Andrews 2026 Lay/Racing Thread

it looks easier flashman till you  actually start laying then they seem to improve 7 to 10 pound

Good Evening All,

Many thanks for the posts, appreciated as always and to Lampus, WD on your bet.

A summary of my Arc trials meeting experience at Longchamp last Sunday. Weather wise, it was a bright and sunny early morning in the La Défense area, cloudy and overcast when i arrived on course, but improved later with a high of 27c and no breeze. A small crowd to start with, although it picked up a bit in the afternoon, albeit nowhere near what would be expected if the same meeting was in GB or Ireland; this always surprises me considering the meeting has 7 group races and almost on a par with champions day at Ascot for example. Mind you, the upside is no major queues for refreshments or placing bets and only 25 euros entry.

As per the norm in France, the official announcement of the going was bon-souple (good to soft) even France Galop continue to this day with a ridiculous assertion on their web-site although the RP are more accurate with good to firm, on a day when 2 track records were broken.

From a betting perspective, a superb afternoon and my morning post with 5 selections was 100% although the shorties were easy enough to pick. In the opener, my banker, the 2 year old unbeaten Avec Toi duly obliged, only just though and at one stage i actually thought he was going to be picked up, but fair play to the horse, he battled on well when headed. Surprisingly he made the running, was conceding a G3 weight penalty to the placers (the runner-up was also unbeaten) racing on summer going for the first time and didn't win as i expected, but it didn't matter in the end. If he had lost, i may have done so on the day as i had a good few bob on, although the odds were disappointing, i never expected him to be as short.

I didn't bet in the next couple of races and went for a small win/place on Pink Panthera in the Prix Vermeille (2nd @ 10/1) (BSP was 4.0 for the place).

In the next i laid the odds-on Gstaad to win a few bob and also had a small win on Erdenali, unfortunately on the PMU (9/2) as he was much bigger with ISP/BSP, but a double whammy win nevertheless with the favourite well beaten. Earlier in the season i thought Constitution River was the best 3-year-old in Europe, but i may have to rethink this although we can forget his York run, he was edgy in the parade ring, it was a manic pace and he was up with it for most of the race that wasn't the plan and he actually did well to finish 3rd. French Galop have them both rated on a converted 123 and Item is on 126, although i feel there could be a change after Leopardstown tomorrow. It's a pity Erdenali will not be going to Longchamp during Arc weekend, connections are considering the Breeders cup for him, he looks a bit special and should be unbeaten (so unlucky at Chantilly).

I didn't have a bet in the Prix Niel.

Daryz had a simple task against Bay City Roller in the Prix Foy and i had another decent bet, it was basically buying money, even trainer George Scott (in attendance) said Bay City Roller wouldn't win on the firm going. A very slow pace, but once Daryz loomed up on the outside of BCR at the 200-metre marker there was only one winner under a hands and heel ride.  In my opinion, if we saw the Arc winner during the afternoon, it was him, i couldn't have the other trial winners. He has an incredible winning record at Longchamp (7 from 8) and 2 of his losses were down to hatred of travelling to Ascot and York, not the going. I'm not suggesting he's the Arc winner at the moment, let's see the draw first as it benefits those low, but he's certainly the rightful favourite.

If i had to take one runner from the meeting (apart from Erdenali) it would be the filly Pink Panthera who came from a long way back in the Prix Vermeille and almost caught the winner Friendly Soul, just as she had done behind Diamond Necklace at Chantilly. Not entered for the Arc (needs to be supplemented) but i suspect she will take in the Prix de L'Opera over shorter. This race could be a decent field if many of the fancied ones turn up, but will they.

I left after the Prix Foy, even though i expected the favourite to win the following race, the Arab G1. I saw him win it last year, but i was well in front and didn't need to get greedy and stay for a 1/3 winner.

A really nice afternoon, certainly a profitable one and although only a short weekend, in a city i love and know well, so roll on October 1st when i return for longer (Thursday to Monday). A frustrating trip back to the airport later in the evening though (hotel overnight) as the RER train was not running due to track maintenance so i had to go to a small town North of Paris, then take a replacement bus. Not such a big deal when i knew exactly what was going on and where to go, but even locals didn't seem to know either. It was strange, the train was running fine in the opposite direction 24 hours earlier.

Prior to Longchamp, i was at Lingfield on Thursday to watch our syndicate filly Lady Of clover, my first visit to the course and i was pleasantly surprised, much better than i was expecting and we were treated well in the owner's and trainer's lounge. I only had 2 bets on course, our filly and the other also a loser, but i had a winner away to pay for the latter. A nice afternoon with a few of the regulars i go racing with and the weather was good. In the race per se, the pace was slow and a disappointing result (4th) more so as i backed her 3/TBP and she only lost out by a short head, running on well at the finish after being outpaced 2.5f out. I read on the forum she went 1.3 IR, unbelievable, she was never those odds to win. She will probably step up in trip now and we envisage a couple more runs (one possible option next Friday) before being sold at the HIT sales/Newmarket in late October.

On to this evening, one i will be laying is Miss Guinevere at Salisbury (18.28) who looks short enough after being backed and is now 15/8. Ran well enough in 3rd (of 5) when upped in trip LTO, but on firm going that will be the opposite today. Tends to race from the rear and will be wide going around the bend from stall 9, albeit on the rail in the home straight, but will she get a clear run.

