It is Chelsea (7/2 in 90 mins), who exercised their Champions League demons in finally going through against Barcelona after going out to them at the semi final stage infamously in 2008, to a last minute Andres Iniesta winner, as well as in 2009, which ended in Didier Drogba memorably shouting expletives at the camera and branding the officials “cheats” and a “disgrace”, both of which leading to a five game ban, after being refused four seemingly stone wall penalties. It was all change this year however, coming from an improbable position in almost miraculous fashion. Chelsea won the first leg 1-0 at home, through a sole Didier Drogba goal, in a master class in defending at lead at The Bridge. That being said, at The Nou Camp, Barcelona were 1-0 up when captain John Terry was sent off for violent conduct, and it looked game over. However, the most resilient of fight backs came in the form of a Ramires equaliser, before an Iniesta effort from close range to get the tie 2-2 on aggregate. The inevitable seemed fate. But fate seemed to have other plans in mind, a stout and resilient performance from Chelsea, even saw Lionel Messi miss a penalty, as well as spurning other chances, and despite Barcelona having 77% possession across both games, it was the £50 million disappointment Fernando Torres with a 93rd minute goal that sent Gary Neville into raptures.
Bayern Munich (8/11 in 90 mins) had an easier route, routing Basle and Marseille, but like Chelsea left it late in the semis in similar dramatic fashion. Winning the first leg 2-1, coming from a 1-0 deficit, and going to the Santiago Bernabeau being the underdogs, even more so when 2-0 down in double quick time thanks to the boot of Cristiano Ronaldo. However an Arjen Robben (9/2 First Goalscorer) penalty. That followed a gritty defensive display before dramatically going through on penalties, to give an unlikely of finals without Real Madrid or Barcelona, and will play host at their home ground, The Allianz Arena.
So what of the final, with fate seemingly on both sides?
Chelsea have a decimated squad thanks to accumulated suspensions, and as such as the outsiders (7/2 standout top price), which seems quite a big price, given the trials and tribulations just to get here, coming back against Napoli and Barca, lady luck seems to be smiling on them. Ivanovic, Terry, Ramires and Mereiles are all out suspended, and defenders David Luiz and Gary Cahill are fighting battles to be fit for the big game. They have enough depth and quality in their midfield where they can pose a real danger however, with boss Roberto Di Matteo expected to start with a 4-3-3 formation, playing with all three strikers, Torres (Stand out top price 8/1 First Goalscorer), Drogba (Stand out top price 15/2 First Goalscorer) and Sturridge (10/1 First Goalscorer).
Likely Team: Cech, Boswinga, Cahill, Luiz, Cole, Lampard, Essien, Mata, Sturridge, Torres, Drogba 4-3-3.
Bayern can’t be underestimated, and have a wealth of talent at their abundance, and a team that has been nurtured over the last few years, including some of Germany’s finest young talent. Mario Gomez (10/11 to score anytime) is the team’s talisman up front, and generally leads the line well, being the focal point of most attacks. It is their midfield where the real danger comes from however, with two of the most feared wingers in world football, with Frank Ribery (6/4 to score anytime) and former Chelsea player Arjen Robben (6/5 to score anytime) that hold the true dangers. Especially when you consider that Lahm and Boateng will be bombing down both flanks, offering overlaps on each side. Chelsea’s wide men will need to have had their weetabix that morning. All four wide men are excellent on the ball, dribbling and crossing, and have shown how adept they are in beating a man and cutting in from either side, getting a shot or cross in at goal.
Likely Team: Neuer, Lahm, Boateng, Alaba, Pranjic, Muller, Schweinsteiger, Robben, Kroos, Ribery, Gomez
Chelsea look too big at 7/2 for the win, given how their top men usually perform in the big games. Didier Drogba at 15/2 looks massive, especially given his performances in the Champions League semi finals, and FA Cup final; He is a man for the big occasion. Chelsea have shown tenacity to get through when behind against Barcelona and Napoli, and will be more than a handful for the Bayern defenders to deal with, although it would be no surprise to see their defence concede early, such is their inexperience at the back.
Advised:
Chelsea to win in 90 minutes - 7/2
Didier Drogba First Goalscorer – 15/2
Bayern Munich Half Time/Chelsea Full Time Double Result – 28/1
Jack Milner - @JJMSports
Thursday 17 May 2012
Monday 14 May 2012
Musidora Stakes Day at York
We are on The Knavesmire this week as York hosts the Dante meeting on Wednesday and Thursday, with trials for The Oaks and The Derby in the form of the Musidora Stakes (Oaks) on Wednesday and The Dante Stakes (Derby) on Thursday. They also run The Duke of York Stakes, for some of the top sprinters in the country, as well as a host of the usual competitive handicaps, maidens and novice races.
The first race of the opening day has been used as a stepping stone for group horses in recent years, last year’s winner Pekan Star setting countless tongues wagging before his form eventually tailed off towards the back end of the season. Another potential group class horse is FLAG OFFICER for Saeed Bin Surour and Frankie Dettori, connections who have a tremendous record at this meeting. Flag Officer is an unexposed four year old gelding, with only five races to his name, but has potentially the strongest form on offer. He finished second here over course and distance to the progressive Sea Moon, winner of The Great Voltigeur and second in the Breeders Cup Turf, only beaten just under two lengths. Flag Officer hasn’t finished outside the first three in five runs and looks to a very progressive horse.
The Musidora Stakes looks a two horse affair with last year’s winning connections John Gosden and William Buick responsible for The Fugue, who comes here after a good fourth in the 1000 Guineas, and Twirl for Aidan O' Brien and son Joseph. The Fugue looks an exciting horse, but the nod goes to Twirl, whom I have already backed for The Oaks. She was breath-taking when winning a maiden by around eight lengths last year, and showed enough promise when second in a Group Three at The Curragh over a mile. She is a full sister to Misty For Me, who is a Group One winner over 10 furlongs, so the trip shouldn't be a worry, and I expect her to come on massively for the run, where she had runaway Guineas winner Homecoming Queen behind her.
