate bragging rights.

So here goes, my ten to go to war with and with all my hopes and dreams pinned on, are as follows;

1.FRANKEL(pictured above) a 3-y-o colt trained by Henry Cecil.
Not original but was top class last season as a 2-y-o and wrapped up a stellar season by taking the Dewhurst in convincing style.This followed his demolition job at Ascot at the QEII meeting, which marked him down as something special. There have been many of these spectacular 2-y-o's that have flattered to deceive and not delivered the goods at three, but I definitely think that this horse is not one of those.He has come out and won the Greenham this season, despite still looking green, in need of the race and having his pacemaker fail to set a strong enough pace for him to settle. The fact he still won marks him down as the real deal, he will come on stacks for that run and surely looks head and shoulders above his rivals for the 2000 Guineas. Trained by the master Henry Cecil, who rates him one of his best ever, he can mop up some top races before he clashes with his elders later in the season. I am not sure that he is an Epsom Derby horse, but that won't stop him winning some big pots this season.

2.WORKFORCE(left) a 4-y-o colt trained by Sir Michael Stoute.

A Derby and Arc winner, kept in training as a 4-y-o by a trainer who has a magic touch of improving horses as they get older is a must have selection. Shown here bravely battling on to win the Prix De L'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp, he can only get better as he ages and given his physical scope for improvement can win some top races this season. Though in the same ownership as Frankel I hope they meet in races like the Eclipse or King George later in the season. That would be a sight to behold.Will be trained to defend his Arc crown in the Autumn.

3.MISTY FOR ME(below) a 3-y-o filly trained by A.O'Brien

Was twice a Group 1 winner last season in the Moyglare on quick ground and the Prix Marcel Boussac on very soft ground, showing herself as very adaptable. Definitely one to watch this season and should run very well in the 1000 Guineas this weekend.Whether she will be ready first time up, is one thing, but she should go close as all she did was improve last backend. Beat the smart Helleborine on her final start last year and with her normally slow starting stable in good form early this season has got a real chance in the fillies classic. Could develop into an Oaks filly, either here or in Ireland.

4.RODERIC O'CONNOR a 3-y-o colt trained by A.O'Brien
There was no shame in finishing 2nd to Frankel in last season's Dewhurst as he did pull clear of the third that day and wasn't beaten too far. Went on to win a Group 1 in France after that run, despite hanging all the way to the line.Can only improve this year and though should run well in the 2000 Guineas where he should finish in the first three, I think 1m2f plus will be his trip. Like his chance in the Epsom Derby as looks more likely than Frankel to be suited by that course as he is not overly big.

5.SEVILLE a 3-y-o colt trained by A.O'Brien
Ran a cracker to finish 2nd to Casamento in last season's Racing Post, where he stayed on really well over the mile trip that day. Bred to stay middle distances, I think this one can go really well in either the English or Irish Derby's, but actually fancy him to develop into a serious St Leger horse later in the season.

6.CANFORD CLIFFS a 4-y-o colt trained by R.Hannon
What a top notch miler this one was last season and added to the way jockey Richard Hughes rides him, is as good a traveller in a race, that I can remember.Will surely win a decent prize this season and races like the Lockinge and the Sussex Stakes are his for the taking.

7.GOLDIKOVA a 6-y-o mare trained by F.Head
Admirable French mare who won some really top races last season, this year will be geared up much the same, with all roads leading to another Breeder's Cup bid. Can shine at Royal Ascot and Longchamp in what could be her final season before heading off to the paddocks to stud.

8.LILY OF THE VALLEY a 4-y-o filly trained by J.C.Rouget
Top class French filly last season which included a stylish win in the Group 1 Prix De l'Opera getting up late to win easier than the winning margin showed. Her style of running tells me she should stay 1m4f and this one can land some nice races in her native France before coming over for Royal Ascot. Can clean up against her own sex.

9.SO YOU THINK a 5-y-o colt trained by A.O'Brien
Aussie superstar who ran an absolute cracker to finish 3rd in the Melbourne Cup last year over the 2 mile trip. However his best trip could be 1m2f, a distance he hasn't been beaten over yet. Bought by connections out of Australian legend Bart Cummings' stable to run in Europe, he must be a strong fancy to win some top class Group 1 races. Trainer Aidan O'Brien has excelled with Aussie imports in the past such as Haradasun and Starspangledbanner.

10.WIGMORE HALL a 4-y-o gelding trained by M.Bell
A real definite improver and can progress into an established Group 1 performer. Started this season in great fashion winning a Group 2 in Meydan and even though the 3rd that day Presvis has turned the form around in a Group 1 since, I think Wigmore Hall was unlucky in running that day.Due to run in Sha Tin in a Group 1 on Sunday and can hopefully run well before running in some top class races in Europe this summer.Can see this one catching out a few of the established stars and get better and better as he gets older.

RESERVE: SNOW FAIRY a 4-y-o filly trained by E.Dunlop
Would have made the original ten but has suffered an injury which will keep her out until Royal Ascot at least in June. A tough filly who won four Group 1's in four different countries last season,she is likely to improve with age and will be one to keep on the right side later in the season. Her performances last year mark her down as an exceptional talent and she can follow in the hoofprints of the great Ouija Board who was also trained by Ed Dunlop. We can sub her in in July.