Good luck and have a nice evening all.

Well Done on your lay ANDREW

Sadly  for me I  saw your  post  too  late

Thanks for your report of last weekend at Lonchamp always appreciated.

Longchamp

Good afternoon All,

Lampus and Tommy thank you for your posts, appreciated.

A shorter post than normal as i'm heading to the centre soon. The lay selection, Miss Guinevere drifted a little to 9/4f and raced from the rear as expected, but was never going to trouble the leader who won cosily by 3L, eventually finishing 3rd.

Good racing in UK and Ireland today, 6 meetings, 11 Black type races including 5 group 1's with the oldest classic the St Leger at Doncaster. From a betting perspective, a few of my bets will evolve around Aidan O'Brien, albeit opposing types. I think the Leger is more open than the betting may indicate on a course that doesn't suit all horses. The name O'Brien appears on 6 of the 11 runners as a trainer and whilst one of these is the highest rated Christmas Day (118) i think he's a lay at the current odds of 3.15. Although he won the Epsom Derby, it was on going that several of his main rivals didn't handle well and i haven't been impressed in his subsequent runs at the Curragh or York (i was on course for the latter meeting). There's no doubting he is a stayer, but in my opinion would be better over the longer trips, he seems one paced to me. No Ryan Moore today and will the ground be soft enough. Class horse of the race and could hose up, but i don't think so, hence the lay.

Across the Irish sea, i'm willing to forgive Constitution River his York blip in the Juddmonte, in fact you could draw a line through the form as not much went right for him at all. Very edgy in the parade ring, stumbled soon after the start, keen in the race that was run at a manic pace where he was too far close to it, hung left 3f out and finished tired, in fact he ran well to stay on in 3rd beating the odds-on favourite Ombudsman. He can turn the tables on the two who finished in front of him on this course. Lambourn will probably make the running at a decent pace, but i don't expect to see Ryan close to it today. I'm not surprised he's the current favourite, although i thought the front 3 would be closer in the betting.

In the same race, i'm laying Item a decent 3-year-old without question, but the Juddmonte may have been handed to him under the circumstances. Undefeated in 3 runs at York, but it's Leopardstown over a slightly shorter trip this afternoon, i also think he may be better over 12f. The race could decide who travels to Longchamp for the Arc next month, but i have a feeling none of the main 3 protagonists will.

Changing topic, i read in the RP that Willie Carson thinks the sprinter Ka Ying Rising can't be compared to Dayjur, i sense a case of him wearing Rose-tinted spectacles here. No doubt he's one of the best sprinters of bygone years, but it's quite possible the Hong Kong based runner is the best ever with 21 consecutive wins and several track records in the process. Regular readers of my threads know i was all over him for the Everest at Randwick last year when he hosed up and i fully expect a repeat on October 17th, but there's no way he will be even money.

Good luck and have a nice Saturday all.

Thank you ANDREW   G/L

Thank you ANDREW   

Well done Andrew, will Christmas Day be a pacemaker next season?

Thank you ANDREW   Great  Laying   

Well played Andrew.

Good afternoon All,

Many thanks for the posts, always appreciated.

I mentioned yesterday my betting would evolve around Aiden O'Brien and in the main it did with a profitable outcome, albeit one of them a loser. I was always going to be against Christmas Day, laid at odds of 3.15 and 3.20 and added to this at lower odds closer to race time, i never thought he would be 13/8 (at one time, SP 7/4). I just don't think he's that good even though he's an Epsom Derby winner, but this is not always a positive anyway, Lambourn and Serpentine in recent years are testament to this. Finishing a well beaten 9th of 11 and over 15L behind the winner means he probably didn't give his true running, but it's certainly not a good look in the stud book and i think we may see him running as a 4-year-old. 

As for the winner, WD Saffie, a very likeable young jockey who i feel will surpass Hollie in years to come.

I had several bets in the Irish Champion stakes, a win and 3/TBP on Constitution River at BSP (1.28) laid Item (2.48 and 2.56) in a match bet, and a win lay of the same horse (3.2) collecting with the 3/TBP and the lays. It's not that often i play a win and lay in the same race for the obvious reason, but it pays off sometimes, as it did last weekend at Longchamp.

I felt reasonably confident he would reverse form with the front two from York for reasons i mentioned in my post and although only finishing 3rd beaten less than a length, it wasn't a poor run by any means, only tiring in the last 50 metres or so. No excuses, but maybe he was still feeling the effects of a hard race that was only just over 3 weeks away. He's not the superstar i thought he may become after his Chester win, but 5 wins from 8, including 3 group races is not too shabby and there's still Ascot to come. I fully expect him to be retired to the breeding sheds thereafter.

I was at München Riem racecourse in July when the winner and runner-up finished first and third respectively in the G1 Bayerisches Zuchtrennen, little did i think then either of these would fight out finish of the Irish Champion. I felt for our trainer George Scott being beaten by a head-bob, he's certainly improved the runner-up since he was transferred from James Owen and is fast becoming one of the better young trainers around. We may see the horse at Ascot next month.