The Duke of York Stakes has generally been a lucky race for me in previous years, with this article napping the winner last year in Delegator. Mayson has been massively progressive for Richard Fahey and Paul Hanagan, winning two pattern races in strong fashion, but a horse who should have ended up a Group One winner last year is HOOF IT, for Mick Easterby. The booking of Ryan Moore looks significant and he was incredibly unlucky when third in the Betfred Sprint Cup, losing by a neck and a nose to Bated Breath and Dream Ahead. He runs well fresh, winning over course and distance at this meeting last year after a 200 day absence. He looks rock solid and can win this before going on to bigger and better things.
1.30 York - Flag Officer
2.30 York - Twirl (Nap)
3.00 York - Hoof It
The Yorkshireman - Jack Milner / @JJMSports
The first race of the opening day has been used as a stepping stone for group horses in recent years, last year’s winner Pekan Star setting countless tongues wagging before his form eventually tailed off towards the back end of the season. Another potential group class horse is FLAG OFFICER for Saeed Bin Surour and Frankie Dettori, connections who have a tremendous record at this meeting. Flag Officer is an unexposed four year old gelding, with only five races to his name, but has potentially the strongest form on offer. He finished second here over course and distance to the progressive Sea Moon, winner of The Great Voltigeur and second in the Breeders Cup Turf, only beaten just under two lengths. Flag Officer hasn’t finished outside the first three in five runs and looks to a very progressive horse.
The Musidora Stakes looks a two horse affair with last year’s winning connections John Gosden and William Buick responsible for The Fugue, who comes here after a good fourth in the 1000 Guineas, and Twirl for Aidan O' Brien and son Joseph. The Fugue looks an exciting horse, but the nod goes to Twirl, whom I have already backed for The Oaks. She was breath-taking when winning a maiden by around eight lengths last year, and showed enough promise when second in a Group Three at The Curragh over a mile. She is a full sister to Misty For Me, who is a Group One winner over 10 furlongs, so the trip shouldn't be a worry, and I expect her to come on massively for the run, where she had runaway Guineas winner Homecoming Queen behind her.
The Duke of York Stakes has generally been a lucky race for me in previous years, with this article napping the winner last year in Delegator. Mayson has been massively progressive for Richard Fahey and Paul Hanagan, winning two pattern races in strong fashion, but a horse who should have ended up a Group One winner last year is HOOF IT, for Mick Easterby. The booking of Ryan Moore looks significant and he was incredibly unlucky when third in the Betfred Sprint Cup, losing by a neck and a nose to Bated Breath and Dream Ahead. He runs well fresh, winning over course and distance at this meeting last year after a 200 day absence. He looks rock solid and can win this before going on to bigger and better things.
1.30 York - Flag Officer
2.30 York - Twirl (Nap)
3.00 York - Hoof It
The Yorkshireman - Jack Milner / @JJMSports
Saturday 12 May 2012
Racing at Ascot, Haydock and Lingfield
Another weekend of promising action, with Lingfield having its strongest card of the year, with the respected Derby and Oaks trials, and due to the wet weather, will be run on the artificial surface, There are also strong cards at Haydock and Ascot, with the Betfred Victoria Cup being the highlight with a £100k pot on offer to the 20 strong field.
The Victoria Cup looks to be another strong renewal, and 101 rated Pastoral Player heads the weights, after previous decent efforts in group company last season. Top class handicappers over the 6-8 furlong mark such as Eton Forever, Tariq Too, High Standing and Smarty Socks look to have some of the leading claims. Northern trainers Kevin Ryan, Dandy Nicholls and Brian Ellison look to have some strong claims, but the most north of trainers Jim Goldie looks to have the answers with last season’s winner HAWKEYETHENOO. The six year old has a good record fresh, finishing fourth in a very good handicap at Newmarket, as well as winning the year before at Thirsk. He looks nicely treated by the handicapper, remaining at 104, technically 6lb in hand to Pastoral Player, when beaten four lengths here over course and distance. Providing he handles the soft conditions, he has solid claims.
RED JAZZ is a very decent yard stick, and drops down from group company to listed level for the Spring Trophy Stakes at Haydock over seven furlongs. He has shown a consistent level of form over the past couple of seasons, most notably when a narrow third in the QE2 at Ascot in 2010. His third in the Group 2 Godolphin Mile at Meydan in March should have improved his fitness for the new campaign, and the cut in the ground shouldn’t be too much of a worry.
Another dropping down in grade is CHACHAMAIDEE, who like stable mate Vita Nova, drops down from group company to listed level to open her season. The Footstepsinthesand mare ran close Strong Suit, Saphresa and Lolly For Dolly all close when second to them in Group 1 and 2 races last year, and rated 113, being officially the best horse in the race.
The two Derby and Oaks trials look fiercely contested affairs, but hopefully we have found the answers with both, the first being VOW, who holds claims for very respective connections for William Haggas and Highclere Thoroughbred. The filly looked green as grass when hacking up in her maiden win, won the year before by Dancing Rain, the horse who gave the trainer his Oaks win last year. She should come on tremendously for that run, and I expect her to win en route to Oaks glory, get on early at around the 20/1 mark! The Derby trial should go towards John Gosden in the colours of Oaks winner in 2009 Sariska, for Lady Bamford. SHANTARAM has ran two crackers in maiden company, most notably last time out at Newmarket, where the form has worked out with the next four runners producing form of 1-3-1-3. Providing he can take the step up in class in his stride, the well bred colt should run well.