So there you have it, a finer team I doubt you will see! Well thats what I always feel before the comp starts,anyway! I am sure these will pay their way and hope to make a profit out of them, but whatever happens, it will be interesting to see how they perform. This is surely my year.
You can follow my tips on the great Olbg tipping site, where there are real cash prizes on offer for free, as well as a great community feel to the website. Just google Olbg and sign up.
Also if you like the photos, please check them out on my website Randy Rann's Racing Images (http://randyrannracing.foliopic.com/).

Good luck and enjoy the races.

Randy Rann.

RITES OF SPRING:THE SPRING DOUBLE

2011-03-29T14:18:00.000-07:00

Now that the dust has firmly settled from the fantastic spectacle that is The Cheltenham Festival, the next aspect of "The Rites Of Spring" fall squarely on the shoulders of The Lincoln and The Grand National.

To me The Lincoln, run at Doncaster marks the real start of the flat season and The Grand National marks the end of the jumps, a handover period if you like.

Being an old school punter I can never resist an ante-post poke on both, just for the fun of it.
Fresh from a wonderful Cheltenham punting, one I'm sure will not be repeated for a very long time.
Right from the minute the kind Carol from Racing Uk rang me to tell I'd won two club tickets, Stan James VIP badges and free car parking for the opening day of The Festival, in an online competition I couldn't remember entering, I knew there were strange things afoot.
The ante-post bets posted (http://randyrannracing.foliopic.com/) showed an amazing profit of 122.50 points to stakes asdvised.
The Thursday saw the punt shown on the slip landed, which paid for my week off, and I hope all three of those backed that day run again at the Aintree meeting, as I think they can all win again.
The real icing on the cake, however was landing the Olbg Cheltenham Festival Tipping Competition, with a level stakes profit of +£59.80p over the four days, not bad considering I tipped a horse in every race.
For free tips and the chance to win some prizes on the friendly Olbg site, wannabe tipsters should click on (http://www.online-betting-guide.co.uk/?tx126897)
Anyway, you can't rest on your laurels in this game and a fall normally follows such success so back to the matter in hand of trying to land The Spring Double.

First up is The William Hill Lincoln Handicap on Saturday 2nd April, run over the straight mile at Doncaster which is like a calvary charge from the off.

I like the look of GUNNER LINDLEY trained by Barry Hills, who likes to start the season with a few winners at the meeting. His string is in pretty good form and if this one gets in he must have a major chance off such a low weight. One of my favourite horses from last season he showed progressive form winning on his last start after a narrow defeat on his previous run in decent handicaps. He looks sure to improve as a 4 year old and though fitness has to be taken on trust, the form of the stable is a real positive. At the time of writing Gunner Lindley needs 5 to come out of the race to ensure he gets in and if he does, he rates a cracking ew bet at around 14-1. His trainer will always be linked with the Lincoln as this is the race that set him up with the proceeds of Frankincense's win in 1968.

A week after this we have The Grand National run over a gruelling four and a half miles at Aintree and you need a huge amount of luck just to get round in this race. A special type of horse wins the Grand National and lately classier types have won their fair share, the ability to jump and proven stamina are a must, as is a good level of form, even if you have to dig a bit to find it.

This year I do like the enigmatic TIDAL BAY at around 40-1. He is just the quirky type who could take to these unique fences and run a big race. He is likely to drop himself out and leave himself a lot to do, but with the really long run-in here, after the last, it might just suit him. He was classy enough to win an Arkle and has decent form around Aintree too, a bit of cut in the ground wouldn't go amiss either and if anywhere near the leaders approaching the last, he could reel them in late on. He ran pretty well in this year's Gold Cup again flying at the death, this extended trip, might just be what he's been looking for. Despite looking a dodgy jumper at times he has never fallen and if on a going day 40-1 looks too big a price.

Another one I like at a massive price is David Pipe's FAASEL @ 100-1. I just hope he gets into the race as he needs a few above him to come out. He ran a cracker at Cheltenham in the Kim Muir and that staying chase was always considered a good trial for The Grand National itself. He stayed on pretty well behind his well punted on stablemate Junior in that race and looks an out galloper to me. He is the right age at 10 years old and boasts some pretty good form around Aintree, he even managed to win a Grade 1 Novice

Hurdle in the past. Another one who has been questioned in the past but is a pretty safe ride and might surprise a few. Only had 2 runs this season and come here a fresh horse, I'm hoping he's been plotted up for this!

The great AP McCoy(right) celebrating his historic win in the 2010 Grand National in the winner's enclosure onboard Don't Push It, who will follow in his footsteps this year?

Happy Punting and Good Luck

Randy.

Ashes Post Mortem.

2011-01-07T12:19:00.000-08:00

AussieCorey said...
Randy another nice blog mate, but lets be fairdinkum here,last time you guys were here you were thumped 5-0.
Even your travelling fans were cheering for the Aussies by the end of it. My prediction for this series is 4-1 to our guys. The 1 being a token gesture because you blokes atually thought you could beat us on home soil and we will have felt sorry for you, it's the Australian Way! Plus we don't lose at home mate.
So far to say that if you guys win, I will fly over there and walk nude through Piccadilly Circus with the English Flag draped around my shoulders!
Let the battle begin
Quote AussieCorey:23 November 2010 12:58.

Will AussieCorey deliver on his pledge?