Moving on to this afternoon, quality cards at Longchamp and the Curragh with a few shorties at the latter course, but i will not be backing any of them. A trio of Group 3 races in Paris and i will have a couple of small win bets. The first is Rayevka (13.33) who has the higher rated Stolen Kiss to beat, but the draw, that is so vital on the 5f course favours the former who has run well enough at Ascot and York recently. I was at Longchamp when he won at the classic meeting in May and was i impressed with his turn of foot.

There's a potential Arc runner running later (15.25) Daryzan, but i was against him when he finished 2nd (6/5) LTO and the same today as i think the year older Phineas may win, even though he has to concede 7lb and the other one is rated 2lb higher. He's improved at a rate of knots running up a hat trick and was actually backed (6/5) to beat Daryz last year. Could be a good race between the two, but i think Phineas will win.

I don't fancy anything strongly at the domestic meetings, but if there one to be laid at short odds (currently 2.88) maybe Q T Boy at Bath (14.40) is a potential candidate up in trip. It looks a very close knit handicap with a few unexposed 2 year olds. 

Second Again

Christmas Day is not good enough to be a pacemaker next season

Good luck and have a nice Sunday all.

One of my pet hates. Here we have one of the world's greatest ever trainers but so many can't spell his name correctly. It's AidAn. 2 a's no e's. Cheers.

Slickster,

I'm fully aware and have spelt it correctly many times on my threads, so was it typing error or simply lack of concentration.

Please pass on my apologies to Aidan.

Is Aiden s  on  form

Think you'd better pull Lampus up on his grammar,slickster...I'd have expected better from him!

An apostrophe ALSO missing. Desperate stuff.

Morning all

Good morning All,

Thank you for the posts, appreciated.

A poor start with my selections last Sunday with a couple going down, but Maxime Guyon saved the day with an easy, eased down win on the well backed favourite Phineas (10/11) at Longchamp. I expect we will see him run in the Prix Dollar a couple of weeks away where he will be well fancied, but it looks a decent field if all the main protagonists run, including a few current Arc hopefuls.

A shorter post than usual for a Saturday as i didn't really fancy anything too strongly today. A total of 6 meetings in England and Ireland with a trio of G3 races at Chantilly so something for everyone, but if there was ever a reason to suggest there is too much racing the AW card at Newcastle is a valid one. 9 races, 7 handicaps (6 of them class 6) and a couple of maidens. I appreciate some punters love these cards, not for me though, if i had to make a living backing on them, i wouldn't be able to afford to even live on the streets.

Newbury features the Mill Reef stakes, not a race that has produced a superstar, i guess Ribchester would be the best in recent years and Mon Fils went on to win the 2000 guineas in 1972, the year of inception. Mill Reef is certainly one of the greats in racing history, my 2nd favourite horse after Frankel and thoroughly deserves to have a race named after him along with Brigadier Gerard, Nijinsky (in the past) and several under the NH umbrella, but surely it's time Frankel had one and ideally at Ascot.

On to this afternoon, i think Arapaho Gold wins the Mill Reef stakes at Newbury (14.12). If he was trained by Appleby or Gosden, he would be odds against, although i wouldn't want to lump on by any means. Has the beating of Nabati on Newbury form in July albeit only by a neck, but the favourite has improved more than Charlie's runner. I will be a layer of Jolivette the only filly in the field who is often keen in her races. 

Up at Ayr Dance in the Storm would be an appropriate winner in view of the weather there this morning, but as a very tentative EW selection Fine Interview is my choice as a fun bet who will love the envisaged heavy going. Although only 9th at York LTO, wasn't beaten far and is relatively lightly raced for a 5 year old (6-2-4 from 18 runs). Odds of 13 for the ewin and 5/TBP pays just over 3 to cover the stakes.

Karl Burke sends Rosberg to Chantilly for the G3 2 year-old race (12.28) and he may even end up odds-on. Winner of a listed race at Deauville LTO, but it was very soft that day, not many got into it and the form hasn't exactly been franked. A lay for me and it wouldn't surprise me if the Andre Fabre trained Ciceron won, although he's been off since June.

Changing topic, our syndicate filly Lady Of Clover is entered for a 16f race at Southwell next Tuesday; i have asked if George has any hurdles at home.

PHS thanks for the ttt.

Good luck and have a nice Saturday all.

Thank you ANDREW

Karl Burke sends Rosberg to Chantilly for the G3 2 year-old race (12.58)

W/D  ANDREW   lay of Rosberg   

W/D  ANDREW  lay of Jolivette

WD Andrew, even the big field hcp winner (4th @12/1) paying out. Nice "I wouldn't want to lump on" enough to put me off the loser.

Good Morning All,

Lampus/PHS, thank you for the posts, appreciated.

The 2 lay selections Rosberg and Jolivette were both beaten (5/4f and 4/1) and one i thought could win the Chantilly race was beaten a head (11/4). The winner certainly franked the form of Avec Toi, a particular favourite of mine who beat him over 4L at Deauville in his penultimate race and i may be backing this one in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere on Arc Sunday. Unfortunately, i didn't lay Julivette as she had drifted, i would have when she was 2nd fav (the winner was well backed). I backed the EW selection in the Ayr Gold Cup, Fine Interview that yielded a small profit.

On to this afternoon, typical Sunday cards and i didn't really fancy anything anywhere, not even a lay selection. Group races in Germany (G3 St Leger) and Sweden (G1 Stockholm Cup) with entries from England at the latter. Several runners from our shores have won this race and several more than once, including Collier Hill (2004/2006) and few of the older readers may remember Clovenford who did the same, albeit a dead heat in 1971.