2.10 Lingfield – Chaichamaidee
2.40 Lingfield – Vow (Nap)
3.10 Lingfield – Shantaram
3.25 Ascot – Hawkeyethenoo (Ew)
4.15 Haydock – Red Jazz
The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner, Follow me on Twitter - @JJMSports
The Victoria Cup looks to be another strong renewal, and 101 rated Pastoral Player heads the weights, after previous decent efforts in group company last season. Top class handicappers over the 6-8 furlong mark such as Eton Forever, Tariq Too, High Standing and Smarty Socks look to have some of the leading claims. Northern trainers Kevin Ryan, Dandy Nicholls and Brian Ellison look to have some strong claims, but the most north of trainers Jim Goldie looks to have the answers with last season’s winner HAWKEYETHENOO. The six year old has a good record fresh, finishing fourth in a very good handicap at Newmarket, as well as winning the year before at Thirsk. He looks nicely treated by the handicapper, remaining at 104, technically 6lb in hand to Pastoral Player, when beaten four lengths here over course and distance. Providing he handles the soft conditions, he has solid claims.
RED JAZZ is a very decent yard stick, and drops down from group company to listed level for the Spring Trophy Stakes at Haydock over seven furlongs. He has shown a consistent level of form over the past couple of seasons, most notably when a narrow third in the QE2 at Ascot in 2010. His third in the Group 2 Godolphin Mile at Meydan in March should have improved his fitness for the new campaign, and the cut in the ground shouldn’t be too much of a worry.
Another dropping down in grade is CHACHAMAIDEE, who like stable mate Vita Nova, drops down from group company to listed level to open her season. The Footstepsinthesand mare ran close Strong Suit, Saphresa and Lolly For Dolly all close when second to them in Group 1 and 2 races last year, and rated 113, being officially the best horse in the race.
The two Derby and Oaks trials look fiercely contested affairs, but hopefully we have found the answers with both, the first being VOW, who holds claims for very respective connections for William Haggas and Highclere Thoroughbred. The filly looked green as grass when hacking up in her maiden win, won the year before by Dancing Rain, the horse who gave the trainer his Oaks win last year. She should come on tremendously for that run, and I expect her to win en route to Oaks glory, get on early at around the 20/1 mark! The Derby trial should go towards John Gosden in the colours of Oaks winner in 2009 Sariska, for Lady Bamford. SHANTARAM has ran two crackers in maiden company, most notably last time out at Newmarket, where the form has worked out with the next four runners producing form of 1-3-1-3. Providing he can take the step up in class in his stride, the well bred colt should run well.
2.10 Lingfield – Chaichamaidee
2.40 Lingfield – Vow (Nap)
3.10 Lingfield – Shantaram
3.25 Ascot – Hawkeyethenoo (Ew)
4.15 Haydock – Red Jazz
The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner, Follow me on Twitter - @JJMSports
Monday 7 May 2012
The Players Championhip 2012
The Players Championship is seen as ‘The Fifth Major’ and is one of the most fiercely contested tournaments on the tour. Played at Sawgrass, it is synonymous with the infamous 17th, the elusive par 3, set on its own, and known as ‘The Island Green’ is one of the most difficult holes in worldwide golf.
In recent times, the Americans have struggled, as have the golfers at the very top of the tree. A month after The Masters, and a month before The US Open, it can be seen as an after thought for some of the very best. Hence, the worlds very best have had a relatively poor record recently, as have Americans, and as such, golfers at the top of the market such as Woods, Mickleson, Mahan et al, can be overlooked at he prices.
Driving length is something that is usually is the premium factor on the PGA Tour, with Watson, Johnson, Garrigus, Bradley and the man himself Tiger Woods changing the way the game is played in recent seasons, but as I can very well tell you, length isn’t everything. At The Players, it is more about accuracy, remember, it’s not what you have, it’s what you do with it. It is all very well driving the ball 350 yards, but if you have to chip out from under a bush, what is the point.
That is why some of the most recent winners have got the best iron game on the tour. The best example being Sergio Garcia. A winner in 2008, and a runner up the year before, his game is ideally suited to the course, getting round with a high Greens in Regulation percentage, giving him the chance to make birdie. He has been in good nick this year, and considering he was Tied 12th last year, can be deemed something of a course specialist. Much like runners around Prestbury Park, if he is there jumping the last, he has a good chance providing he gets up the hill. Another horses for courses player is David Toms, runner up last year, and winner in 2007. Another player who isn’t particularly long, but very accurate. He is third in stats for driving accuracy, and with his previous form here, has to be respected, at very large prices.
Australians have generally got an exceptional record in terms of proportionality, and they have some strong challengers once more, most notably in the form of Jason Day. He finished Tied 6th here on only his second start here, after missing the cut the year before. He is a big occasion player, with his record in majors in the last 18 months reading 10-2-2-30-MC; he is a boy going places. He has returned from injury steadily and made his best return of the season last week at Wells Fargo (Tied 6th) and he looks to have outstanding claims and is a leading ‘tee-to-green’ player.
The two other leading Aussies come in the hardened veteran Robert Allenby and Aaron Badderley, players who both again have form around Sawgrass. Allenby is a massive price due to his patchy form, but generally comes alive around the course, second here in 2004, and bounced back from poor form last season before posting a Tied 6th last season. He was tied second going into the last round before fading, but has the right type of profile of a top 100 ‘Un-American’, tee-to-green player, who looks much overpriced. Badderley is more of a quirky player, who has struggled in the last few seasons, but his game is gradually returning to the promise he showed at the turn of the millennium. In the last three years, he has form of 6-MC-9 around Sawgrass in the last three years. He had a recent Tied 4th a few weeks ago, and could be creeping back into form. Geoff Ogilvy is another pesky Aussie who often slips under the radar, but looks to be coming here primed, after a recent failed late charge at Wells Fargo. He had a run of eight birdies in fifteen holes in the third round to vie for the lead before fading, and he has consistent figures for driving and GIR.
