Did you mention to your son in law that you have been wishing cancer on people?

Good morning Guys,

Back in Germany (arrived late Sunday night) after a short, but relaxing weekend in Paris/Longchamp, although there was a period around 16.30 (post the Prix Neil) when i wished i had gone to the Curragh instead.

3 selections posted on Sunday morning, a loser, a NR, but a 22/1 runner-up (higher odds when i posted).

Starting with City Of Troy, a NR in the National Stakes at the Curragh due to serious rain and a change in going, disappointing as he was my main bet of the weekend and one i had already backed on Friday afternoon (this bet was actually voided by Sportsbook). His stablemate Henry Longfellow looked good and remains unbeaten after 3 runs, but he only had one serious rival that didn't run his race and was beaten early. Would COT have won on decent ground, who knows, but i was confident as i could be in a race of its type, backed him accordingly on the day and i think he will be the champion 2 year-old at season end. I guess the Dewhurst will be next and i will be very tempted to go over for it, even though it's close to Ascot Champions day when i plan to meet a few posters on here.

At least my AP win bet for the 2000 guineas still has life in it, although the EW double with Ylang Ylang in the 1000 probably hasn't after a lack lustre display. Only small stakes on both anyway and not a bet i usually make.

On to Longchamp and a very warm afternoon, circa 34c. We arrived early enough, walked around the garden area and had a pizza/drink, but spent most of the racing period in the cooler Goldikova salon on the 3rd stage where it was easy to get a table and sofa. There weren't many spectators in the adjacent seated area for the first few races, although it did pick up later, but never looked full. We stayed for 6 races (the RP doesn't show the Arab, 2nd race result) and left after the Prix Neil.

I only had 3 bets on course, but one of those, a 20 euro win on Ghadah in the Arab race (1.9 on PMU) wasn't for me. Only 18 euros profit, but considering she bets only once every pancake day, winning was more important.

I mentioned it was doubtful i would be playing Blue Rose Cen in the Prix Vermeille, but in the end i had 20 euros just for sentiments sake, i really like the filly and she's won me a few quid in the past. The going, and step up in trip was an unknown, it was a decent field and i knew off the bend she wouldn't win, but hopefully she trains on and will be back over shorter trips next season. She has to be supplemented for the Arc, but this isn't going to occur.

Feed The Flame ran flat in the Prix Neil and was disappointing, but i wouldn't give up on him for the Arc. The jockey on the pacemaker made a right Horlicks of it (he had one job ) setting quite a sedate pace, then deciding to quicken up after looking over his shoulder to see a stacked-up field in behind. FTF needs a fast pace and even off the bend after the false straight i began to doubt he would catch the winner Fantastic Moon who was ridden more prominently. I saw the latter at München in July and didn't see him as an Arc winner (beaten easily by Native Pride, albeit on soft). I think the pace and going were reasons for a disappointing run by the favourite who didn't show his very good turn of foot on this occasion. Hopefully it's softer in October.

Apart from FTF, i doubt we saw a possible Arc winner over the weekend and several may nor run anyway including Auguste Rodin, Fantastic Moon and Nashwa. In June i posted the then unbeaten German trained Mr Hollywood was an outsider for the race at crazy odds; i have a few buttons at triple digit odds and a tenner EW with a London shop. Considering he once beat Sundays' winner by 7L in the Bavarian classic (although Fantastic Moon beat him in the German Derby) and a likelihood of soft in October, he goes there with an outsider's chance.

I lost 450 euros on FTF, but had a nice time in a fantastic city i know well, and will be back there on 30th for the 2-day Arc meeting with 5 others, including a couple of posters.

Get Ahead was my selection in the Flying Five group sprint at the Curragh and was only beaten by 0.5L. How much did i have on ? Not a cent, i missed the race.

Good luck and have a nice Tuesday all.

Unluckyforsomeembraer


I don't communicate with the forum fruit loop these days, but in response to your 21.47 post yesterday, i met my now 'ex' in Brasil when i was working for Embraer (aircraft) in bygone days and she was at CTA. Happily married at one time, but now separated and have been for long time. Not divorced. Will it occur in future, i don't know and don't think about it. Considering the income tax levels in Sweden and Germany, if i was divorced i would marry any female that said yes, if only for the allowances.