Both countries are a signifcant part of my life CV especially the latter, spending many years in both, but in all my time in Sweden, i never went to a flat horse racing meeting (known as Galopp up there) although i went to a few trotting courses in my earlier years. Betfair don't cover either meeting, although i guess our high st bookmakers do, but i'm not interested who wins today. 

For those that like shorties, there's a listed race at Strasbourg and Horizon Dore looks the more likely winner (12.40) he's better class than these and only a year ago was running against the likes of Sosie and Map Of Stars. In June he was runner-up behind Phineas, one i've mentioned in glowing terms before (won 4 in a row now) and anything close to this form would be hard to beat here. Bookmaker opinion is varied, he was at quoted odds of 10/11 to 4/7 on Oddschecker earlier, but it appears 8/11 is now best. At least Betfair cover this race and 1.70 is worth taking, although if he went much shorter i wouldn't bother. 

Domestically, i didn't see a lay worth considering, but if i had to put up a selection, French Diablo at Plumpton (15.38) would be one, albeit tentative. He won 3 races ago, but only 2 runners got into it, 2 didn't finish and 2 were basically tailed off. Up in trip and although it's not a strong field, i don't think he's shown enough to win here.

Looking ahead to 2 weeks today, it's the Arc at Longchamp, but with so many questions about who will actually be declared and knowing the draw is significant, any selections amount to guessing and bets are obviously risky. At the moment Daryz is the rightful favourite and with a decent draw will be hard to beat, but i certainly don't want to back at 2.88 on here today. Thinking out loud, i feel the English runners will not win it, Ireland could if Diamond Necklace runs and it may even be a turn-up and with a French outsider, but more on this in due course.

Good luck and have a nice Sunday all.

Good evening All,

A couple of selections last Sunday, the lay French Diablo who was favourite at Plumpton finished well beaten, but those who followed the other bet, a back on what probably became the best backed runner of the week, let alone the day, in Horizon Dore at Strasbourg would have felt aggrieved at the result.

At 08.00 on Oddschecker B/365 were offering 11/8 with most of the others 11/10. In my post i mentioned i saw 10/11, then 8/11 at time of posting. The eventual ISP was 2/5 (as was the PMU). In the race per se, Horizon Dore followed an average pace behind Menuro and was travelling well enough in 2nd, but off the final bend he veered across the course to the opposing side, surely losing lengths in the process and raced alone, whether accidental or by design is hard to tell, maybe Demuro was looking for better ground, but he's used to soft at Longchamp. He finished strongly and rallied, but failed by 0.5L to reel in the leader. When he finished runner-up behind Phineas recently, he had Menuro 7L back in last place, but that's racing.

Our syndicate horse, Lady Of Clover runs at Southwell this evening (19.30) but 16f is obviously an unknown, her breeding certainly doesn't scream out 16f and it looks a better field than her few previous runs. She was staying on well over 12f in her penultimate race, but another 4f is a different ball game. The fav could be hard to beat, although i never expected her to be so short, she may even end up odds-on. Fingers crossed, but i will be happy with a place for LoC. She's been favourite in 3 of her previous 4 runs, but will not be this evening.

I suspect we may only have one more run after today before she goes to the HIT sales at Newmarket in late October and we start over again. A few of the team will be on course (aöready there) but not me, as i'm off to Linköping/Sweden early Thursday morning for 5 days.

George is probably more concerned about his several Arc weekend runners with one eye on the weather that's not looking promising for AP backers of Bay City Roller (amongst others) wanting soft. Rain is forecast in Paris for next Monday, but temperatures of 26c tomorrow and 28c on Friday following a very warm September will dry out any moisture there is and Tuesday onwards it will be dry and sunny.

George may also have similar concerns with the alternative race at Ascot, the forecast is not exactly indicating soft going there either. Personally, i don't think BCR would beat Daryz at Longchamp anyway, with possible exception of heavy going and that is very unlikely. Irrespective of what race BCR runs in, he will probably be going to München for the G1 in November, a race he won in 2025.

Who wins the Arc, i have no idea yet, but i think the winner will be French trained, i can't see any of the English, German or Japanese trained entries winning and very few of the Irish. I will wait for the Arc final decs and the draw before i play anything during weekend, in fact, i don't have any AP bets for anywhere at the moment.

If there is a lay bet later Afraj is a potential, albeit risky candidate on tapeta debut at Southwell (18.30). Won LTO beating Murrey in a photo who reopposes (1lb better off) but it was a bunch finish between the front 7. Raised 2lb and he won well to be fair, coming with a strong run on the outside, but will need luck from the rear in this field that looks a trappy fillies handicap.

Good luck and have a nice evening all.

beating Merry in a photo

I hope your horse runs well Andrew.

Good Afternoon All,

Second Again

Thank you for the post.

A short summary as i'm meeting friends for lunch with a beer or 2 and i'm short of time. I arrived home in Linköping on Thursday for a 5 day break, part of my usual routine every 5 weeks or so, September is certainly a travelling month for me.

The lay selection Afraj drifted from 9/4 to 7/2 and finished 4th, nver really looking like winning.

