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For Previous Blog's Click The Archive....
Recently been lucky enough to put a few pieces together for the Irish Field newspaper - Here is the ten to follow published a few weeks ago which I hope will prove a money spinning list... Running total to date - Runs = 29 Wins = 13 P/L + 16.71pts to 1pt level stake win bets.....recording purposes only Results next to horse in Red... MY TEN TO FOLLOW National Hunt Season 2010/2011 Watching the Flat season draw to its conclusion is always a shame but the transition to high class jump racing is very fair compensation. Taking time to reflect on the championship races of last year and considering the clashes likely to take place over the coming months, brings with it a childlike anticipation. Ive put together a list of horses that can fulfill their full potential this term and should prove profitable over the coming months. Returning champions Imperial Commander, Big Bucks, Binocular and the likes of Hurricane Fly, Kauto Star and Denman will rightly be on many peoples minds but Ill throw a few other names into the ring with sights set firmly on the top table! Best of luck!!! MAD MAX (IRE) A true giant of a gelding who has won 6 of his 9 starts in a slightly delayed career, beset with palette issues and obvious concerns for his growth! Eye catching bumper horse but proved slightly awkward over hurdles, he found his niche over fences last term finishing with a 9 length dismissal of Somersby at Aintree in April. Needs pace and good ground to be seen at his best and will be very interesting over a stiffer trip this year. The stable also house Long Run, Punchestowns and Burton Port but I would not be surprised to see MAD MAX as the stable star for Henderson and Geraghty in 2011. SHINROCK PADDY (IRE) Made a nice impression in bumpers and was not disgraced, on ground a bit quicker than ideal, behind Dunguib at Cheltenham in 2009. Continued his progression last year to win at Punchestown and Navan over hurdles but ran very flat at Cheltenham in March. Put away for a crack at fences this year, he can hopefully run up a sequence on soft ground in Ireland and is my idea of a big priced RSA Chase candidate should all go to plan. CUE CARD (GB) A surprise English winner of the Champion bumper at Cheltenham but certainly one of the most impressive weve seen of recent times. Will be staying with the Tizzard yard and should give them a real thrill as they target the Supreme Novices Hurdle in 2011. All being well expect CUE CARD to be a short price for the opener at Cheltenham next year, but unlike Cousin Vinny and Dunguib, it might be time for the bookmakers to lose race one to us punters. PEDDLERS CROSS (IRE) With the McCain team enjoying an amazing time this unbeaten 5 year old has quickly become a real stable star. The winner of arguably the hottest race at Cheltenham last year with Rite of Passage ( Ascot Gold Cup Winner ) and Reve De Sivola ( Punchestown Champion Novice Hurdle Winner ) trailing in his wake, it will be an eagerly anticipated return to the track. Big engine and lots of pace so connections will rightly test the Champion Hurdle waters despite little doubt he will get further. Could be a superstar over fences but not done with yet in the hurdles division and one to savour. SIZING EUROPE (IRE) Given a hard time by many after failing to justify favoritism in the Champion Hurdle of 2008 and a troubled year in 2009 but returned to his very best in the Arkle this year. Not disgraced on his final outing at Punchestown so mixing it with the established two mile chasers for the Queen Mother Champion Chase seems an obvious route. However, I think he can improve again for a stiffer test, and is potentially one for the top 3m Chase events later this season. With his problems a thing of the past there should be lots more to come from this top class horse. TELL MASSINI (IRE) Prior to the pulling up in the Albert Bartlett event at Cheltenham TELL MASSINI looked a highly progressive hurdler. In registering back to back soft ground wins at that track before Christmas, including an 8 length victory over Reve De Sivola and Berties Dream, he lined up a leading contender but a bacterial infection took its toll and he was subsequently put away. Every inch a chaser in the making, Denman's Gold Cup winning jockey Sam Thomas described the 6 year old as possibly the best horse he has ever sat on so it will be exciting to see the Tom George beast jump fences. Another for the list with serious RSA Chase credentials for 2011. COOLE RIVER (IRE) Jessica Harringtons charge took the scalp of highly touted Quel Esprit at Leopardstown over 2m4f in January of this year and won a second Grade 2 event at Navan, a month later, over 2m. Sadly suffered a setback after that and will now resume over fences in what should be a very exciting novice campaign. Possesses plenty of scope and always regarded by connections as a chaser in the making so achievements so far can surely be improved upon; especially with