No animosity from either side between us, we are adult about it and remain 'friends' as such. I loved her once, we had some great times in several European/Asian countries (due to my work) it simply didn't work out, but at the end of the day, she is the mother of my daughter, so there will always be a bond there. I actually took her to Paris this time, although she rarely goes racing with me, but she was at Longchamp in 2019 when we met Happysandwich and his wife. She also met the posters Lucky Luciano and Mr Spreadsheet on one occasion when they were racing, but i didn't go. I know these guys will not mind me mentioning them.

As for CagliariG, Glentoby, Molerat, GT-Mole et all, in my opinion the most despicable person on the forum. A fantasist without question and 'liar' in his moniker is apt, he is one, and often changes what i am supposed to have stated to suit his own agenda. He has a weird and unhealthy obsession with me, is very argumentative (not only with me) and i doubt he has the capacity to admit when he's wrong and apologise, it's not in his nature. He welshed on our agreement some time ago when i posted a zillion photo's including bets confirming what i posted was truthful and he was going to leave the forum (yeah right). Other posters stated he wouldn't and i sort of guessed this anyway, but it was more important for me to put him bang to rights, something i've done often, but it got boring after a while. The numpty contradicted i was at Leopardstown for the DRF in January even after i mentioned i had met the posters Workrider and Jimnast, and Simon Nott mentioned me in his betting blog for Star Sports. When he refuted that my father was stationed at St Mawgan/Coastal Command (ground crew) during my boyhood years i decided to ignore him, i let him post what he wants and don't read his tosh. The forum has experienced its fair share of nutters over the years, but this guy would win Gold at the Olympics if there was an event for such like.

Stewarts Rise

Just as Sunday, i typed some of this the previous evening.

Morning Andrew,
Just catching up on the forum as don’t look at this as much as I used to, see nothing much changes !
We all know who the fantasist in the room is and while it must be hard to ignore you are only feeding him oxygen by replying.
Looking forward to meeting up for the Arc in a few weeks, with a few of the other guys on here.

Thank you ANDREW   G/L 

Second Again,

Thanks, a good start with Shiffrin winning at Chantilly, backed at 4.8 (it was matched higher). Made most and won easy by 2L.

Good luck with Subway (my daughters favourite fast food). If Rosallion doesn't act on the going, who knows.

I keep in contact with Alan via email, but i agree it's a pity he can't post here at the moment.

Good morning Guys,

My first post since last Sunday when the 2 lay selections were both beaten (evens and 6/4) and a sole suggested winner Rogue Lightning won @ 9/4 although i didn't back the latter.

Decent cards in UK this afternoon including the G2 Mill Reef stakes at Newbury and Ayr Gold Cup handicap that i will have an interest in, albeit small in the latter. Across the Irish sea, Europe's most valuable 2 year old race the Goffs million is certainly the biggest monetary prize on offer and gives lessor known connections the chance of a big pay day with a runner that may not feature in next years classics.

At an opposing end of the connections scale, AOB trains 50% of the field for the G2 Beresford stakes, including 2 of the front 3 in the betting and has every chance of continuing an exceptional win record in the race, 21 times since his first in 1996, simply mind-boggling.

At Auteuil, racing fans may remember the ex-Nigel Twiston-Davies trained Goa Lil in the G3 Prix de Compiegne (3.25) but irrespective of this it may pay to keep an eye on the 2nd race of the meeting, the G3 Robert Lejeune (1.35) with Cheltenham 2024 in mind.

Jigme is the highest rated 3 year old hurdler in France by far (equates to 152) currently unbeaten in 3 runs and beat a couple of today's rivals over a slightly shorter trip on the course LTO. Made all and looked the winner from some way out with the jockey glancing back on a couple of occasions. Ridden out, but quickened well on the run-in. Considering 7 of the previous 9 Triumph hurdle winners previously raced in France he may be well fancied on the day assuming he comes over.