Our filly, Lady Of Clover ran well at Southwell on Tuesday evening to finish 3rd, not beaten far after looking a potential winner 2f out, her first run over an extended 16f. She had been favourite in 3 of her last 4 runs, and was 2nd fav 5 races ago, so it was refreshing to see her 6/1 that made the 3/TBP an appealing bet, irrespective of the trip that was an unknown. She attained a career best RPR of 65 in the race, but i doubt the handicapper will change her mark at all on Tuesday. The plan is one more race before the HIT sales at Newmarket in late October.

On to this afternoon and the Cheveley Park stakes (2.27 Newmarket) a race for 2 year olds and one of my favourite sprints in the Autumn along with the Middle Park. Going back in time, i remember backing the Bruce Hobbs trained Cry Of Truth with a nice few bob, i had been telling everyone who was prepared to listen (probably very few ) she was the winner. Apologies for the after-time, and no i can't post the bet.

Aidan O'Brien has won 6 of the previous 10 runnings of the race and although i never thought i would say this, i've already laid his runner Sun Goddess @ 2.58. I'm a big fan of the filly and have backed her several times, but she's had 7 runs already and i was expecting Aidan to wait for the Prix Marcel Boussac at Longchamp next weekend. Although winning impressively recently, she has a tendency to dwell at the start and she's meeting a different level of rival today who are more adept at sprinting; i feel that 7f and maybe even 8f is probably better suited now that Autumn is here and she could be caught out. My idea of the winner is Senorita Bonita who looked very good at Deauville beating the males, but it's a decent field and certainly not a match. Her 2 main rivals are much lighter raced and will probably improve again, SB is only 2lb behind her on BHA ratings, and level on 125 with RPR. Several of these have a turn of foot and with Snowing taking them along it could be a cracking race from the 2f marker, but i was really taken with SB at Deauville. Mind you, it would not surprise me if Sun Goddess wins, she's could simply be an exceptional filly.

As it's Saturday, a Heritage handicap, this time the Cambridgeshire, not my type of betting medium for large stakes, but i've laid the Gosden favourite Gavriel @ 6.0. It's not so often i lay this high, but much of the price is down to the trainer, an improving 3 year old and the old adage of a potential group horse in a handicap. Drawn in 28, he will need luck in running and may actually prefer further.

My tentative fancy is Alcarath who has only ever won a novice stakes, but has run well in decent handicaps recently including LTO when he was keen and lost on a head bob. Another who may prefer another furlong, but if Rossa is handy approaching the 2f pole could go on to win, although these large field handicaps are never easy. Currently odds of 17 and 3.3 for the 5/TBP for a small stake.

Good luck and have a nice Saturday all.

Thank you ANDREW 

Good morning all and greetings from Paris.

Arrived yesterday afternoon, the weather is good, warm and i haven't seen any rain so far although a local friend mentioned there have been a few showers this week, albeit very low volume. I suspect (like many) the going will be on the fast side of good at Longchamp and we all know France Galop going reports differ significantly in description to ours.

5 others are arriving this evening (3 of them the usual team from Fellowship Racing) and we will be joined by others on course Sunday. 

16 runners declared, but George Scott will decide this morning whether to send Bay City Roller. In view of the going and draw, i have my doubts he will run, but that is simply my opinion. Hopefully, we will get to meet him over the weekend.

I don't have any AP bets, the draw is always important as we know, but Daryz will take some beating out of 5. Forget the stat that it's almost 50 years ago since the last dual male winner, only 8 have tried. 

As mentioned previously, i don't think the English or German entries will win, in fact i'm laying Maltese Cross but i'm surprised there are only 4 French runners and one them is a rag. I will be posting a few selections on each of the 2 days, as i always do and last year put up Daryz (16.6 on PMU) but he will be nearer 6/4 on Sunday.

I may go to Saint Cloud this afternoon, the only one of 4 Paris courses i haven't visited, it looks a decent card considering the close proximity to Arc weekend.

As for my previous post (thank you Lampus) i didn't get Sun Goddess wrong, but i certainly did with respect to the lay bet. As mentioned, she's one i've always liked and could simply be an exceptional filly; it appears she is. It was a decent field, her main rivals were more of the sprinting type and she was stepping back in trip, hence the lay. I wish she had been entered for Longchamp.

Good luck and have a nice Friday all.

Enjoy your weekend Andrew.

Enjoy your weekend Andrew.

EMR,

Thanks, but i heard you the first time

Really looking forward to it, my favourite 2 day racing festival anywhere and one i've been a regular since 1980 when Pat Eddery won (and not only Arc meetings). The weather is still good, warm and i haven't seen any rain since i arrived yesterday. There are a few protests in Paris at the moment that made French TV news, but it appears to be mainly students and i haven't had any problems at all.

I didn't go to Saint Cloud in the end, even though it looked a decent card, i simply didn't see anything i wanted to back, i could have used the Tabacs anyway.

More tomorrow (early).

Have a nice evening all.

Good Morning All,

Day 3 in Paris and start of the Arc festival meeting where forum posters Lucky Luciano, Mr Spreadsheet, Cheeseman, a couple of non-posters and myself will be on course later (more going tomorrow). It's not the best of Arc Saturday cards, but still interesting enough with 6 group races and the weather continues to be fine with a high of 23c forecast, albeit could be overcast. The going will almost certainly be on the fast side of good.