Europeans have recently a good record here, with wins for Stenson and Garcia in recent times, as well as strong showings for Donald, Westwood, Poulter and Molinari. A lively outsider who has decent form here is Frederic Jacobsen who looks to follow in compatriot Stenson’s footsteps by going better than his 9th place finish in 2009. Just a hunch, but if he gets his game together, he could throw a shock, at seriously large prices, around the 100/1 mark. Martin Kaymer winning however would be no shock, and the striking German has been rather subdued since his win in the PGA Championship in 2010, feeling his way back to form. He has however got better with three starts here (55-34-19) and has eased himself back into the new season. Only playing seven tournaments so far, compared to the average of twelve, he can strike a ball far, goes tee-to-green, putts well and has shown several times, “The Iceman” is cool, calm and composed when it comes to finishing the job.
Two American’s who have made giant strides in the last few years in particular, and have a winning pedigree are Webb Simpson and Steve Stricker. Stricker in particular is someone who when is ‘on it’ is imperious. He has a somewhat dogged determination about him, which has seen him rise up against adversity, peaking later in his career than most. His iron play is outstanding, leading him to be 7th on the PGA Tour hitting greens in regulation, not to mention 27th on driving accuracy. He had his best performance last week, finishing sixth, and his record in the last few years at Sawgrass is 12-DNP-22. He should be able to handle the pressure, and is an unbelievable price from an each way perspective. Similarly Webb Simpson, who seems to get better and better as the season progresses. He won the Wyndham and the Deutsche Bank last season, as well as stellar performances in the majors. He looked for all the winner at Quail Hollow last week, before his putting let him down towards the back end, but he looked in good touch, and is the second on tour with his birdies per round (4.43), and with his scoring, he gives himself chances constantly.
Shortlist & Advised
Steve Stricker 40/1 3pts EW
Webb Simpson 45/1 3pts EW
Jason Day 45/1 3pts EW
Sergio Garcia 45/1 3pts EW
Martin Kaymer 66/1 2pts EW
David Toms 80/1 2pts EW
Freddy Jacobsen 100/1 1pt EW
Geoff Ogilvy 100/1 1pt EW
Aaron Badderley 125/1 1pt EW
Robert Allenby 175/1 1pt EW
The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner
Follow me on Twitter - @JJMSports
Chester Cup Day - Wednesday 9th May
The May Chester meeting is one of the highlights of the season, and is one of the focal points of the north, and coming so early in the season, there are pointers to the Gold Cup, Derby and Oaks with the Chester Cup, Dee Stakes and Cheshire Oaks.
Certain connections have thrived there in recent years, with the three day meeting used as a target for Ballydoyle and Aidan O’ Brien, having three winners from three runners, all in group company. Locally based Manor House Stables have plenty of runners and plenty of winners for the boss, Michael Owen. Not to mention owner Marvan Koukash, who will seek to have runners in every race.
The first race looks an open conditions stakes, and Manor House Stables sponsor the race and have five runners, but there could be a dark horse in the form of THARAWAL LADY. The John Quinn trained filly made a good impression in a Beverley maiden, and the form has worked out very well already.
Aidan O’ Brien won the Cheshire Oaks last year, and has a habit of mopping up races over here, seen at the weekend when winning both Guineas, and he has BETTERBETTERBETTER to continue the streak. Out of a mare winning over a mile and a half, this stoutly bred daughter of Galileo looks to be on an upward curve.
The Chester Cup is a tricky, muddling sort of race, but last year, Champion Hurdle second, Galway Plate winner, Northumberland Plate winner, Fighting Fifth Hurdle winner OVERTURN should just kick on from the front and lead the way. Making it a true test of stamina over flat bred horses that should lead start to front and make it back to back victories.
BLUE JACK ran a good race last time out when second behind a well backed Mirza at Newbury’s Craven meeting, on soft ground. He has all his best ground on good, and the drying out ground should bring out more improvement. He is a course and distance winner, and connections have a strong record at the meeting.
SHANTARM has been an unlucky runner up on his two career sorts, and this smart son of Galileo can go one better in the 3.40. Owned and bred by Lady Bamford, he has shown great progress in two starts, and was unlucky to lose by a nose at Newmarket last month, unfortunate he is a non runner, as he would have taken all the beating. The Ballydoyle horse FATHER OF SCIENCE looks to be the main rival, another impressively bred animal. Aidan O' Brien rarely brings maidens over, and the well bred son of Galileo can build upon his already solid fifth at Leopardstown a month ago.
DINKUM DIAMOND was tipped up last time out, but never travelled and was seemingly not right for the day, when finishing last of six in a conditions race last time out at Nottingham. Looking through his form, he has ran very well second time out in the season when returning from a break, winning a Conditions race in 2010 and third to Group One placed Elzaam in a Listed race last year, The better ground is also likely to suit, and it could be telling that it is trainer Henry Candy’s first runner in over a year.
THIRD HALF is an interesting runner for Manor House Stables in the last race, a mile and a half handicap, won by home connections last year in King Edward VII winner Brown Panther. Third Half is similarly bred, sired by Haafhd, and gelded over the winter after breaking his maiden tag. Second at Southwell, then winning over seven furlongs at Wolves, the step up in trip should suit his pedigree, and he could go off a bigger price than what improvement could yield.