In the Mill Reef (Newbury 3.15) stakes i'm a layer of the likely favourite Mister Sketch even though he won really well by over 9L LTO and is clearly progressing. I went through the form earlier and not a single runner from each of his 2 runs has won since and soft going is an unknown. Up in class and there are 3 group race rivals in the field including a recent G3 winner. Of course he could be decent and i've got him wrong, but i'm content with the lay.

At Ayr, i fancy the lightly raced Karl Burke trained Royal Rhyme in the Doonside Cup (1.50). Winner of 3 from 6 and he can be forgiven for a poor penultimate run on course where he unseated the jockey during the stalls loading, but won impressively in a class 2 Goodwood handicap since. His record on soft is 1-1-1. Up in class, but i feel he will take it in his stride and win (currently trading around 2.3).

On to the days trickiest handicap, the Ayr Gold Cup (3.35). Regular readers know i have followed Lethal Levi over a cliff, or maybe a couple if i think about it. Has the ability to win a decent sprint handicap one day, but will it be this afternoon. Winner of 4 sprints last year although often finds trouble, but a first time visor may help. If i'm honest a mark of 96 could be a tad high (did run well off this mark in May) but i will play a small win/5TBP. Currently trading around 24 and 4.7 respectively, but could increase.

Good luck and have a nice Saturday all.

WD with RR and the lay of MS Andrew

Come on guys, a bit of recognition for the hard work Andrew puts in wouldn't go amiss.

A couple of successful write ups on the bounce , written with all the eloquence we've come to expect   


Excellent Andrew , have a great Longchamp weekend 

Good evening Guys from the Air France lounge at München airport.

A well deserved chill period after a busy working week, especially yesterday and today with full-day meetings where i had to give a couple of ppt presentations.

No prizes for guessing where i'm heading at 20.30 by which time Mr Spreadsheet and a couple of others (non-posters) will already be there. Lucky Luciano and another tomorrow, then it's off to Longchamp for the first day of the Arc meeting.

On to the racing, tomorrows card could have been better, but 10 races, 6 group class including the Arab race (12.58) that RP have not considered, as always. There could be a bet in this race with the possible favourite Ghadah who raced from off the pace (generally 5th of the 6 runner field) to win at the Arc trial meeting. Took his time to get going in the straight, but eventually got up to win going away at the line, certainly best in the race.

Elsewhere, i think one of my favourite French jockeys can win the Prix De Royallieu (3.33) on the William Haggas trained Sea Silk Road assuming she stays the trip that seems likely

Probably the best bet on the card is Horizon Dore in the Prix Dollar (4.43). Improved in leaps and bounds recently and the slight drop back in trip shouldn't be an issue.

I will post a status on the going tomorrow after it's announced on course, but i expect it to stay around 3.3 early afternoon at least. Soft in France but we would consider good.

Good luck and have a nice evening all.

Tanglefoot

Thank you i certainly will now i'm here. An Air France flight delay meant i arrived at CDG too late to catch the last train to the city at 23.03. There are maintenance issues that apparently end today, sods law. The bus takes an hour and leaves from a different terminal, so i shared a taxi with a yo8ng couple to the centre, then took the RER. Arrived in my hotel around 00.20, but never mind, another day, all forgotten.

Off for a long breakfast in the city, then on to Longchamp for an early start. It looks a beautiful day.

Good luck.

I hope that pays for your weekend.

You are on fire, Horizon was the icing on the cake.

WD again

WD all winners

Good morning Guys,

Many thanks for the posts, much appreciated as always and i know you will understand me not responding last night. We ended up in a Lebanese restaurant, at least i think it was, a decent meal whatever the nationality. For 'cabaret' we witnessed a small group on a nearby table that were celebrating a birthday and the restaurant provided a sword to cut the cake with.

We had planned to go to an Argentinian steak restaurant in the Latin Quarter i know, but couldn't get a table, bad planning by yours truly who didn't book a table based on previous visits. Not a big deal, we found a place not so far away and it turned out well.

A good day at Longchamp, only 3 of us went, Lucky Luciano and Mr Spreadsheet, the other 3 wanted to be tourists, but will join us this afternoon.

After reviewing the card before breakfast i thought if i made a profit it would be good, there was only one runner i really thought was a bet, but i ended up well in front on the day after a poor start. Apologies for the after-timing, but the 2 others can vouch for my bets (all PMU odds).