To save time typing, below are my basic thoughts without going into too much detail for a few of the races i may play in excluding the handicaps that i'm not interested in. 

12.23 G2 Prix Chaudenay

I will be a layer of the AoB trained favourite Pierre Bonnard who may even be odds-on. Highest rated and classiest in the field, but hasn't won since his 2-year-old days, is one paced and does he stay the trip. 

12.58 G2 Prix Dollar

Although our trainer George Scott runs Wimbledon Hawkeye (best form in the field) i'm a fan of Phineas who i've mentioned before on here. Yet to even run in a G2 race, but is improving at a rate of knots and going for 5 wins on the spin. I will be backing the win and maybe even the 2/TBP. 

13.33 G1 Arabian Trophy

If i do play in this race for Arab bred horses, it will be a small win on the lightly raced Fakhira, winner of 4 from 5, although if he's short odds, i won't bother.

15.25 G1 Prix de Royallieu

It's not normal i lay any of Francis Graffard runners, but i will be laying the likely favourite Sunly who often seems to find trouble and stamina could be an issue. Christophe Soumillon takes over from Colin Keane as the latter is at Newmarket.

16.00 G1 Prix du Cadran

George Scott has another runner here with Caballo De Mar who won this race last year (i put this one up and backed it) but there's only one winner here that is banker of the weekend in Scandinavia, but the odds will reflect this.

Good luck and have a nice Saturday all.

Thanks for your thoughts and updates AIS, much appreciated.

Thank you Gazza.

There were some showers during the night, but it's bright and sunny in the Porte Maillot area that's not far from Longchamp.

Thank you ANDREW
Have a great weekend .

Update, George Scott walked the track earlier and feels the going is not firm, BCR a likely runner.

“is not firm”

Official going is 3.4, but make of it what you will

Good to soft

Well done AIS, Pierre Bonnard not in the first three.

Nice lay Andrew.

Thank you ANDREW 
Pierre LAY

Lay of the short odds AoB fav, a good start

Thank you Guys, i hope Sunly runs like that fav

By the way, with exception of my George Scott post, the going descriptions are announced from the course, but how accurate they are, i don't know.

Afternoon Andrew,just back from the USA where I managed to lose my passport,had to chase around America to find it,I flew on various aircraft’s Boeing 767 Max 8 and max 9,Airbus 321 Neo and Dreamliner797-9 and I was pleasantly surprised surprised that the  Max8 seemed ok and would not hesitate to fly on one again,taking that the recent hijacked aircraft was a max 8 and survived a 15000 ft rapid decent and lost part of the rudder and landed safely.
Gl with your trip to Paris.

WD George Scott, most of us backed it, but not me

Well done Andrew with the lay.

Well done Andrew with the lay.

Well done Andrew with the lay.

Thank you, thank you and thank you second again

Fakhira won the Arab race, back in front

Thank you ANDREW

Sunly  lay

Thank you Lampus and Mikael Barzalona

Good Morning All,

Many thanks for the posts yesterday, always appreciated. Tanglefoot, i can respond later in the week as i leave Paris tomorrow afternoon and i don't want to spend too much time on a laptop here.

Where could you find 7 consecutive G1 races anywhere in the world, and whilst a few of them are not the best fields ever assembled (including the Arc) there shouldn't be too many complaints. I suspect they have watered the track during the week, it looked very tacky on top yesterday and as mentioned George Scott walked it and was surprised. Speaking of our trainer, what a day he had with 2 group winners, i'm waiting for the training fees to go up now.

To save time typing, below are my basic thoughts without going into too much detail for a few of the races i may play in.

12.31 Prix Marcel Boussac

Queen Of the Day is consistent and has form with Avec Toi, the best 2-year-old in France at the moment,  well drawn in 1. EW at over 9 on here. Lay the favourite Green Empress on the outer who is far too short at 13/8.

13.09 Prix Jean Luc Lagardere

Avec Toi win and 3/TBP to cover the stake. One i've mentioned on here before, i'm a fan and backed him a couple of times. Only scrambled home at short odds over CD LTO, but it was a first run on firmish going and he did it the hard way surprisingly making all (he has a turn of foot). Battled on well when headed. Currently 5 on here. 

13.47 Prix L'Abbaye

A small win and 3/TBP on Afjan, another i've backed before. Didn't appear to stay 6f LTO, but back to 5F tand the plum draw in 1. An outsider, currently 27 on here.

14.25 Arabian World Cup

The favourite HM Alanchine will be hard to beat, runner-up in this race last year (not beaten far) behind Al Ghadeer, Frankel of the Arab world who is now retired to stud.

15.05 Arc De Triomphe

Daryz to win and an EW fun bet on the Japanese runner Meisho Tabaru. As mentioned before, i can't see any of the English runners winning, the German entry is not good enough and i think only the locals or the Irish can win it. I want to be a layer of Maltese Cross, but it's drifted a bit.

15.50 Prix LÒpera

One of my favourite mares Aventure could take some stopping, but i will play Pink Panthera win and 3/TBP. I saw her here LTO, finished strongly and in front of Sunly who ran well yesterday to frank the form.

Good luck and have a nice Sunday all.

