Harry is jocked up for 3 rides on Friday.

Although I did back Capt. Bellamy, I know it would not have won without at least some whip strokes but the last 3 probably slowed it down. This is Lorcan Williams's second time over 10 so he really needs a long ban to teach him some self control. To hit a big backward horse that many times can only harm both his and the horses career.

The industry should act now and ban it. If not, it will be taken out of their hands through public opinion. Occasionally the whip gets a reaction from a horse after the first 1-2 hits, after that, no. There will be no whips used on animals for public entertainment within 5-10 years.

The whip shouldn't be about whether it makes a horse run faster. It just isn't right to be hitting a horse at all for entertainment. That should be so obvious, but racing continues in the dark ages to appease jocks who are simply too lazy to ride without hitting animals. We haven't even got to the stage of having a proper trial with jocks simply carrying whips. The only question to ask is whether you can have racing without hitting horses and of course the answer is yes. I would have thought it would be good thing if more races are won by horses who are not being effectively forced to win. As regards wayward horses we have seen many horses hang across the track with the rail being a more effective straightener than the whip. 

No bets today. I did think about Into The Park at Exeter, but not sure he is a strong stayer over this trip, and on a stiff track. He is now plenty short enough with the doubts. The novice hurdle is worth a look at Ffos Las, but no strong view. Gillespie has much the best pedigree in the bumper, but if he is much good, why has he ended up with the Owners Group, rather than the usual suspects? Surely they would have got first refusal on a good one? 

Next few days look tricky. It's hard to win a few quid, don't make it too easy to give it back. The bookmakers want you to bet every day.

They have had 'hands and heels' races for ages, but it has never gone beyond that. When I suggest a trial the idea would be that it would be for all races, and last at least a month.

My thoughts exactly.
No need for a whip in racing.
A jockey should be competent enough in the saddle using his legs arm to encourage a horse forward.

Why is it that people who follow racing can accept this, but those who make the rules can't, or if they do, are unwilling to do anything about it?

Into The Park didn't see it out, so money saved there. Roscahill, a very splayed action behind, but stopping him at the moment. Another race that Jones looked like winning. Even at his best he seems to produce an awful lot of seconds, particularly over hurdles. Gillespie looked a little raw, but saw his race out well. He might have a future, but I doubt it was much of a race. I backed Karuma Grey when he was with the Holden's, but I left him alone when he won at a big price next time, and he has popped up again today. Won nicely for a 100/1 shot. I did flag up that it seemed strange to be running Not Long Left on this sort of ground.

Not much to go at tomorrow, and it could easily be another no bet day. I don't really enjoy betting at Ascot. In general there's too much bookmaker fodder tomorrow, and the condition races are pretty low grade. The bumper might be the exception. I still haven't quite recovered from Blues Singer not winning. That was a nothing race, and it would be ridiculous if he won a much better one tomorrow. The one I like best at double figures is Tennessee Tango. The form is relatively untested, but he travelled like much the best horse on debut. The likely softer ground might be a negative. Had there been four places I might have been more inclined to have a go.

Caught the end of a Dan Barber interview on Racing TV. He seemed to be bigging up the Arkle, and praising the removal of the Turners. Surely you can't judge the merit of a race on a bookmakers market which is what he appeared to be doing? It might look very different in a few weeks time. I have already discussed Ballyburn so won't repeat those arguments again, but would it be the biggest surprise if Ballyburn and Sir Gino didn't go anywhere near the race? Then you are left with Majborough v L'Eau Du Sud, and the supporting cast. That wouldn't exactly have me on the edge of my seat, even though I think Majborough might be very good. As regards the removal of the Turners 'forcing' owners to run elsewhere at the Festival that just isn't true. An owner isn't forced to do anything, and it could just as well remove very good horses from the Festival. If I was an owner I would always want my horse running over a trip that suited him/her best, not circumstance.

For several years we have been told that Cheltenham is the pinnacle of the sport etc. More recently some trainers are planning a campaign for the right horses to be aimed at Aintree instead or in Ireland waiting for Punchestown. The very best will still run in March but field sizes in the Grade 1 races have decreased a lot as trainers decline to see their best horses beaten and perhaps mentally scarred. Just look at horses whose best ever rating is achieved when trained for a festival race and never get there again. Bravemansgame has been a shadow since finishing a brave second in the Gold Cup but there are dozens of others. Horses that can come back for 2 or more years and win again are very special.

I thought English Willow shaped really well on her race course debut at Chepstow in an open hurdle, must go close here

Belliano didn't exactly trot up but it won. Irish Hill ran another honest race to be third. Heros de Romay very poor.

And now Matt tells us the Stewards called an enquiry because they were bored. Once they showed the head on it was clear that interference took place but as I had a small back and lay Here Comes Georgie, I hope the result stands. How could a 3 time winner drift to 40/1 in a 4 runner handicap!! It was briefly off the bridle but I was always hopeful.

And she wins! Alice Stevens stuck to the inner and kept her jumping. 8 from 23! You form guys can do your studying but I love a trainer in form. Just Moonlit Potter tomorrow and it has a decent chance.

There's aftertimers and then there's Sageform! No mention of Here Comes Georgie pre race and no mention of backing EH pre race.

after last few weeks BEN JONES wouldn't get a game in goal for spurs

Got that bumper wrong but only just. Doctor Blue win and place at 12 and 3 and put lays at 8 and 2 but neither taken despite only losing third on the post. So a good run lost me 2 bets! That is how it goes.

You should play the game as it suits you, Sage. But it would have been interesting to get you pre race opinion on HCG before that race. No worries

sportinlife value + has put  HARTUR D{ARC at 18,s

I freely admit that I had not paid any attention to either of the 4 runner chases at Ascot yesterday pre race but as I was watching, I had a small bet in running on a horse which had 3 recent wins and this was a HANDICAP which seemed to have escaped the notice of market makers. If you had asked me my opinion pre race I would have said "no idea"

Thought Netywell (1.30 Hay) should be fav here. Conditions are perfect and he has some terrific times over CD in sofy/heavy ground. The Venetia trained Intimate is favourite but didn't jump too well on chase debut at Sandown. It's a  a tad too short for me because of the stable factor, so Netywell win and 3places. GL today

I suppose that after 70 years as a keen follower, I tend to follow colours, owners and, trainers who I know or just had a soft spot for. We were in the Beaufort country as children so I can remember the "names" like Pat Tollitt, Richard Shepherd, Bill Bush, Tim Holland Martin and Gregory Phillips who rode his own horse Pure Lady to many wins with only one arm. And under rules I grew up at pony club with John Haine, Andy Turnell and Richard Smith (champion amateur under rules) as well as Olympic riders like Mike, Jenny and Jane Bullen and Mark Phillips among others. That does not make me "posh" as anyone who had a pony was welcome to attend and the area was an equestrian centre back then. Badminton and later Gatcombe were just down the road so I went on my bike, tucked it into some trees and walked in for free. I don't have any strong views today but hope that Trelawne can win again.