The problem with predictions are that they have a nasty habit of turning round and biting you right on the arse.
Back in November I posted my predictions on the forthcoming Ashes series and my hope to make £500.00.
Sadly I failed in that quest, however I still made a profit, a tidy +£52.50 pts to be precise.
The selections that delivered were the 1st test draw(25pts @ 14/5) and the England series win(30pts @ 7/4).
My fancy of Jonathan Trott as top England bat, went close finishing a respectable second to run machine Cookie Monster, who amazingly had the series of a lifetime with his 766 runs.
Seems somewhat incredible now that some so called experts were calling for his head before this tour!
Top Man and future Captain Cook, I applaud you.
My fancy of Broad or Swann for top England bowler went west with Broad's injury, but Swanny went well with 15 wickets however the ever more reliable Jimmy Anderson, a man who couldn't bowl in Aussie conditions,took the honours with a very impressive haul of 24. A certain ghost has been firmly laid to rest.
Top Aussie Bat prediction of Captain Ricky Ponting was way off the mark as sadly Punter was never ever at the races!
My 2-1 England series prediction was close but sadly no cigar. Even on the final, final day, I had a glimmer of a result, hoping beyond hope that some Aussie may do a Cook or Trott and bat for hours. Failing that it would piss down all day and wash out the final day's play.
To be truthful, either scenario would have been a true injustice, such was England's dominance and I think even 3-1 flattered Australia.
My great Aussie mate, posted his comments in response to that November blog and his blind faith has to be admired, however making statements, such as "If you guys win, I will walk nude in Piccadilly Circus with an English flag draped around my shouders!" are just pure quality and will lead to a lifetime of ribbing.
I have sent him a nice memento so he will never forget his bold statements, hopefully it won't be filed in the bin!
All in all it was a great Ashes series and the fact England were so far ahead makes it even sweeter, however it wasn't long ago when English cricket was as dire as the Aussies are now.
So whilst we revel in the glory, lets not too carried away, it's the English way!
Enjoy
Randy.

ASHES BANTER.....& MAKING A MONKEY! Tues 23rd November,2010.

2010-11-22T13:58:00.000-08:00

Three Wise Men, Messrs Gatting, Hughes & Emburey.

After a stellar cricketing week, I am all fired up for the forthcoming Ashes battle and the banter that comes from having great mates in the land of Oz. Also I love punting on the series and the aim is to make a monkey, £500.00 to you, if you're not too familiar with South London chat!
With the Brisbane Test fast approaching I have finalised my punts and have put my money down. Hopefully a few of these can hit the jackpot.
Back to last week first though, a late invite from fellow Seveno cricketer, Clive Kirk, to attend a dinner in the historic Lord's Long Room was too good a one to turn down, despite the missus rolling her eyes! Another night on p**s, were here exact remarks.
A great evening was had, chaired by Simon "The Analyst" Hughes and with cricket legends Mike Gatting & John Emburey as guest speakers.
We got a great insight into the last successful tour, Down Under, from ex-skipper Mike Gatting and last man to lead a victorious England Ashes team there. It was even suggested he was thinking of food when Shane Warne's wonder ball did for him.
The following night was Seveno Cricket Club's awards night. It wasn't quite as prestigious an affair as the Lord's do, but the upstairs of The Phoenix in Denmark Hill was still a pleasant enough setting and no less enjoyable.
No cricketing awards for yours truly, but the book "The Art Of Captaincy," by Mike Brearley for quote of the year was gratefully accepted.
All of this, though was just warm up to the main event, The Ashes.
The banter with my Australian pals, has been a bit one-sided at the moment, there's not much coming back, telling me their confidence is very low.
The best I've had so far is,"We don't lose at home to you bums!"thanks Corey, for that bit of insight.
I am looking forward to the forthcoming, battle on the Internet, nearly as much as being awake at silly hours watching the action live.
Anyway, back to making some money.
The following predictions and reasons are a great way of making watching the matches more enjoyable, or painful depending how they are going. However, as the ads go, "It matters more when you've got money on it."

So here goes

First Test
Neither team is going to fancy getting off to a loss and a very tight affair is the forecast. Whoever wins the toss will probably bat first and try and rack up a big score, putting their opponents under huge pressure, thus forcing a rearguard action.
I fancy the draw at 14-5 with William Hills.
Stake 25pts

Correct Score
I fancy a couple of draws in this closely fought series, especially as there may even be a few wet days. This means three results to share and I can't see either team winning 3-0, so a 2-1 looks the right call. I think that this England team is the most prepared team to head south in recent times and look a well oiled machine to me. Even the peripheral players have been putting in decent performances. So for me its England, just.
England 2-1 at 10-1 with Corals.
Stake 20pts

Top Aussie Bat
Ricky Ponting is not going to want to go down in history, as losing three Ashes series. I fancy him to bat as if his life depends on it. With so many injuries and selection issues, he looks like the only top order batsman who will definitely play all five tests.
7-2 with william Hills looks fair.
Stake 30pts

Top England Bat
Ian Bell looks good value, but with Jonathan Trott coming in at three and very apt at batting for long periods of time, I like his odds of 9-2 with Ladbrokes.
He has shown great grit & determination in making some big scores in Test Cricket and is even respected by the Aussies, no mean feat in itself.
Stake 20pts

Top England Bowler
I like Stuart Broad's odds of 7-2 generally (4-1 with Victor Chandler's). He has wound the Aussies up and will probably play in all five tests as the main strike bowler and can take his wickets in clusters. Graeme Swann is worth a saver at 5-4 too, as you can get your stake back from your Broad bet, if he takes bundles of wickets.
Stake 10pts each Broad/Swann.