Good luck AIS, hope you have a great day. I personally cannot abandon Diamond Necklace after one below par run and the worst draw. Who better than Soumillon to guide her home from there? Unbeaten at the track and the only entrant unraced at 12 furlongs. Now you get 16/1+ four places a horse who should be 6/1.

Thank you ANDREW G/L

Didn't lay Green Emp, backed Queen 3TBP 2.66 and 2.74 - BFSP 2.22. Thanks Andrew.

ARC   Winner   

Oct 4, 2026 -- 12:49PM, PHS wrote:

Didn't lay Green Emp, backed Queen 3TBP 2.66 and 2.74 - BFSP 2.22. Thanks Andrew.

Win bets on Avec Toi and Pink Panthera left me just slightly ahead on the day.

Andrew,
Have you gone out for a drink with George Scott on his share of the £993,913.04 prize money for 2nd place. That is a whopper for a 2nd place. Stall 15 as well.

Good evening All,

Arrived home yesterday evening after 4+ days in Paris for the Arc meeting. A superb and profitable time there (i think most of us won) but trying to stay awake this evening and type after 3 late nights (early mornings in fact) is pointless so i will post a summary nearer the weekend.

Changing topic, our ex-syndicate horse Calibos runs in the novice handicap hurdle at Worcester (16.05) tomorrow for Jo Davis. I can't give too much information away out of respect for one of the team (a poster on here) who still retains a share for his wife, but i can say he's been away since May with a minor issue that's now resolved (the horse, not the poster ).

On to Thursday, our current horse Lady Of Clover has her last run for us at Southwell (17.30) before she goes to the Newmarket HIT sales in the week commencing Monday 26th October. We are LOT 912 scheduled for day 3; i can post a live video link closer to the day.

Have a nice evening all.

has her last run for us at Southwell (17.00)

Good Afternoon All,

Many thanks for the posts over Arc weekend, much appreciated as always.

A summary of last weekend.

Arrived in Paris on the Thursday, a superb 4+ days in a city i love and know well, and not only the route to Longchamp hippodrome. A track i first visited in 1980 and one i remember fondly with Detroit in the Arc, Lester on Moorstyle in the Prix L'Abbaye and the girlfriend i was with at the time (i was young and in love ).

6 of us went over last weekend (the others arrived on Friday evening) most of them from our syndicate and we met several more on the 2 racing days. Weather wise it couldn't have been better, in fact on the Sunday i left my suit jacket and waistcoat at the cloakroom, it was just too warm to wear.

There were student protests in the city, but we didn't see any trouble at all.

Betting wise, i think we all won over the 2 days, i certainly did and my posts on the 2 days mentioned some of my bets, including a few lays and both the Arab race winners. I was surprised at the PMU odds of 1.80 for the winner on Sunday, i expected he would be around the 1.50 mark.

In the Arc, most of us were sweet on Daryz, i put him up on here last year and again last Sunday, but no 16.5 PMU this time. Best horse in the race and probably doesn't get the recognition he deserves with a 9-1-1 record from 12 runs with valid excuses for 2 of them in England. His Longchamp record of 8 wins from 9, the loss by a short head is exemplary.

The aftermath of his 2nd Arc win resulted in comparison with previous champions by the media and racegoers alike, no surprise there, but all hypothetical of course and pointless. Only the 9th horse to win two Arcs, 5 of them colts and although only 8 have tried since Alleged was the last one in 1978, it may be decades before the next one. It was almost a certainty a stud career would follow, but he could have won a third in 2027 in my opinion.

As for the winning trainer, one of the best anywhere in my opinion, certainly in France, humble, very likeable, one of the few i trust what he says and comes across well in interviews. I've mentioned before we have a contact in the stable (we met on our travels a couple of years ago). He/she speaks very highly of him, he's certainly popular over there and also on our shores if you listen to George Scott.

Mikael Barzelona may have won the Arc, but it was Christophe Soumillon who took the riding honours with 5 winners and a 3rd in the Arc.

Our syndicate horse trainer George Scott had an incredible weekend with 2 group wins and a 3rd in the Arc, a nice little earner as Arthur Daley used to say. He's one of Newmarket's up-and-coming trainers attracting high profile owners and the benefactor of a couple of high-priced yearlings from the sales recently.

Biggest disappointment was Avec Toi who was 6th who lost his unbeaten record in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere, but one to take from the meeting is the winner of that race, Amusingly who i thought was impressive and one to follow.

A superb weekend in good company as always with several posters on here, plenty of laughs and banter, good food, group class racing and wonderful memories. Roll on October 2027, although several of us are going to Ascot next weekend.

On to this afternoon, more good class racing including the Dewhurst stakes (15,00 Newmarket) one of my favourite 2-year-old races. This race is steeped in racing history with far too many great winners to mention, some of whom went on to win the 2000 Guineas. The favourite Desert Castle was impressive LTO, could be decent and maybe even to the double, but without getting carried away i think he will win cosily this afternoon, even allowing for a valid rival in Darkness Falls who would prefer further, although the softening going will be in his favour.

It could be a case of Deja Vu for Aidan O'Brien as i think his runner and likely favourite Drumbeat will also be beaten in the Zetland Stakes (13.50 Newmarket). Highest rated and the step up in trip may suit, but he's short enough at 11/10 even if the field could be better. I don't think he's as good as the odds may suggest, so i will be laying.