a stable that place their horses so well. Will appreciate decent ground and likely to be seen out around Christmas time. GHIZAO (GER) A big reputation at the Nicholls stable has yet to be franked on the track but can go to the top this year having had only 6 career starts to date. A fine second to General Miller at Cheltenham in December was followed by a facile win at Taunton in January. Ran at the Cheltenham and Aintree festivals without firing after a break and could be very well treated on return to the track over hurdles now. Will be very interesting when connections decide to jump fences, perhaps early next year, and bound to be aimed at a big pot. GO NATIVE (IRE) Arguably the top novice hurdler of 2009 and went from strength to strength last year, mopping up Champion Hurdle trials at Newcastle and Kempton. Made a race ending error at the second flight in Champion itself but will be a force once again, especially on decent ground. Ultra consistent, unlike some of his rivals for that crown and can pay his way on route this year. Noel Meade perhaps deserves compensation for the enigmatic Harchibald in the big one and GO NATIVE certainly has the ability to do just that. MEDERMIT (IRE) Alan King trains this lovely grey horse and he is my idea of the top 2m Novice Chaser this season. Although rated 7lbs inferior to Celestial Halo, who also goes fencing, he possesses a touch more scope and perhaps stamina which can prove so crucial in the top events. Will be trained for the Arkle but can get further in time and should win plenty of races in a busy campaign.
Bank Builder Selections - 4th September ... Haydock 2.30 - Strike Up The Band Kempton 2.45 - Holberg Kempton 3.20 - Clockmaker Haydock 5.15 - Calatrava Cape Good luck...TJ
BANK BUILDER 28th AUGUST 2010 - Goodwood 2.00 - Mata Keranjang Newmarket 2.15 - Leviathan Beverley 3.00 - Aatash Windsor 7.10 - Hurricane Hymnbook
BANK BUILDER SELECTIONS - 21st August 2010 BB - Chester 2.20 - Roker Park BB - Chester 3.25 - Taamathul BB - Sandown 3.45 - Pavershooz BB - Ripon 4.10 - Sioux Rising Full details see www.tipsterform.com
Bank Builder Selections - 14th August - Newmarket 2.45 - Sutton Veny Ripon 3.30 - Midnight Martini 4.05 Ripon - Ice Diva 4.35 Doncaster - Brierty Full details see www.tipsterform.com
Bank Builder Selections - 7th August 2010 - Newmarket 2.35 - Fork Handles Newmarket 3.10 - Gallagher Haydock 2.20 - Jordaura 2.50 Haydock - Distant Memories
BANK BUILDER CHALLENGE SELECTIONS - 31st July 2010 - check out www.tipsterform.com for more information and the other 4 selections as we try to make big sums for small stakes!!!!!! Goodwood 1.55 - Finest Reserve Newmarket 2.45 - Tesslam Galway 2.55 - Sunwake Goodwood 5.25 - Peponi See below for link and information at www.Tipsterform.com and good luck to all those who get involved!!! The Judge
RACING BLOG 27th July 2010 - TIPSTERFORM.COM / Bank Builder Challange We have entered in to a Saturday challenge with WWW.TIPSTERFORM.COM which will comprise of a multi bet Saturday selection in attempt to hit a big one. Onthenoseinfo will provide 4 selections and the guys at Tipsterform will provide four selections to be combined in a weekly mulitple - more details and some of their previous efforts / results can be seen here... Bankbuilder Challenge Details... Take a look and we'll see how we go from Saturday - results and selections will be kept up to date on the Tipsterform site. Should be fun The Judge
RACING BLOG 12th July 2010 - Re the Twitter page it's worth checking some of the accounts I am following as I am trying to source just the racing fraternity for any gems of info - if you find any I haven't and I am sure there are lots please drop me a line so I can add them on. Thanks The Judge
RACING BLOG 9th July 2010 - Apologies for not blogging for a wee while but have been so busy and it's been a mad couple of months with the betting. April wrapped up nicely with some horses we kept faith in scoring at nice odds, Chasing Cars and Coolcashin were super winners for us at Punchestown and if I hadn't completely lost the plot in the Grand National we would have been a lot further ahead for the month there! The start of the flat was superb, May felt like taking candy from a baby which is very unusual for the Judge considering how we started last years flat campaign with nothing hitting the target. Fontley made it a superb few weeks and bar a silly season end to the month with some rather stupid bets we made a good few bob. June was unlucky for us with lots of seconds and odd rides from some horses that should have gone better but a timely reminder that they are not machines and we have to be disciplined and recognise a time to slow down! Having done that we seem to be back amongst the winners again in July and hopefully that will continue on. One or two losing months since this time last year is a cracking achievement and we only ever stake small bets - usually less than a 1pt advice so the numbers are best judged on that rather than it's total - if that makes sense???!!! It will be nice for the Inside Right to get something out of the World Cup so fingers crossed for the Dutch this weekend - weren't England atrocious and it's a shame that Ireland didn't get there given the French disgrace! I have put up a twitter page so we can perhaps share a few bits of info - remember this site remains free to all so to spend money on a forum seems nonsensical unless I start getting you lot to send me some money so perhaps this will work - feel free to get involved and thanks to the two of you who have so far! There is always the emails which I enjoy getting and always reply too...... A busy weekend ahead and have a good one The Judge