1.35 Tharawal Lady
2.05 Betterbetterbetter
2.35 Overturn
3.05 Blue Jack
3.40 Father of Science
4.15 Dinkum Diamond
4.50 Third Half
The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner
Follow me on Twitter - @JJMSports
Certain connections have thrived there in recent years, with the three day meeting used as a target for Ballydoyle and Aidan O’ Brien, having three winners from three runners, all in group company. Locally based Manor House Stables have plenty of runners and plenty of winners for the boss, Michael Owen. Not to mention owner Marvan Koukash, who will seek to have runners in every race.
The first race looks an open conditions stakes, and Manor House Stables sponsor the race and have five runners, but there could be a dark horse in the form of THARAWAL LADY. The John Quinn trained filly made a good impression in a Beverley maiden, and the form has worked out very well already.
Aidan O’ Brien won the Cheshire Oaks last year, and has a habit of mopping up races over here, seen at the weekend when winning both Guineas, and he has BETTERBETTERBETTER to continue the streak. Out of a mare winning over a mile and a half, this stoutly bred daughter of Galileo looks to be on an upward curve.
The Chester Cup is a tricky, muddling sort of race, but last year, Champion Hurdle second, Galway Plate winner, Northumberland Plate winner, Fighting Fifth Hurdle winner OVERTURN should just kick on from the front and lead the way. Making it a true test of stamina over flat bred horses that should lead start to front and make it back to back victories.
BLUE JACK ran a good race last time out when second behind a well backed Mirza at Newbury’s Craven meeting, on soft ground. He has all his best ground on good, and the drying out ground should bring out more improvement. He is a course and distance winner, and connections have a strong record at the meeting.
SHANTARM has been an unlucky runner up on his two career sorts, and this smart son of Galileo can go one better in the 3.40. Owned and bred by Lady Bamford, he has shown great progress in two starts, and was unlucky to lose by a nose at Newmarket last month, unfortunate he is a non runner, as he would have taken all the beating. The Ballydoyle horse FATHER OF SCIENCE looks to be the main rival, another impressively bred animal. Aidan O' Brien rarely brings maidens over, and the well bred son of Galileo can build upon his already solid fifth at Leopardstown a month ago.
DINKUM DIAMOND was tipped up last time out, but never travelled and was seemingly not right for the day, when finishing last of six in a conditions race last time out at Nottingham. Looking through his form, he has ran very well second time out in the season when returning from a break, winning a Conditions race in 2010 and third to Group One placed Elzaam in a Listed race last year, The better ground is also likely to suit, and it could be telling that it is trainer Henry Candy’s first runner in over a year.
THIRD HALF is an interesting runner for Manor House Stables in the last race, a mile and a half handicap, won by home connections last year in King Edward VII winner Brown Panther. Third Half is similarly bred, sired by Haafhd, and gelded over the winter after breaking his maiden tag. Second at Southwell, then winning over seven furlongs at Wolves, the step up in trip should suit his pedigree, and he could go off a bigger price than what improvement could yield.
1.35 Tharawal Lady
2.05 Betterbetterbetter
2.35 Overturn
3.05 Blue Jack
3.40 Father of Science
4.15 Dinkum Diamond
4.50 Third Half
The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner
Follow me on Twitter - @JJMSports
Saturday 5 May 2012
2000 Guineas Day at Newmarket
Guineas Weekend
I have already done a preview for both the colts, and the fillies Guineas preview shall focus on the other racing at HQ, and whilst not of the same prestige, there is still the same amount of quality on display.
The opening handicap looks a classy renewal, but two horses immediately catch the eye, the first being CIRCUMVENT for Paul Cole and Cristophe Soumillion, who have a good strike rate when combining, most notably when winning a similar race last season with Rimth. Circumvent returned with a good third in the Winter Derby at Lingfield, and is on a reasonable mark for solid pattern performer. PROPONENT is another at a career high mark of 100, but his showing in the Cambridgeshire last year showed he is getting better with age. Trainer Roger Charlton and jockey Jack Doyle are in good form, and he has a decent record fresh.
The Jockey Club Stakes is a Group Two, but judging by the calibre of horses that turn out for this race, it soon will be of a Group One level, with the field consisting of a French Derby, Melbourne Cup, St Leger winners to say the least. It is them three that head the market in the form of Meandre, Dunaden and Masked Marvel, but the value may seemingly lay with the progressive four year olds, who have yet to taste Group one or two glory. FIORENTE has been held in the highest regard by Sir Michael Stoute since winning a Newbury maiden, and has followed that up with two decent efforts. Second to King George winner Nathaniel at Ascot, and second to Namibian at Goodwood. He is very unexposed and could have bags of improvement to come. Similarly QUEST FOR PEACE who resembles an equally light profile, previously with Aidan O’ Brien before going to Luca Cumani. On his first outing, he won the Cumberland Lodge Stakes, beating 2010 Leger winner Arctic Cosmos, before a strong fifth in the Woodbine Invitational in Canada. Both look to have few miles on the clock
Aidan O’ Brien’s Camelot set tongues wagging when hacking up in the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster on only his second outing last season. A son of Montjeu, he looks more suited to the Derby trip on stamina grounds, so it looks a bit of a head scratcher running him the Guineas, especially when one recalls St Nicholas Abbey, who took a similar path and took an age to recover. The soft ground should aid his chances, but at the prices, he has to be overlooked.
His stable mate Power looks to have a live chance, given his form from last year when he was a model of consistency at Group level. He won the National Stakes at The Curragh and the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot, but his win over Dragon Pulse on soft at The Curragh is the best piece of form. He has a chance at bigger prices.
Richard Hannon has four runners in Trumpet Major and Bronterre, Coupe De Ville and Redact but I think they have a bit to find on various form-lines, and the trainer has yet to win this race since 1990. Top Offer has only run once, in a maiden, and cannot be backed from a form perspective in my opinion, let alone the ground.
