Hi all,

On Valentine’s Day the sun finally came out. Gone were the grey, gloomy skies, replaced by clear blue ones. It was most welcome given the weather we’ve endured so far in 2026. However, clear skies at this time of year also bring the risk of frost.

Haydock experienced a much harsher frost than anticipated on Friday night into Saturday morning. The track had to pass three inspections before racing could go ahead. Thankfully, the 11am check gave the green light and the Grand National Trial card survived. There were no such concerns at Ascot or Warwick.

It promised to be an informative Saturday of racing and I think it delivered.

Inside today’s main piece, you can read my thoughts Saturday’s action.

Read More »Jonbon Digs Deep in Ascot Chase Thriller

Hi all,

There are nine races live on ITV this Saturday. Five of those come from Ascot, where the highlight is the Grade 1 Betfair Ascot Chase (3:35). Three races are from Haydock, featuring the William Hill Half A Mill Grand National Trial (3:15), and one race from Wincanton – the Grade 2 Kingwell Hurdle (1:35).

Inside today’s main piece you can read my thoughts on the best of Saturday’s action.

Read More »Ascot Chase Headlines Saturday's Action

Hi all,

In yesterday’s column I highlighted how you can make money from backing three horses in an eight-runner race.

This is what I wrote:

“It might give some readers heart failure to suggest backing three horses in an eight-runner race. Now I’ve written this before the bookies have priced up the race, but if the prices allow, it could pay to side with all three and still come out in front.”

I identified Aurigny Mill, Welsh Charger and Constellation Walk for a handicap hurdle at Taunton.

The first-named won at 14/1 after an enterprising ride from Harry Kimber. So, a good profit landed and that was with a non-runner taking to the field down to seven.

On to Friday’s action.

There’s an interesting card at Kelso this afternoon and competitive racing at Meydan, where the highlight is an 80–100 handicap (3:50) worth £30,364 to the winner.

Inside today’s main piece, I’ve looked at a couple of the Kelso handicaps.

Read More »Kelso Race Preview: Key Contenders in Friday’s Handicap Chases

Hi all,

Not surprisingly we lost Wetherby’s Wednesday card to waterlogging.  I don’t live far away from the racecourse, and we’ve had two dry days out of the last 16. Indeed, we’ve just had one day where in the sun made an appearance in the last two weeks.  The weather has been one shade of grey, it been cold, wet and thoroughly miserable. Looking outside it’s hard to believe that were just 26 days away from the start of the Cheltenham Festival.

Ninety per cent of midweek racing, outside the big summer festivals, exists to fund the bookmakers’ benevolent fund.

The likes of Hugh Taylor thrive in low-grade midweek racing, particularly on the all-weather. But they thrive because they specialise. That’s the key word: specialisation.

I prefer to focus on Class 3 and above contests. That’s my specialism if you like. Thankfully there’s a Class 3 handicap at Taunton this afternoon that I’ve looked at inside today’s main piece.

Read More »The Improver Factor