RACING BLOG 30th MARCH 2010 - Unless something really appeals tomorrow we are done for the month of March. We have only had one losing month now since August last year and that is great for all concerned. Cheltenham was a rollercoaster and like last year the profits earned in the first two days seem to want to find outlets to escape back to the bookie chaps on day's three and four. I think we went a bit mad on the last day but confidence was high and we hit a few places when one winner would have had us even further clear. Cheif Dan George was the highlight of the week and backed up by four other decent priced winners we had another succesful Cheltenham festival - if only it was every week. We actually beat last years total profit for the four days which The Judge is very pleased with indeed. It's nearly time for Fairyhouse and Aintree weather permitting we will get a clear run and hope to boost the coffers further. I usually do a Grand National preview about now but I am finding the shape of the race and the likely ground conditions hard to fathom and have only tentative hopes so far. One horse that looks well handicapped for either the Irish or English version is Flintoff who is back at the Venetia Williams yard, succeful of course with Mon Mome last year. The strapping chaser is quirky, needs blinkers and very wet ground to show his best but has serious form over marathon trips that give him a chance at Aintree or Fairyhouse. It is touch and go if he gets a run at Liverpool so Fairyhouse may be the better option, the way the snow is falling here in Ireland I would suggest they get on the ferry and take the chance......big prices on Betfair for a few pennies so grab a bit of that.... All the best
The Judge
RACING BLOG - 26th February 2010 - REVIEW OF THE CHELTENHAM PREVIEW NIGHT - Kettles Hotel , Rolestown, Co Meath, Ireland Panel
SUPREME NOVICE HURDLE -
RP - Solwhit worthy fav, not a GNative fan but if they put blinkers on Zaynar hed be very keen
X COUNTRY RACE - MARES HURDLE -
FW - Quevaga first time up is a worry but VLV is very very good and better ground should win
QUEEN MUM -
RYANAIR CHASE -
GE - Carlito is well and improving and with a bit of luck will be bang there, Davy Russell only says what you want to hear but he likes him
CHARITY BETS - RP - 100 e/w WOA in the World Hurdle 33/1 Great night in aid of charity and the above is about the best I can do through the blur as it went on well into the early hours... The Judge
RACING BLOG 31st January 2010 - We had a bit of a soft end to January with all the racing cancelled and a few top races gone in the process. We had a good month but it might have been a bit better with plenty of 2nds to note, especially this week. We did well to dodge the A/W racing during the cold snap and I am sure it would have cost us to get too involved in it so I only apologise for the attempt on the one Saturday we did have a go!! The Sawyer is a horse I adore but we missed the value by the time the site went up and he won beating Kilcrea Alsa and then I thought he would be a bit weary when he beat us on Private Be this weekend, however he is a bull and deserves his wins as do connections who stuck with the jockey and gave him a terrific 7 days, exactly what NH racing is all about. We have backed the horse a number of times and he was one of our very first winners on here, however having missed three of his wins it might be a note for all readers to make in their book!!! Cheltenham is looming and soon enough we will have a few advices for the ante-post markets. Tidal Bay is another horse who you all know I am a big fan of so to watch him hose up yesterday in the Cleeve was a bit sour and sweet. Great to have him back and campaigned properly with the World Hurdle in mind will certainly breath a bit of life into the Stayers market. This time last year I think I suggested Big Bucks might be a player come March and now we have a replay with another enigmatic chaser...look forward to it already! The Champion hurdle market looks a little out of kilter for me with Solwhit favourite but I think that's a bit offside given he will need a proper bog at Cheltenham, has never been there and really hasn't done that much to win his races this year. Go Native has the form in the book with the Supreme and his trial successes this year and is my early pick. The Henderson team have plenty to aim yet and Zaynar looks a super horse, not convinced he can outgun a few in the likely line up at 2m but not sure I'd be willing to lay him either!! Roll on Roll on..... The Judge