1.23 Shembala 66/10 3rd
1.58 Ghadah 9/2 3rd
1.33 Emily Dickenson 9/5 (last, didn't stay)
2.15 Agile 115/10 Won
2.58 Islandinthesky 7/10 Won
3.33 Sea Silk Road 76/10 Won
4.08 Kilocheo 43/1 9th (fun bet)
4.43 Horizon Dore 7/10 Won

We didn't stay for the last couple if races. Local Beer not cheap at 10 euros, but not much more than Cheltenham festival really. A reasonable crowd and no problem whatsoever queuing for bets and drink. Weather was pleasant, i think around 22c, but it felt warmer, although i was wearing a suit. Official going was 'bon souple 3.3' but we all thought it was close to good and race winning times support this.

A really nice afternoon and life is not always about money or winning bets, good company, a few beers and a lot of banter rounded off by a great and late evening.

On to this afternoon, but i will keep my selections summary short as we're all meeting up at 09.30 for a breakfast/brunch in the Charles De Gaulle Etoile area, close to the Arc De Triomphe monument. We're staying in the La Defense area as i often do for Longchamp, i like it and it's conveniently close to the RER station and a short trip to the centre.

Readers of this thread will know i have AP bets on a couple of runners, Feed The Flame (9/1) and Mr Hollywood (50/1 EW to a tenner and BF odds of 147/1 win for a few buttons). The latter wins over 1K, but i have to be honest i don't hold out too much hope, but i think he will run better than his current odds may suggest. He beat Fantastic Moon by 7.5L in München 3 runs ago, although he was subsequently beaten 2.25L by FM in the German Derby. I saw the latter when i went to the same course to back Charlie Applebys Nations Pride in July and didn't think he was a potential Arc winner. Forget Feed The Flame's run in the Prix Neil, the pace was a farce and he blew hard afterwards.

I will not be backing him again, or anything else in the race, but i am a 2 and 3/TBP player of the AOB trained St Leger winner Continuous.

In the opener (1.15) what older racing fans will know as the Grand Criterium, i like Beauvatier and i've put this one up on here before. A 1-1-1-1 record over 5f, 6f and 7f on 4 different courses. He didn't have a lot to beat LTO over CD, but was very heavily backed (1.7 was available on here early) to 30/100 and won easily even though the 1 length may not suggest it. An equivalent BHA rating of 107 that i feel should be higher, but i'm an engineer, not a handicapper. He's on a par with Vandeek using collateral form lines, giving 4lb and a beating to the filly Ramatoulle back in May. There is one point to consider though, all wins have with give.

In the Arab World Cup (2.25) Al Ghadeer looks almost a good thing, but i don't lump on in these races, simply as i'm not overly familiar with the form.

In the Prix L'Abbaye (4.25) i think the draw is a major concern for Highfield Princess even if most of the pace is with her. A wonderful and very genuine mare, but i am a layer. I may have a small win bet on the Clive Cox trained Kerdos currently around 10/1.

In the Prix De l'Opera i have to back one of my 2 favourite French fillies, Blue Rose Cen, who doesn't owe me anything, even after a loss at Goodwood. I've backed her in her 5 previous wins, all odds against bar one. Having said this, the stake will not be significant.

My last bet will be Kinross (5.00) in the Prix De La Foret, where i think Frankie will get a standing ovation from an often very supportive Longchamp crowd.

I can't wait

Good luck and have a nice Sunday all.

Changing topic, one of the group, Mr Spreadsheet gained promotion to the Premiership in the naps competition yesterday (WD, Mr S). I haven't seen the table yet, but did the poster CagliarG do any good ? No real interest, just asking for a friend.

Thanks for the write up Andrew. I have to say I really fancy Feed the Flame in the Arc. My florin is on.

No bet in race but crikey what a turn of foot that was , looked like Peintre Celebre reincarnated


Good luck chaps 

andrews done the lot

Well done rico, "Just noticed" last week was actually yesterday!! Happens when selecting outsiders but at least minus 26 still leaves me plus £11.74 as opposed to Ikeaman minus £32.46 not including this thread!!

HTH as wouldn't want Ikea not to know the facts.