Series Betting
England at a best priced 7-4, looks a good call, as you'll still make a profit on the series bet if they win the series but not 2-1.
Stake 30pts.

So there you have it, hopefully some of these calls can hit the mark and make a profit, or more likely, they'll make a monkey out of me.

Let Battle Commence.

Yours

Randy.

TOTESPORT;TEN TO FOLLOW

2010-10-31T12:47:00.000-07:00

Champion trainer Paul Nicholls marks our card!

2010 Champion Hurdle Winner Binocular,would like to see him in that rug again in 2011. Here he's telling Channel 4's Alice Plunkett, how he did it!

Long Run, hopefully connections will be happier this season.

MY TEN TO FOLLOW:NH SEASON 2010-11

Friday 12th November 2010.

With the Totesport: Ten To Follow about to blast off today & lists of horses flying around everywhere, I thought, everyone has an opinion, so why not share mine. Entries are all in and no-one can steal my list, thus halving my winnings!! For what its worth the following ten horses are the ones all my dreams and hopes are pinned to. I have been entering this competition since the very first one and hope, like every other single person, believe, that THIS year is finally my turn. Half a millioin quid will do very nicely! Seriously though, the way I have been tipping recently, punters may want to lay, lay, lay the lot of them!

Hopefully though, the following ten will do me justice and score loads of points. I am hoping for a shift in power away from the established stars and am pinning my hopes that a lot of lists that contain them will all go west. I will probably end up with egg on my face when Denman wins the Hennessy, Kauto the King George etc, etc..... but sometimes you have to take a risk and think outside the box.

The competition is strongly in favour towards the chasers with 10 of the 14 bonus races chase races. I reckon that 3 hurdlers and 7 chasers, was the way to go, with selections specifically targeted at as many of those bonus races as possible.

So here goes, here are my ten to go to war with, at the very least I will be logging their progress to see if a profit in punting them can be achieved.

1.LONG RUN(5yo)N.Henderson

This one could be the real deal, ran a cracker to finish 3rd, for such a young horse in the RSA at The Cheltenham Festival. Raced keenly that day and didn't quite home, but another year on will no doubt mean he's more the finished article. Looks a must have, as has early bonus race,The Paddy Power Gold Cup as his target and could even develop into a serious player in The King George at Kempton in December. Nice big scopey type who looks a top notch stayer in the making. Surely will go close in the Paddy Power Gold Cup and is a long term star in the making.

2.BINOCULAR(6yo)N.Henderson

Started season poorly last year, but really delivered when landing The Champion Hurdle last season. He could not have won that more impressively and his slick jumping was a joy to watch.if starting this season in the same form, could pick up some nice prizes on the way to defending his crown. Only a 6yo and Champion Hurdlers come back year on, year in, so there must be more to come.

3.BIG ZEB(9yo)C.Murphy

Classy and finally put his jumping in place to land The Queen Mother last season. Winners of that race come back and run well again, so looks a good bet to go close again, reminds me of Moscow Flyer,who improved with age and can pick up some nice prizes on the way back to defending his title. Not sure there is much in the way of 2 mile chasers to trouble him and Big Zeb can clean up. Won nicely on return, from an unlucky Golden silver who could be a threat, but the defending champ can only improve from that run as well.

4.GREAT ENDEAVOUR(6yo)D.PIPE

Won the Byrne Plate at last season's Cheltenham Festival in a time that was a lot faster than the Jewson & Ryanair run over the same distance on the same day. Obviously this one had a lot less weight than the winners of those races but looks a seriously progressive young chaser. Was very game that day and I liked his attitude when challenged, sticking his neck out and charging up the Cheltenham hill. Has the bonus races of The Paddy Power (looks laid out for this prize) & possibly the Hennessy as early season targets. A must have, who can hopefully develop into a very smart horse.I fancy he is one who could become a Ryanair horse himself, another bonus race.

5.TIME FOR RUPERT(6yo)P.Webber.

Developed into a smart stayer over hurdles last season and was the only horse who came anywhere near Big Bucks in the World Hurdle at Cheltenham last season, was well clear of the third that day. Will go over fences this year and has the size and scope to take to the bigger obstacles. Has no problem with stamina and will be just the right age to develop into a RSA type.

Makes fencing debut today at Cheltenham, which hopefully will be very informative.

6.NACARAT(8yo)T.GEORGE

Ran an absolute cracker when landing this season's Charlie Hall on return to action. Looks a stronger horse and bearing in mind two of the bonus races are run at Kempton, a course this horse loves, he must be included. Ran a stormer in last season's King George trying to burn off the opposition after setting a relentless gallop in that contest. Also is a past winner of The Racing Post Chase, another bonus race, means he will probably be targeted at those races again. Sound jumper and if not committed too early can make them all go in this year's King George again. Can't help thinking the best is yet to come from this dashing grey, a la Monets Garden & Desert Orchid.

7.FORPADYDEPLASTERER(8yo)T.Cooper

Suffers seconditis but is far from ungenuine and ran a cracker to finish 2nd in this year's Queen Mother considering he had an interrupted preparation. This season could step up in trip and could finally land another big pot to add to his Arkle win in 2009. Could develop into a King George horse if he can prove his stamina but also has options at shorter, must have good ground.