RACING BLOG 23rd December 2009 - WE ARE A YEAR OLD!!! It's been a rollercoaster ride and one I thought I might abandon at various different stages during the year! The results are obviously broken down on the Results Page but reviewing the twelve months is not too upsetting overall. Obviously the Golf winnings provide a large chunk of our annual profit for 09 ( and most of that that is thanks to the lovely chubby Argentinian Angel....) - that said the Racing in the last few months has more than held it's own and to get close to the 100pt mark for Racing is an achievement considering a few factors. Mid February 08' we were horribly down around the -30pt mark so it's a turnaround of 110pts or so since those dark days. The average stake on the horses is less than 1pt per bet so that's a pleasant stat to have on side when you are in front! We have stayed away from favourites in the main and short priced jollies which of course allows us to keep the stakes small and the process enjoyable - nothing worse than doing your bank on short priced losers...rather have a few throws at the bullseye with double figure options and we will continue to go that way in 2010. Also yours truely has stopped shooting for 33/1 shots all the time and happy to settle for the 11/2s and 4/1s to keep things ticking over...no more doubles, trebles - we even put up a trixie and a patent I think at one stage...silly stuff which cost us many unnecessary points in the early days...the process of keeping this site alive has taught many lessons worthy of the strains and struggles to make it pay! The target although it was never stated on here ( tempting fate and all that ) was to hit 100pts for the site for the year in total profit....we have hit over 240pts at the time of writing and are delighted to have done that. Thanks to Jeff Rough who had a super year, 3 wins from 7 tournaments...we'll welcome him back when the Majors kick off again ( without Tiger and his birdies ) Thanks to Colin Coupon for tireless work on the Football and Cycling previews... Thanks to Max Immum for his brief but successful write up on all things Snooker.... Thanks to Tom Fielding for his sterling stiff upper lip defence of the Ashes with the Cricket - profitable too! Thanks to Ricky Ropes for his once off winning preview on the Boxing - please come back and do the next Mayweather Money Money fight??? Thanks to the mad Chuck McSherrif who whizzed his way through some wayward previews of the Breeders....you're off your rocker... We are always looking for your comments, suggestions and even write ups on how to make money from a sporting event - email / contact us in the usual way! Thanks again THE JUDGE
RACING BLOG 22nd November 2009 - We have had a terrific week and it could have been even better but for a couple of fallers and 3 notable seconds at 22s, 4s and 5s...We hit placed horses at 25s and 12s too so plenty to be happy about and hopefully lots more to come. The racing has really gone up a gear and a few eyecatchers to look out for which we didn't bet on! Beroni winning the Troytown today at Navan has to be considered a massive improver and extremely well handicapped, of course a hike is coming but will it be enough to stop further success for the Mullins horse? He has a sneaky entry for the Hennessy but that might be a bit ambitious at this stage but surely one to keep on side. Zaynar really did the business at Ascot also and will now head for the Relkeel Hurdle rather than the Fighting Fifth and seems at this stage confirmed as the pick of last years novices. Hurrican Fly might have something to say in the argument yet but the up and coming animals from last year have really set the game alight. Diamond Harry won as he pleased and will now go chasing with the RSA Chase at Cheltenham a realistic target. Let's see him jump before any moves are made as my idea of the horse to follow with that race in mind is Punchestowns. The Becher was won by Vic Venturi who looked a massive price at the off considering he was favourite all week, the field cut up to 8 runners and from a morning price of 7/2 he went off at double those odds....hindsight is 20/20 of course. Royal Rosa ran a cracker and jumped without concern...if connections are reading this I'd be heading to Aintree in April with fresh legs and an ante post voucher!! Kauto Star and Imperial Commander fought out the finish of the weekend in the Betfair Chase and it was a fantastic effort from both horses especially as they are likely to have a bit to work on yet for the season. Imperial Commander proved the trip was not the issue but i still wonder if he is better over shorter and I would lean towards the Ryanair Chase as a long term target but connections have lots to think about. Kauto will go King George and then the Gold Cup and that looks ominous for the rest if Ruby is right and he needed yesterday's run. Notre Pere proved himself a good horse but not quite top level perhaps and he did have his favoured ground. Will probably be hard to place this year and a lower grade National in the UK with top weight will probably be the best route for success. Probably be a quiet week betting wise from tomorrow given the weather but we'll be updating every day and hopefully snaring a winner or two...I might do a Hennessy preview midweek and perhaps have a stab at the early prices..... All the best The Judge