ABTAAL won impressively over a mile against French Fifteen last year, running his prep very much as a trial and he should come along a lot for the race. Another horse from respected connections is BORN TO SEA for the John Oxx yard; a trainer that rarely has a runner in the UK if not feeling the horse has an excellent chance. A half brother to Galileo and Sea The Stars, this horse just oozes class. He won a listed race on his debut, highlighting his promise, before running second to O’Brien’s Nephrite when apparently wrong. By Invincible Spirit, this should be his ideal trip and, given the trainers 29% strike rate with runners in this country in the last decade, carries maximum respect.
2.00 Newmarket - Circumvent & Proponent
2.35 Newmarket - Quest For Peace & Fiorente
3.10 Newmarket - Born to Sea & Abtaal
The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner
@JJMSports
I have already done a preview for both the colts, and the fillies Guineas preview shall focus on the other racing at HQ, and whilst not of the same prestige, there is still the same amount of quality on display.
The opening handicap looks a classy renewal, but two horses immediately catch the eye, the first being CIRCUMVENT for Paul Cole and Cristophe Soumillion, who have a good strike rate when combining, most notably when winning a similar race last season with Rimth. Circumvent returned with a good third in the Winter Derby at Lingfield, and is on a reasonable mark for solid pattern performer. PROPONENT is another at a career high mark of 100, but his showing in the Cambridgeshire last year showed he is getting better with age. Trainer Roger Charlton and jockey Jack Doyle are in good form, and he has a decent record fresh.
The Jockey Club Stakes is a Group Two, but judging by the calibre of horses that turn out for this race, it soon will be of a Group One level, with the field consisting of a French Derby, Melbourne Cup, St Leger winners to say the least. It is them three that head the market in the form of Meandre, Dunaden and Masked Marvel, but the value may seemingly lay with the progressive four year olds, who have yet to taste Group one or two glory. FIORENTE has been held in the highest regard by Sir Michael Stoute since winning a Newbury maiden, and has followed that up with two decent efforts. Second to King George winner Nathaniel at Ascot, and second to Namibian at Goodwood. He is very unexposed and could have bags of improvement to come. Similarly QUEST FOR PEACE who resembles an equally light profile, previously with Aidan O’ Brien before going to Luca Cumani. On his first outing, he won the Cumberland Lodge Stakes, beating 2010 Leger winner Arctic Cosmos, before a strong fifth in the Woodbine Invitational in Canada. Both look to have few miles on the clock
Aidan O’ Brien’s Camelot set tongues wagging when hacking up in the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster on only his second outing last season. A son of Montjeu, he looks more suited to the Derby trip on stamina grounds, so it looks a bit of a head scratcher running him the Guineas, especially when one recalls St Nicholas Abbey, who took a similar path and took an age to recover. The soft ground should aid his chances, but at the prices, he has to be overlooked.
His stable mate Power looks to have a live chance, given his form from last year when he was a model of consistency at Group level. He won the National Stakes at The Curragh and the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot, but his win over Dragon Pulse on soft at The Curragh is the best piece of form. He has a chance at bigger prices.
Richard Hannon has four runners in Trumpet Major and Bronterre, Coupe De Ville and Redact but I think they have a bit to find on various form-lines, and the trainer has yet to win this race since 1990. Top Offer has only run once, in a maiden, and cannot be backed from a form perspective in my opinion, let alone the ground.
ABTAAL won impressively over a mile against French Fifteen last year, running his prep very much as a trial and he should come along a lot for the race. Another horse from respected connections is BORN TO SEA for the John Oxx yard; a trainer that rarely has a runner in the UK if not feeling the horse has an excellent chance. A half brother to Galileo and Sea The Stars, this horse just oozes class. He won a listed race on his debut, highlighting his promise, before running second to O’Brien’s Nephrite when apparently wrong. By Invincible Spirit, this should be his ideal trip and, given the trainers 29% strike rate with runners in this country in the last decade, carries maximum respect.
2.00 Newmarket - Circumvent & Proponent
2.35 Newmarket - Quest For Peace & Fiorente
3.10 Newmarket - Born to Sea & Abtaal
The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner
@JJMSports
Wednesday 2 May 2012
2000 and 1000 Guineas - Newmarket
Last year the 2,000 Guineas signalled the emergence of Frankel as a world-beater. Although there may not be a star to rival the Sir Henry Cecil trained colt in this year’s line-up Aidan O’Brien’s Camelot arrives with a tall reputation and he’ll be accompanied by his stable companion Maybe, currently a hot favourite for the filly’s equivalent, the 1,000 Guineas.
Aidan O’ Brien’s Camelot set tongues wagging when hacking up in the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster on only his second outing last season. A son of Montjeu, he looks more suited to the Derby trip on stamina grounds, so it looks a bit of a head scratcher running him the Guineas, especially when one recalls St Nicholas Abbey, who took a similar path and took an age to recover. The soft ground should aid his chances, but at the prices, he has to be overlooked.
His stable mate Power looks to have a live chance, given his form from last year when he was a model of consistency at Group level. He won the National Stakes at The Curragh and the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot, but his win over Dragon Pulse on soft at The Curragh is the best piece of form. He has a chance at bigger prices.
Richard Hannon has two horses in Trumpet Major and Bronterre, but I think they have a bit to find on various form-lines. Top Offer has only run once, in a maiden, and cannot be backed from a form perspective.
Abtaal won impressively over a mile against French Fifteen last year, running his prep very much as a trial and he should come along a lot for the race. Another horse from respected connections is Born to Sea for the John Oxx yard; a trainer that rarely has a runner in the UK if not feeling the horse has an excellent chance. A half brother to Galileo and Sea The Stars , this horse just oozes class. He won a listed race on his debut, highlighting his promise, before running second to O’Brien’s Nephrite when apparently wrong. By Invincible Spirit, this should be his ideal trip and, given the trainers 29% strike rate with runners in this country in the last decade, carries maximum respect.