Runs on Sunday at Cheltenham and hopefully can make a winning start.

8.BURTON PORT(6yo)N.Henderson

Did brilliantly over fences last season. Ran a stormer,staying on strongly to finish 2nd to Weapon's Amnesty in last season's RSA(long Run in 3rd) then came out and won at Aintree, to prove he is as tough as teak. Not overly big but is as game as they come, could ruffle a few of the big guns feathers this year. Hopefully he can be this years Alberta's Run and rack up some big points. Good chance in the Hennessy if he goes there as the galloping track and stiff test of stamina will suit this strong stayer.

9.JONCOL(7yo)P.Nolan

Skipped Cheltenham last year, but has the size and scope to develop into major player in the top staying chases this year. Looks to need cut & a trip and looks the most likely for the Irish Hennessy where he will probably get both of those. That is another bonus race and this one can rack up a fair few points this season. Might make up into an outside Gold Cup horse, but whichever way he goes is an exciting prospect. Wasn't impressive on seasonal debut, but 2m trip nowhere near enough of a stamina test so entitled to improve for that.

10.ZAYNAR(5yo)N.Henderson

Ran a cracker to finish 3rd in last season's Champion Hurdle behind stablemate Binocular. It must be noted that Henderson's Punjabi and Binocular finished 3rd in The Champion the year before they came back to win the big one itself.However this one looks more of a staying type and though he has to improve massively to beat Big Bucks in the 3mile events, he can rack up a fair few points on the way to a crack at The World Hurdle. Big Bucks will be on everyone's list and will be hard to beat, but not sure he will run much and may even go chasing if Paul Nicholls' stable stars do not fire. Can always sub-in Big Bucks in the transfer window. Ascot will suit Zaynar when he makes his return and I like this one a lot.

Well there you go, my ten to follow can hopefully pay their way and give me an interest all season, where like every year, all roads lead to Cheltenham.

Good Luck & Happy Punting

Yours

Randy.

For more pics please go to Randy Rann's Racing Images( http://randyrannracing.foliopic.com/)

For all things Cheltenham check out JP Festival Flyer (http.//www.jpfestival.com)

Justin, Paddy, El Tel & all, updates of our mini-league will appear here regularly.

Carry On De Campaeo

2010-08-02T12:40:00.000-07:00

I was saddened to read in the Racing Post yesterday, that one of my favourite horses has had his racing career cut short due to an injury. Sadly Gloria de Campeao has suffered a tendon injury and will race no more. This sad day though, brings back much happier memories of the horse and a nice couple of touches.

It was back in January earlier this year when I first came across this brave old warrior. The wife and I were going to a fancy restaraunt in West Byfleet, booked up by some friends who are well in with the owners at Trevi's.

The main attraction on that particular night was that celebrity chef and I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here, winner Gino D'Acampo was the guest chef and was putting in an appearance. All the women were falling over themselves to be there and I even had to bring the Number 1 Gino groupie, my mother-in-law.

It was a Thursday night and clashed with the grand opening of the new ultra modern, state of the art Meydan racetrack in Dubai. I wasn't planning a bet, as I knew I'd be in the restaurant with all the women agog with jungle camp winner Gino and wouldn't get to see it.

But this all changed though when a colleague from work rang me up and that he knew someone, who knew someone, who knew someone, who knew connections of English raider Without A Prayer, who was due to run in the main event. It was well fancied and was worth a bet.

I dived into the bookies, on the way home to place a bet and as I looked up the form, something strange came over me. Catching my eye on the very next line to my supposed bet was;

GLORIA DE CAMPEAO; Jockey TJ Perreira.

I can't say I'd paid much attention to this horse before, but I certainly was now.

De Campeao sounds awfully like D'Acampo and Perreira was some sort of relations name, as my mum being a Rosario, I'd heard this name mentioned before in our ancient past's Portuguese links.

Now faced with a dilemma that does a punter's head in, is, do I go with the supposed inside info or the coincidence bet. After a few minutes thinking about it, I steamed into the coincidence bet, what's the chances of seeing a horse called De Campeao on the night I'm meeting D'Acampo, not the same spelling, but say it quickly. I thieved 14-1 and went on my way. I even sent a text to my Without A Prayer tipper to tell him, get on De Campeao.

At home, I was getting the verbal from the women, we're late, where have you been, got to meet Gino....blah, blah,blah. I stalled getting ready for as long as I could, knowing the race was due off soon. The stalling worked, long enough to get to watch the race, the wife and mother-in-law getting more irate.

The race blasted off and Gloria de Campeao took up a fairly prominent position being rousted along quite vigourosly by jockey Perreira. Always up with the pace and still in about third turning for home, to my eye he looked beat as the leaders quickened, but somehow he switched inside and rallied.

Close home he hit the front and in the end won quite well. I was over the moon, I only won £195, but for some reason it felt like a lot more, maybe because of the coincidence factor. I couldn't stop laughing all the way to West Byfleet.

At the restaurant we had a good laugh with good company and a nice meal. The mother in law was like a giggly sixteen year old all around Gino, even the Mrs was getting a bit flighty! But me I couldn't stop laughing. Our friends Mike & Elaine, loved the story, but thought I was too spooky for words.

Gino was brilliant and came and spent time at our table, posing for photos and chatting. I even showed him my betting slip for a laugh.