RACING BLOG 17th November 2009 - It's great to have the Jumps back!!! Cheltenham Paddy Power meeting really brought the adrenalin back to the hardy racing fans who like to see their horses return year after year improving throughout a career rather than a 7 race career and gone in a season life of a flat star!! We hit the bullseye a few times which is nice - I have to say I was wrong about Tranquil Sea who I always thought of as a classy horse but one with soft tendencies - fair play to connections they did the business in some style. As for the Greatwood hurdle winner Khyber Kim it's hard to to feel regret having backed this horse about as many times as he has run except on Sunday....ouch!! Anyway hopefully keep getting it right, or thereabouts for November as we close on our anniversary on 20th Dec........ The Judge
RACING BLOG 4th October 2009 - Well such a good feeling to put matters right in August and September and move on into October and the resumption of decent Jumps action with some extra profit on the board. We were serioulsy due a big priced winner having placed at double figures around a dozen times in the 8 weeks and missing with Tombi ( over the top yesterday ) in the Ayr Gold Cup at 40's when on the wrong side still hurts! Also not sticking with a few horses after betting them has cost a few points with Northern Alliance, Hitchens, Jaconet, Santefisio and Braveheart Move springing to mind. I have been looking at the stats of the horses we bet and their results next time up and it's been profitable to stick with them for another run so I may well do so - race conditions dependent etc but still if I don't put it up feel free to play anyway! It's the Arc weekend and as I write a very impressive filly has just announced herself a horse to follow in the shape of Rosanara from the Zarkarva connections and she was hugely impressive overcome a stumble, wide passage and having to repel horse who got first run....super effort! What price an Arc win in due course........ All the best The Judge
RACING BLOG 30th September 2009 - YES....King's Masque hits the target at 25's!!! Will do a proper summary of the month shortly but what a super result for us today...hope you all made a few quid! The Judge
RACING BLOG 11th Sep 2009 - We've had a decent few weeks on the flat dealing with the losses of the early summer months and putting matters in order in the profit column. A couple of really nice days with two winners on each have boosted the coffers and we are becoming more selective rather than putting up five or six horses at decent meetings - hopefully the results will bear out the change of tactic. A quick word from us on Sea The Stars who was amazingly professional at Leopardstown on Saturday dispatching the O'Brien horses Fame and Glory and Mastercraftsman with consumate ease and he deserves the plaudits thrown at him for his multi distance, classic winning and nigh on monthly winning displays this term. A shame perhaps that they managed to get him beat on debut as he surely deserves to be an unbeaten stallion. The Arc is one race too many in my opinon with the ground ( although on breeding I would have expected no issue with a bit of give underfoot ) is likely to be against connections wishes. No shame if he steps down now and retires as a true champion. Also spare a thought for the two young jockeys that lost their lives over the weekend in a tragic fire, our thoughts with families and friends.....a great loss and RIP. The Judge
RACING BLOG 24th August 2009 - Well a decent month so far apart from the profit column which should be higher given the amount of winners we have managed and at good prices, unfortunately it hasn't all clicked on one paticular day and we had a poor start to the month which held us back. Happy to be picking the good ones though and hopefully a decent rally to the end of August will see us wipe out the flat losses so far, albeit small ones. It's been a big learning curve for The Judge since the start of the Flat season and hopefully one that will stand us in good stead for the later part this Autumn. Too many selections, a lot of shooting for the stars with big prices and not enough on the shorter odds winners....as stated before we like to play most races at the big meetings as that's when the action is at it's best, high profile and terrestial tv covered. It has proved to be a mistake with Ascot and York costing us rather than bolstoring the coffers, we still had winners but played too much to make them count. Onwards and upwards, Colin Coupon is now in full flow as the Football returns and has already taken a small profit, his pre season advice on Michael Chopra to outscore the Championship strikers looks very shrewd now too.....Tom Fielding wrapped up the Cricket Ashes series with a nice profit so gald to have him on board and of course Jeff Rough hit the bookies again at the US Open, he has had a great year. The Judge