While the 2,000 Guineas looks relatively open I don’t think the same can be said for the 1000 Guineas. There are many pretenders, including the Godolphin pair of Discourse and Lyric of Light, last years two year olds La Collina and Lightening Pearl, and recent trial winner Moonstone Magic. However, Aidan O’Brien’s MAYBE has beaten them all, and comfortably too. The way she travelled and ran on in her recent spin around The Curragh for Aidan O’Brien showed she has filled out and still looks the part. She is a banker!
Newmarket Saturday
2000 Guineas – Born to Sea & Abtaal
Newmarket Sunday
1000 Guineas – Maybe (Nap)
The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner
@JJMSports on Twitter
Aidan O’ Brien’s Camelot set tongues wagging when hacking up in the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster on only his second outing last season. A son of Montjeu, he looks more suited to the Derby trip on stamina grounds, so it looks a bit of a head scratcher running him the Guineas, especially when one recalls St Nicholas Abbey, who took a similar path and took an age to recover. The soft ground should aid his chances, but at the prices, he has to be overlooked.
His stable mate Power looks to have a live chance, given his form from last year when he was a model of consistency at Group level. He won the National Stakes at The Curragh and the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot, but his win over Dragon Pulse on soft at The Curragh is the best piece of form. He has a chance at bigger prices.
Richard Hannon has two horses in Trumpet Major and Bronterre, but I think they have a bit to find on various form-lines. Top Offer has only run once, in a maiden, and cannot be backed from a form perspective.
Abtaal won impressively over a mile against French Fifteen last year, running his prep very much as a trial and he should come along a lot for the race. Another horse from respected connections is Born to Sea for the John Oxx yard; a trainer that rarely has a runner in the UK if not feeling the horse has an excellent chance. A half brother to Galileo and Sea The Stars , this horse just oozes class. He won a listed race on his debut, highlighting his promise, before running second to O’Brien’s Nephrite when apparently wrong. By Invincible Spirit, this should be his ideal trip and, given the trainers 29% strike rate with runners in this country in the last decade, carries maximum respect.
While the 2,000 Guineas looks relatively open I don’t think the same can be said for the 1000 Guineas. There are many pretenders, including the Godolphin pair of Discourse and Lyric of Light, last years two year olds La Collina and Lightening Pearl, and recent trial winner Moonstone Magic. However, Aidan O’Brien’s MAYBE has beaten them all, and comfortably too. The way she travelled and ran on in her recent spin around The Curragh for Aidan O’Brien showed she has filled out and still looks the part. She is a banker!
Newmarket Saturday
2000 Guineas – Born to Sea & Abtaal
Newmarket Sunday
1000 Guineas – Maybe (Nap)
The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner
@JJMSports on Twitter
Wells Fargo Championship Golf
Based on the following stats, and how the course should play, shostlist boils down toe the following:
Keegan Bradley 35/1
Zach Johnson 33/1
Bo Van Pelt 40/1
Charles Howell-III 80/1
Jeff Overton 80/1
Robert Garrigus 80/1
Given recent ten year trends, the shortlist comes down to the following 18 players.
The stats that accompany are from the PGA Tour for the 2012 season.
The stats used involve top tens, driving accuracy and distance, greens in regulation, and overall scoring.
World Name Best Finish Top Tens Driving Accuracy G.I.R Scoring Rank
22 Keegan Bradley, USA 2 3 14 74 25 69.82 8
30 Zach Johnson, USA 2 2 151 6 101 69.6 11
28 Bo Van Pelt, USA 2 5 27 50 73 70.25 22
67 Charles Howell-III, 2 2 40 151 42 70.26 23
78 Jeff Overton, USA 4 2 61 106 71 70.33 25
71 Robert Garrigus, USA 2 2 3 132 9 70.38 29
92 Michael Thompson, 6 1 124 155 115 70.39 30
14 Webb Simpson, USA 3 3 94 121 27 70.43 34
75 Spencer Levin, USA 3 2 99 154 131 70.53 38
55 Kevin Na, USA 4 5 149 18 123 70.82 44
39 Rickie Fowler, USA 7 1 36 42 44 70.84 61
49 Ben Crane, USA 2 3 114 60 41 70.84 61
82 Sean O'Hair, USA 2 2 54 113 77 70.87 64
59 Jonathan Byrd, USA 3 3 138 137 92 71.37 106
74 Ryan Moore, USA 3 2 122 26 80 71.4 109
25 Nick Watney, USA 9 1 100 116 18 71.51 118
79 Chez Reavie, USA 20 0 129 31 95 71.86 144
100 Lucas Glover, USA 66 0 117 4 172 73.13 177
Keegan Bradley 35/1
Zach Johnson 33/1
Bo Van Pelt 40/1
Charles Howell-III 80/1
Jeff Overton 80/1
Robert Garrigus 80/1
Given recent ten year trends, the shortlist comes down to the following 18 players.
The stats that accompany are from the PGA Tour for the 2012 season.
The stats used involve top tens, driving accuracy and distance, greens in regulation, and overall scoring.