"Why you notta tella me?" He enquired in his broad Italian accent.

"Might just about cover the dinner tonight," was my response.

After a great evening It came to the bill and for the wife, mother-in-law and myself food & drinks was paid for by the brave Gloria De Campeao.

Coincidence, fate, luck I don't know, but all I know is sometime later we were invited to dinner at Mike and Elaine's house.

Just my luck, this night clashed with the running of the world's richest ever race, The Dubai World Cup, again at Meydan. Now this time I knew Gloria De Campeao was running and lumped on at 16-1. Again stalling tactics were employed so I could watch the race before we headed off to Mike & Elaine's, who I hadn't seen since the night at Trevi's, two months earlier.

Again the wife was onto me, we're late, how long's it going to take to watch the race....blah,blah,blah.

Eventually the race was on, the horses blasted out of the stalls, Gloria de Campeao pings out and takes up the early running. After a while he still leads, after another couple of furlongs he's still leading. Turning for home he kicks on again, still in the lead. Close home he's still in the lead, now though South African horse Lizard's Desire is weaving through the field and finishing like a train.

Yards from the line, Gloria De Campeao is still in front with the South African flying, they flash past the post together in a desperate finish. To my eye the Lizard has won by a tongue!

Now the next five minutes were agonising. This time I had quite a sizeable bet on, the horse owed me nothing, in fact I owed him a meal.

The longest wait for a photo finish to be called that I can remember, the wife nagging, we've got to leave, left me even more twitchy. It seemed to take for ever, I was sure the horse was beaten, but at least I knew I'd landed the place money. This though, was smallfry compared to the real riches that awaited if we'd won. It's funny how your horse you've backed and you become a team, we as a team waited.

Then suddenly Channel 4 cut their coverage before announcing the result. Thank God for atthteraces. I switched channels, still no result. I waited & waited, wife waited & waited, still no result. Eventually the news broke, Gloria De Campeao had won by a nose! The feeling I had was utter elation, the brave Gloria de Campeao had led all the way and held on by the narrowest of margins.

Some of the so-called experts poo-pooed the form saying it was a travesty that this horse, who wasn't in the same league as previous winners had nicked the world's richest race. To me though this horse was one of the bravest I had ever seen.

I couldn't stop laughing all the way to Mike & Elaine's house. They now know I am definitely spooky!

Trying to explain the above, I can't. Luck, fate or coincidence I don't know, but all I can say is, as soon as I read about poor old Gloria's(we even nickname our favourite's as if we know them)sad injury, it brought back all of the happy memories flooding back. Without him, I would not have the above laughs.

I'm still laughing now.

A long and happy retirement, Gloria.

Yours

Randy.

CHOISIR, SIR BOB & PLANT POTS.

2010-06-11T11:18:00.000-07:00

With the World Cup 2010 now underway and with Royal Ascot on the horizon, I feel now is the right time to tell the following story about a day out at the Royal meeting a few years back. The memories still make me smile and I feel like sharing it so others hopefully may enjoy it too.

It was back in 2003, when the Cannons Gym I was a member at organised a day out on the opening day of the Royal Ascot meeting. The deal was meet up at the club for a bucks fizz breakie, coach trip to Ascot, ticket included, party in the the coach park, more food & drink and a coach ride home, now who could ask for more for £100?

The wife was angling for a ticket, but I'd already made other arrangements.

I didn't really know many people at the gym so thought it would be a good way of getting to know some of the other members.

I went down one day to book the tickets and the girl behind the desk took my money and that of my guest.

"You're going to enjoy yourself, plenty of champagne and fit single women" I was told.

"I'm not into that sort of thing." I told her, meaning I was a happily married, father of two.

"Who are you bringing?"I was asked.

"My friend Corey." I told her.

"Corey & Randy?" she questioned me, giggled and gave her mate a knowing glance.

As I walked away, I thought to myself, they think I'm bloody gay! But to be fair to them, Corey & Randy, not the butchest of names!

Corey was a workmate, over from Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia on a working holiday and seemed pretty stoked(as they say in Oz) to be my guest. He had been a young Joey Socceroo, which is an Australian equivalent of an England Youth team footballer. He even played in the same team as a few of the Aussie boys who made it in the Premiership, including ex-Liverpool player Harry Kewell.
The big day arrived and we met up at the club, champagne breakfast, intros and team photo out of the way we boarded the coach.

On the coach, looking through the card, Corey noticed CHOISIR, Trainer Paul Perry, Australia. A horse running in The King's Stand, from his bloody hometown, how bizarre was that. we told anyone who would listen on the coach, we had inside info due to Corey being from Oz and Choisir was fancied.

Once at the track we were left to our own devices and went off to have a mingle in the crowds and have a drink. We went down to the paddock to have a look at the field for The King's Stand and check out Choisir. What we saw was amazing, the horse was a huge specimen, a real bruiser and he looked head and shoulders above the rest. But I had a doubt. Choisir had a lot of weight to carry and had come from the other side of the planet. I really fancied Oasis Dream, who I thought was the class horse.