Today's Bets 31st July 2009 - please note site still having technical issues! Goodwood 2.45 - Jaconet 0.5pt e/w - 33/1 Stan James ( bpg 4 places and 1/4 odds ) Goodwood 3.25 - Court Masterpiece 0.5pt e/w - 25/1 W Hill ( 4 places 1/4 odds and bpg ) Goodwood 3.25 - Kavachi 0.5pt win - 10/1 BET365 ( bpg ) Goodwood 4.35 - Raines Cross 0.5pt e/w - 25/1 Boyles and WHill ( 4 places 1/4 odds and bpg ) Goodwood 5.10 and 5.45 - Penny's Gift and Master of Disguise 0.5pt e/w Double 11/2 and 4/1 Sporting Bet ( 3 places 1/5 odds ) Galway 5.10 - Games 0.5pt e/w - 33/1 BET365 ( 4 places 1/4 odds and bpg ) The Judge RACING INFO 30th July 2009 - due to a website issue we have put today's advice on this page! We have two days left of the month to end in the plus figures - today's racing is the best for some time and I intend to address the balance accordingly! Galway first and our non-runner yesterday Northern Alliance has been jocked up with AP McCoy in the Galway Hurdle - Deutschland is all the rage this morning and may well prove to be well in but he is no value in what is a very hot race. Martin's runner will aim to go better than his third place last year and certainly has the attributes to take a hand. Truckers Delight is also rightly in the mix with a runaway victory last time over hurdles, a flat win since and a midfield effort this week already when doing too much donkey work from the front rank, today's pace and hurly burly will assist for a better performance. Goodwood and we have a few to follow. River Captain and Changing The Guard in the opener inspire most at value prices, both ran cracking races last time up and suggest that today's trip and downhill track will really play to their strengths - both can be taken e/w and hopefully we will take the race with one of them. Askar Tau is a super prospect in the staying ranks with the Tregoning team back in form following a poor spell he has a lot in favour today to produce a big run. The goldophin horse is well fancied but skinny at the prices and we should have the right type to take him on here. Lastly Indian Trail will relish this opportunity in the finale to run downhill and pick up the race late on but I also believe Good Gorsoon has a handicap in him now of a very low mark compared to best form. Two small plays in a tough race for us to round up the day. Advice - Galway 5.00 - Northern Alliance 0.75pt e/w - 10/1 BET365 ( bpg 5 places and 1/4 odds ) Galway 5.00 - Truckers Delight 0.5pt e/w - 14/1 Paddy Power ( bpg 5 places and 1/4 odds ) Goodwood 2.10 - Changing The Guard 0.5pt e/w - 16/1 W Hill ( bpg 4 places 1/4 odds ) Goodwood 2.10 - River Captain 0.5pt e/w - 12/1 W Hill ( bpg 4 places and 1/4 odds ) Goodwood 3.25 - Askar Tau 0.5pt e/w - 13/2 W Hill ( bpg 3 places 1/4 odds ) Goodwood 5.45 - Indian Trail 0.5pt e/w - 10/1 W Hill ( bpg 4 places and 1/4 odds ) Goodwood 5.45 - Good Gorsoon 0.5pt e/w - 18/1 V Chandler ( bpg 4 places and 1/4 odds ) The Judge
2nd July 2009 - HITTING THE CROSSBAR IS BETTER THAN THE CORNER FLAG So close yesterday to nailing a few winners, Turn Me On was second at 5s, the two shouts at Fairyhouse just nudged out of the winners enclosures at 14s and 10s and add them to this week's 9/1 and 14/1 second placed selections and we realy should have been flying! Still rather get "seconditus" than a more serious form of the disease! Pleased however that we are reading the races correctly even if not getting over the line as planned, surely a decent pay day is around the corner and we'll keep battling away. Colin Coupon is previewing the various components of the Tour de France so make sure you are keeping tabs on his blog and advice. The Ashes starts next week and we may have a few interests there depending on the availabilty of our Cricket Expert who is yet to be secured.........hopefully he'll come on board and we can have a multi sport summer. Cheers for now The Judge
30th June 2009 - THE JUDGE IS BACK IN BUSINESS BUT IT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER!! No Christmas cards for Mr Fahey who's horses have meant the difference between a nice monthly profit and the eventual small loss we have to bear. Mey Blossom at 9/1 yesterday was collared by a Fahey inmate on the line and then today Talk of Saafend 14/1 couldn't reel in another Fahey beast. I have to put his as the stable I can't read as if I tip them they are 2nd and if I go against they find every which way to win!!! That's the joy of this sport and also the pain, both similar emotions when you're punting. We'll take the spurt of good results with us into July I hope and get this negative monthly balances under control so we can build back our bank. We are still a tidy enough sum up on the racing front but The Judge really was fearful that it would all go a bit pear shaped whilst the flat racing was messing him around and it's noted that an Irish winner and a jumps winner have helped a lot in the last week - this will be the theme for a little while to come! Colin Coupon is off the leash again on the Cycling front and is going full throttle so enjoy the tour de France with his expertise to assist any punts. Cheers The Judge