World Name Best Finish Top Tens Driving Accuracy G.I.R Scoring Rank
22 Keegan Bradley, USA 2 3 14 74 25 69.82 8
30 Zach Johnson, USA 2 2 151 6 101 69.6 11
28 Bo Van Pelt, USA 2 5 27 50 73 70.25 22
67 Charles Howell-III, 2 2 40 151 42 70.26 23
78 Jeff Overton, USA 4 2 61 106 71 70.33 25
71 Robert Garrigus, USA 2 2 3 132 9 70.38 29
92 Michael Thompson, 6 1 124 155 115 70.39 30
14 Webb Simpson, USA 3 3 94 121 27 70.43 34
75 Spencer Levin, USA 3 2 99 154 131 70.53 38
55 Kevin Na, USA 4 5 149 18 123 70.82 44
39 Rickie Fowler, USA 7 1 36 42 44 70.84 61
49 Ben Crane, USA 2 3 114 60 41 70.84 61
82 Sean O'Hair, USA 2 2 54 113 77 70.87 64
59 Jonathan Byrd, USA 3 3 138 137 92 71.37 106
74 Ryan Moore, USA 3 2 122 26 80 71.4 109
25 Nick Watney, USA 9 1 100 116 18 71.51 118
79 Chez Reavie, USA 20 0 129 31 95 71.86 144
100 Lucas Glover, USA 66 0 117 4 172 73.13 177
Prospects May Blog
Another month, and surprisingly another cheery blog, with more happiness crammed into around 500 words, than an average Pepper Pig cartoon, what can I say, having a three and a half year nephew and a two year old Godson, I have an in depth knowledge of Nickelodeon and The Disney Channel.
I can not believe it is May already, this year has flown by, and boy how well it is going already. Another month has passed where my reputation has seemingly enhanced, with strong festivals at Aintree and Punchestown, the ego has been more than massaged by the followers and the fan club of JJMSports.
The highlight was probably putting up three horses the day before the Grand National, screamed at everyone to back then, and all three romped home by a collective 60 lengths, basically winning by over a fence. As such, one of my followers just happened to be the Marketing Office from Ripon Racecourse, and she had a cheeky £5 treble, returning £85. She was so chuffed that I was sent two complimentary VIP tickets to the racing there last Saturday! Unfortunately as it transpired, I couldn’t get off work, but little touches like that show how life is
The Cheltenham winnings have already been invested into a few jaunts to another love in the summer in forms of Cricket and Darts, what a life eh? Have no idea how people could possibly hate sport! Trips to The Oval, Lords and Headingley should be amazing, and as a life long cricket fan, it will be something of a pilgrimage to finally go to The Home of Cricket at Lords.
Not to mention the World Matchplay Darts in Manchester, The Manchester Weekend for Super League, few trips to see Racing at York and Doncaster on the flat. I have decided life is for living, at this moment in time, ZERO interest in the career route, not at this stage in life, where my responsibilities are at a minimum.
I went for an interview with a local firm, only a five minutes walk away from my home in Lindley for an Accounts Manager Position, something that although I have limited experience in, I am quite the dab hand at talking my way out of things, and famously said on The Sri Lankan Apprentice ‘I can talk my way out of an empty room’, not to mention a few other cringe worthy phrases too whilst on there.
The fact that I couldn’t muster up the motivation or inspiration to come up with convoluted story how I did once in fact work in it, excelled in fact, and how I secured accounts for companies A, B, and C shows how much I didn’t in fact want it.
I look at people who work within the company with me, and just thank Jebus how good I have it. It is rather humbling to be quite honest. The manager is 29, but has a wife, two kids and a mortgage, and as such, doesn’t have the greatest amount of free time. Whenever small talk is being made about what we are doing tonight, or tomorrow etc, it involves doing chores, paying bills, picking kids up, fixing general things around the house. My day off Sunday, I went to a darts meeting, my Godson’s birthday party, played football, then went and watched snooker in the pub with a mixed grill. Cheers. Good night from me and good night from him.
The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner – Follow me on Twitter - @JJMSports
I can not believe it is May already, this year has flown by, and boy how well it is going already. Another month has passed where my reputation has seemingly enhanced, with strong festivals at Aintree and Punchestown, the ego has been more than massaged by the followers and the fan club of JJMSports.
The highlight was probably putting up three horses the day before the Grand National, screamed at everyone to back then, and all three romped home by a collective 60 lengths, basically winning by over a fence. As such, one of my followers just happened to be the Marketing Office from Ripon Racecourse, and she had a cheeky £5 treble, returning £85. She was so chuffed that I was sent two complimentary VIP tickets to the racing there last Saturday! Unfortunately as it transpired, I couldn’t get off work, but little touches like that show how life is
The Cheltenham winnings have already been invested into a few jaunts to another love in the summer in forms of Cricket and Darts, what a life eh? Have no idea how people could possibly hate sport! Trips to The Oval, Lords and Headingley should be amazing, and as a life long cricket fan, it will be something of a pilgrimage to finally go to The Home of Cricket at Lords.
Not to mention the World Matchplay Darts in Manchester, The Manchester Weekend for Super League, few trips to see Racing at York and Doncaster on the flat. I have decided life is for living, at this moment in time, ZERO interest in the career route, not at this stage in life, where my responsibilities are at a minimum.
I went for an interview with a local firm, only a five minutes walk away from my home in Lindley for an Accounts Manager Position, something that although I have limited experience in, I am quite the dab hand at talking my way out of things, and famously said on The Sri Lankan Apprentice ‘I can talk my way out of an empty room’, not to mention a few other cringe worthy phrases too whilst on there.
The fact that I couldn’t muster up the motivation or inspiration to come up with convoluted story how I did once in fact work in it, excelled in fact, and how I secured accounts for companies A, B, and C shows how much I didn’t in fact want it.
I look at people who work within the company with me, and just thank Jebus how good I have it. It is rather humbling to be quite honest. The manager is 29, but has a wife, two kids and a mortgage, and as such, doesn’t have the greatest amount of free time. Whenever small talk is being made about what we are doing tonight, or tomorrow etc, it involves doing chores, paying bills, picking kids up, fixing general things around the house. My day off Sunday, I went to a darts meeting, my Godson’s birthday party, played football, then went and watched snooker in the pub with a mixed grill. Cheers. Good night from me and good night from him.
The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner – Follow me on Twitter - @JJMSports
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