Anyway the race went off and Johnny Murtagh cut across to the rail and booted Choisir into the lead, soon clear I said to Corey, he's won this! Powering along he just kept going and was still clear approaching the last. The rest of the field could not land a blow, Choisir stayed on strongly and won as he liked. Oasis Dream only third. I could not believe what I had just witnessed. All the signs were there, the coincidences, the fact he was the daddy in the paddock and I still never backed it! What a wally. Corey on the other hand was ecstatic, not only had he backed, it had won at 25-1, he was delighted. Whilst I was chuffed for him, I was also gutted, I had looked this gift horse straight in the mouth, took a photo of it and still believed it was to good to be true. My angry feeling was further fuelled when I noticed Choisir paid 37-1 on the tote. Nice one.

The day carried on like that, I never backed a winner, Corey nailed another one and was well up for the day.

We were having a drink and reflecting on the day, when I noticed a fella staring at us menacingly. He came over with the right hump and told Corey that his girlfriend could not keep her eyes off him and he was obviously getting agitated. We made a swift exit, but at least Corey's ego had a rub.

After a brief sing-song at The Bandstand we were walking back to the coach when we noticed a bit of a throng, as we neared we could clearly see it was the great Sir Bobby Robson, ex-England Manager, Newcastle( no not the NSW one!) United FC legend and all round good egg signing autographs for a group of young kids.

"Hello Sir Bob, can I grab a photo?" I asked.

"No problem." He said.

Corey jumped in and I got a snap, then handed the camera to a girl to take one of the three of us. But Sir Bob wasn't having any of it.

"You had your photo, cheeky". He said.

"But I wasn't in it, come on Sir Bob." I replied.

"You only asked for A photo!"He told me.

I couldn't believe it, but he was technically right and who was I to argue with the legend that is Sir Bob. I am not sure if he was joking, but didn't press it and we left, with me rueing another missed opurtunity, at least Corey was laughing.

Back at the coach we were hailed as heroes tipping up a 25-1 winner, I didn't let on I never had a bean on it and revelled in the glory instead.

By the time we got back on the coach, I was in a right state, tired and emotional is what they call it.

The coach dropped us of in Sutton and we decided to have a nightcap in the pub by the station before Corey went back up to North London. We said our goodbyes and I decided to walk/stagger home, big mistake. Thats when it went blank.

My next memory was being dropped off at home by someone in a pick-up type 4x4 with the wife giving me verbal.

The gentleman had found me knocked out in his front garden amongst the plant pots. I'd apparently fell over his front garden wall and hit my head on a garden ornament, the racket I made disturbed him and his wife. They went through my mobile phone, found the home number and rang the wife to tell them what had happened and brought me home. I got some homecoming I can tell you, that night. To this day I have never seen, heard or spoken to that gentleman, but all I vaguely remember is his grey hair. all I can say is thanks, he was my guardian angel that night.

Corey called the next day to see if I'd got home okay and thank me for taking him to the races, giving him one of the most enjoyable days he'd ever had. I can still here him laughing after I'd told him about my little adventure.

I was rough for days and was only just getting back to normal, when on the Saturday me, the wife, the kids and I were invited to a close family friend's wedding. It was in deepest, darkest Sussex and miles from anywhere. It was an early start, church do in London and then coach down to the castle for the reception. I was a little peeved I was missing the last day's racing at Ascot and didn't have a bet, as I like to watch the race if I have had a punt. I was enjoying the wedding and spending time with the family and was definitely building bridges after the Ascot day out shenanigans.

Well, I was enjoying the wedding, until my mobile phone beeped and there was a text from Corey.

"GO GO CHOISIR, YA GOOD THING! Were you on?"

No I bloody wasn't! I snuck off and rang him, The Mighty Choisir, the Aussie speedball had only gone and doubled up by winning The Golden Jubilee at 13-2. He'd won again, just four days later, I couldn't believe it. Corey was chuffed and he couldn't believe that I hadn't backed it again. What a wally. I was gutted another missed opportunity. The feeling a punter gets when he misses a winner is hard to explain to people who don't bet, but I just wanted to scream and I was inside. Well, at least Corey was laughing again, as he does every time he looks at the blown up photo that I gave him, as seen above.

Its always just before Royal Ascot starts that invokes the memories of Choisir, Sir Bob and plant pots. I know Corey is grateful, that I took him and not the wife and for him all the memories are all good. Me though, I still grimace when I think about my tales of woe.

Still, they do say its better to give than to receive.

I'll take their word on that one.

Yours

Randy.

DENNIS THE LEGEND:TRIBUTE

2010-05-02T09:57:00.000-07:00

Next week on the 10th it will be a year to the day since the great man left this world for the celestial kitchen in the sky and it has given me the oomph to blog about one of the saddest and funniest weeks of my life. Hopefully the following tale will make you smile.

Dennis had urged me to start writing as he reckoned my tales would be a good read, especially about the days out racing which normally ended up with some sort of twist or drama, but I will save those for another day.

Dennis was bravely battling cancer and the speed that it had ravaged him was shocking because in the previous December whilst playing a round of golf, he'd played the best eighteen holes he had ever played with me. Still have the scorecard. He was in hospital when I got the email from Fleur Cushman, the editor of horse racing paper, The Racing Post Weekender.It was in response to a letter I had sent in asking to be one of their guest tipsters. She wanted five tips for the weekends racing to add to the profile I had sent in. Seeing as it was Dennis who had encouraged me, I was chuffed to bits to get an article in a national paper and was already planning to take the paper in and read it to him, whilst he was in hospital to cheer him up.

But at the 11th hour, Fleur sent me an email to say that due to space constraints there was no room to run my article that week and she would let me know in the future when it could go in. I was really disappointed, especially as I had spent most of the night studying the form and was sure it wouldn't happen.