22nd June 2009 - A WINNER, SURELY NOT?! That's us wrapped up till Friday or Saturday and it's nice to put one on the board with Kashmina this evening at Windsor. Shame our other selections couldn't back up that effort but we'll take the small boost to the coffers. Jeff Rough has been on and said he was happy enough with Anthony Kim's US Open effort - two or three less bogeys would have had him bang there as he recorded 71,71,71 and a final round 70. I pointed out we lost but he said there's money in the bank and to retain the faith! He'll get another chance I'm sure. Hope you enjoy the few days. The Judge
21st June 2009 - THE JUDGE IS SERVED HIS OWN HARSH PUNISHMENT!! A great weeks racing at Ascot where it paid to know more about the foreign runners than The Judge could manage. We were beaten by Australians, Americans and French beasts who really brought a touch of international class to the week. Highlight also the super Irish effort of Aiden O'Brien and Yeats winning a fourth Gold Cup and at 8 years old it's so nice to see a horse that can be identified with for years rather than the smash and grab raids of the superstar two and three year olds each season. On the punting front a few near misses with Cesare at 10s, Chiberta King at 9s, Fleeting Spirit 9/2 and some agonising bigger priced efforts from Patricians Glory and Treadwell who will be winning soon and ran top races but didn't trouble the bookies satchels this time round with unlucky runs. Add in an unseated rider with Hatton Flight, picking the wrong Henderson horse to follow this week and also the wrong Johnston horse when doubly represented then it's easy to feel a bit short changed. We weren't though as when it goes the right way it's easy to self congratulate without considering the fortune that may have assisted.... Also I apologise for some dubious calls on the draw effects as each time I made a call on which side would fare best I was consistently off the target and these things are crucial especially when it has been so pronounced this week and changeable - the pace wasn't always as important with some speedy types still not getting their way on the wrong side. It is the nature of our selecting that we take prices and value where we see them and since the flat has been main focus it's been a horrid transition. From a nice high of 40 plus points we have dribbled them back in all to quicker fashion than was ever envisiged. When it goes against it can really punish, as we saw with a notch post of seconds that stretch into the low teens. None of them at skinny prices so a little change of fortune in some cases will soon reverse the trend. Expect some more plays in Ireland in the coming weeks and a relaxing of concentration on the UK racing as there are hopefully some decent angles to expose on the greener side of the pond. Let's see what develops and whether The Judge can reverse this present trend....it won't be for lack of effort. Colin Coupon continues to deliver on the Cycling and Jeff Rough has been the flag bearer for us with one of the biggest priced winners most people will ever hit....I hope they keep it up whilst the racing goes through the soggy wringer. Some people have quite fairly questioned the amount of bets we struck during the Royal meeting but as I have explained before when it's festivals or headline meetings we always play and that is the nature of our service - if it's on prime time then we have an opinion. Like Cheltenham when we bet in all the races I recall bar maybe one that system worked well, at Ascot though the palms were slapped and that's how it can go. All the best The Judge
1st June 2009 - TOO MANY WAGERS.... When you hit a rough patch it is easy to bet in larger amounts and more often till you get it back and feel like your on top again. That's the quick way to the poor house unless you get lucky and it takes time to grind out profits and patience to keep hold of them during a bad patch. We played too many days racing in May if the truth be told, on reflection we only had 6 winning days and hardly missed a day's action! That's been proved by the results to be way too much and even though the damage was limited a bit on the last day it's still a poor show. Some hard luck along the way with no fewer than 10 second placed horses at 10s, 8s ( twice ), 6s, 11/2 ( twice ), 5s, 9/2 and 4/1....and that is hard to come back from!! Taken in stride and moving on to June...The Derby is approaching and the fascinating Aiden O'Brien whispers and rumours are everywhere, regardless of what is true or not he has a super team of horses to aim at the race....can't wait. Thanks again to CC for the work on Cycling and the Football - and Jeff Rough for another profitable month on the greens.... The Judge