During the following week after rallying bravely for a short while, Dennis took a turn for the worse and on the Friday night closed his eyes in utter exhaustion. On Sunday 10th April, Dennis sadly lost his brave battle, surrounded by his loving family. Devastated.

Just about as low as you can be, I felt an urge to check my emails late on Monday night after getting a gut wrenching feeling. Would you believe it, there was an email from Fleur saying, WE ARE ON! Please get your tips in by 10am Tuesday, no more than 500 words. Bloody hell, was up all night working on the form and managed to fire over the tips in time. I couldn't wait for the Wednesday when the paper was due out, I hadn't told anyone bar the wife and was as excited as a little kid!

I got the paper as early as I could and fair play to the editor, a full page spread, no adverts or pictures of horses, which they normally print with a guest tipster. They even put the photo I sent in, in its entirety. I'd sent in a holiday snap, thinking it would be cropped with just my ugly mug on show, but no, there was me, standing in a Brisbane bar with a wooden shark hanging over my head! The headline was a reference to a bet I had where I had five out of six winners for a near big win. I phoned everyone I knew to go and buy the paper and the laugh some of those had was just magic. I was walking around and just couldn't stop laughing. The feedback I got back was great and one of my workmates was treated as if he was mad, when buying the paper laughing his head off.

As I had tipped some horses, I had to go and have a bet. It was now, when the kind of twist of fate happened that I can't explain. Whilst in the bookies looking at the form, a horse's name leaped of the page. DENNIS THE LEGEND, 3.20 Exeter. I couldn't believe it and emptied my pockets, wallet and socks to scrounge every penny I had on me and lumped on just before the off. The horse ran like a drain, held up, reminders, hit 3 out, hung left, still a lot to to do approaching the last. But it was still going and even jumping the last had about 10 lengths to make up on the leader. Somehow the jockey galvanised the horse and he fairly flew up the run in. I had a feeling the result was never in doubt and sure enough Dennis got up virtually on the line and nailed the leader to win by a head. The commentator's roar of Dennis battling bravely on the run in, brought a lump to my throat and a tear to my eye. Won a few bob, Dennis was sure looking down at me at that moment, having read the article from his heavenly armchair.

The week carried on in that sort of vein and I was loving the attention, to be honest. The final twist was whilst out in Sutton Town centre on the Saturday, I bumped into an old pal and well known character from the Greyhound world, Terry Connolly, who I hadn't seen for a while. On him he had a Racing Post, here he says I got a tip for for you and opens his paper. Headline Act was his nap. I took him to the paper stand in Morrisons and gave him a copy of The Weekender, he opened it and on there in the paper was my photo and the headline of my near miss bet of £20,000! That's a proper Headline Act I told him. After him buying the paper, getting a girl from the breakfast counter to take a picture of us and making me sign it for him(my first ever autograph!) he went on his way to have a good read of the article.

Even managed to tip two winners, a second and a fourth from five tips.

Anyway, that's enough rambling on for one blog, but I can't believe its been a year since all of this happened and its all down to Dennis as without his encouragement, none of the above would have taken place.
Still miss our rounds of golf and very loud but enjoyable drink ups.

Finally, I decided to post this blog a week before Dennis' anniversary and have just checked the results of today's racing, for some reason. The winner of the 4.00 at Kempton, Den's Gift at 10-1, spooky coincidence or something else? You can decide.

Thanks for memories Mr Allen, gone but not forgotten.

Randy.

First Ever Blog, Sat 1st May.

2010-05-01T00:31:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my first ever blog and today it is all about horse racing.
It is 2,000 Guineas Day at Newmarket and also the start of the Totesport Ten To Follow competition.
I always see today as the real start to the flat season because of it being the first classic and today hopefully we will see a superstar in the shape of St.Nicholas Abbey. I can't see how this horse will be beaten if fit, as no matter how the race is run it should suit him. If they go a crawl, he will quicken as he did in last season's Racing Post Trophy and if they go flat out he is sure to have the stamina as well as his turn of foot. Hopefully he will win and get my Ten To Follow list off to a flyer. Elusive Pimpernel and Al Zir should chase him home for the places.
Seta will hopefully win the 1000 Guineas on Sunday and I have backed them both to win, plus the double, more points for the list!
The Ten To Follow competition run in the Racing Post is a prize I have been trying to win ever since it started. I have entered the flat and jumps competition every year since it started. I have been on the leaderboard on a few occassions, but have never got close to winning it. But this year could be the year! Well thats how everyone who has entered it feels right now, as it hasn't started yet.
This years list of dreams is as follows:
St. Nicholas Abbey
Al Zir
Seta
Music Show
Passion For Gold
Jan Vermeer
Chabal
Rip Van Winkle
Sariska
Zacinto
Hopefully these ten will give me as much fun as I have had during the jumps season that has just finshed. The highlight was being at Aintree to witness the great AP McCoy winning the Grand National on Don't Push It, even had the bonus of having backed it at 20-1. Have attached a picture of the great man. For more of my horse racing images, including this year's Cheltenham Festival and Grand National day, please check out my website http://randyrannracing.foliopic.com
Anyway thats it for my first ever blog and I hope that anyone who has read it has enjoyed it and will visit the site again. Will update soon.
Yours
Randy Rann.