25th May 2009 - RACING FRUSTRATION EASED BY THE OTHER SPORTS CREW! Tough month for the The Judge to say the least having hit so many seconds and thirds which have not been enough to tick us over in profit. Still a few days to go and we'll keep looking for the value but if the nose doesn't hit the line in front it's a hard days work for little reward. That is racing and you have to accept the rough with the smooth, hopefully a bit more of the latter will follow. Thanks to CC and Jeff Rough for keeping things nicely balanced with a football treble and a few cycling winners on the board in May and of course Paul Casey's last hole victory at Wentworth. JR was telling me he could have laid 14/1 Casey at his high point of the second round at lows of 1/3 on Betfair - so the shrewd ones who followed him in would have had their dosh on Friday evening and saved all the tension. I always like to let these bets run to conclusion, you had to of course before the exchanges, but that's romantics for you... If The Judge can pull his form book out and give us a winner of a four legged variety to finish off the month it will have been a May rollercoaster...what else do you expect! Thanks for all the emails and feedback - appreciated as always... Happy punting. The Judge
17th May 2009 - IN OUT AND SHAKEN ABOUT.... It's been a tough couple of weeks in May for Onthenoseinfo pundits. Nice to see Colin Coupon is back and amongst the winning picks on the football front - hope you followed this weekend. As for the racing we have had some winners but also too many losers and a few near misses. One of the second placed horses like Champagne Future, Handsome Falcon or All The Aces winning would have still had us nicely up for the month but that is racing and we take it on the chin as always. Hopefully you have seen enough in the first five or so months of the site to understand that we try to find decent prices and like to give our advice in the big events, which are not always the easiest ones to make money from! However we are enthusiatic for the sport and not betting in the big races on a Saturday or the Classics or the various festival meetings would be against our nature. Ghanaati winning the 1000 Guineas for us has been the highlight of the month so far and proves this mantra quite well, nothing like roaring in a decent priced horse when all around are banking on the odds on good thing which headlines the morning papers! Looking forward to some decent racing later next week - we have a couple of bets today which hopefully restore the small negative balance on the month but if not well there is still time to go before the sun shines in June and July ( I hope it does as it's pretty rough weather out of my window right now )..... All the best and good luck The Judge
30th April 2009 - WHAT A MONTH... It's been a great month's punting but hopefully we can do better. I recall a few double figure prices hitting the crossbar at Aintree and had we got lucky there then some serious profit would have been banked. However we find ourselves 40plus points up on the racing front and it's the intention now to keep tipping away and build that bank nicely as the Flat season starts to get into full swing. It's Guineas weekend coming up and it's full of decent betting opportunities giving us all chance to revive the senses following a breathless end to the jumping highlights at Punchestown. The form so far this week of Willie Mullins' team is something to behold. All of his horses have been running so well that I think even the great man himself is a little surprised at the results. He has some serious firepower tomorrow as well and notably he has decided to run two of his stable stars against each other in the Champion Novice Hurdle where Ruby Walsh takes the ride on Mikael D'Haguenet and Paddy Mullins maintains his association with Cousin Vinny. Split loyalties there for the father and trainer there no doubt. Dunguib and Hurricane Fly have caught the imagination with their wins this week but star performance for my money was Fiveforthree's demolition of the field in the World Series Hurdle today. It's rare you see a horse capable of serious speed over 2m and an abundance of stamina to travel and finish with a gear change at the longer distances. In this horse it's all there, plus he has room to fill and could be a superstar over fences. Mullins may route him to the French Champion Hurdle this summer although it's tempting to rest such a beast for next year it's felt he may need to be kept busy rather than rough himself off in the field. I'll leave that to Mullins who doesn't make many wrong decisions and right now could slip on a penny and land on a fiver. Back to the form... The Judge
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