In the Cesarewitch (15.40 Newmarket) you could pick out 6 and still not get the winner, but my lucky pin has fallen on Naval Tribute one of the lighter weights who is certainly in form winning 4 of his previous 6 runs albeit in lower class, but will love the trip, has a inside draw and a capable apprentice on board. Currently 16 for the win and 3.30 for 5/TBP for the stake and a small profit.

A half-decent pattern race meeting at Chantilly including several runners from our shores, but i didn't really fancy anything there.

Trusty

WD with the place Diamond Necklace, one of my favourite fillies and backed her several times., but i thought the draw would be her on-doing so i didn't play her, she certainly proved me wrong. I was actually hoping she would run in the Prix Marcel Boussac.

PHS

WD with your bets and profit.

Good luck and have a nice Saturday all.

Good afternoon All,

My post today (quite lengthy) is subject to moderator approval so i will try to post in separate parts.

Good Afternoon All,

Many thanks for the posts over Arc weekend, much appreciated as always.

A summary of last weekend.

Arrived in Paris on the Thursday, a superb 4+ days in a city i love and know well, and not only the route to Longchamp hippodrome. A track i first visited in 1980 and one i remember fondly with Detroit in the Arc, Lester on Moorstyle in the Prix L'Abbaye and the girlfriend i was with at the time (i was young and in love).

6 of us went over last weekend (the others arrived on Friday evening) most of them from our syndicate and we met several more on the 2 racing days. 

Weather wise it couldn't have been better, in fact on the Sunday i left my suit jacket and waistcoat at the cloakroom, it was just too warm to wear.

There were student protests in the city, but we didn't see any trouble at all.

Betting wise, i think we all won over the 2 days, i certainly did and my posts on the 2 days mentioned some of my bets, including a few lays and both the Arab race winners. I was surprised at the PMU odds of 1.80 for the winner on Sunday, i expected he would be around the 1.50 mark.

In the Arc, most of us were sweet on Daryz, i put him up on here last year and again last Sunday, but no 16.5 PMU this time. Best horse in the race and probably doesn't get the recognition he deserves with a 9-1-1 record from 12 runs with valid excuses for 2 of them in England. His Longchamp record of 8 wins from 9, the loss by a short head is exemplary.

The aftermath of his 2nd Arc win resulted in comparison with previous champions by the media and racegoers alike, no surprise there, but all hypothetical of course and pointless. Only the 9th horse to win two Arcs, 5 of them colts and although only 8 have tried since Alleged was the last one in 1978, it may be decades before the next one. It was almost a certainty a stud career would follow, but he could have won a third in 2027 in my opinion.

As for the winning trainer, one of the best anywhere in my opinion, certainly in France, humble, very likeable, one of the few i trust what he says and comes across well in interviews. I've mentioned before we have a contact in the stable (we met on our travels a couple of years ago). He/she speaks very highly of him, he's certainly popular over there and also on our shores if you listen to George Scott.

Mikael Barzelona may have won the Arc, but it was Christophe Soumillon who took the riding honours with 5 winners and a 3rd in the Arc.

Our syndicate horse trainer George Scott had an incredible weekend with 2 group wins and a 3rd in the Arc, a nice little earner as Arthur Daley used to say. He's one of Newmarket's up-and-coming trainers attracting high profile owners and the benefactor of a couple of high-priced yearlings from the sales recently.

Biggest disappointment was Avec Toi who was 6th who lost his unbeaten record in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere, but one to take from the meeting is the winner of that race, Amusingly who i thought was impressive and one to follow.

A superb weekend in good company as always with several posters on here, plenty of laughs and banter, good food, group class racing and wonderful memories. Roll on October 2027, although several of us are going to Ascot next weekend.

On to this afternoon, more good class racing including the Dewhurst stakes (15,00 Newmarket) one of my favourite 2-year-old races. This race is steeped in racing history with far too many great winners to mention, some of whom went on to win the 2000 Guineas. The favourite Desert Castle was impressive LTO, could be decent and maybe even to the double, but without getting carried away i think he will win cosily this afternoon, even allowing for a valid rival in Darkness Falls who would prefer further, although the softening going will be in his favour.

It could be a case of Deja Vu for the trainer as i think his runner and likely favourite Drumbeat will also be beaten in the Zetland Stakes (13.50 Newmarket). Highest rated and the step up in trip may suit, but he's short enough at 11/10 even if the field could be better. I don't think he's as good as the odds may suggest, so i will be laying.

In the Cesarewitch (15.40 Newmarket) you could pick out 6 and still not get the winner, but my lucky pin has fallen on Naval Tribute, one of the lighter weights who is certainly in form winning 4 of his previous 6 runs, albeit in lower class, but will love the trip, has a inside draw and a capable apprentice on board. Currently 16 for the win and 3.30 for 5/TBP for the stake and a small profit.

A half-decent pattern race meeting at Chantilly including several runners from our shores, but i didn't really fancy anything there.

Trusty

WD with the place Diamond Necklace, one of my favourite fillies and backed her several times., but i thought the draw would be her on-doing so i didn't play her, she certainly proved me wrong. I was actually hoping she would run in the Prix Marcel Boussac.

PHS

WD with your bets and profit.

Good luck and have a nice Saturday all.

Good Afternoon All,

Many thanks for the posts over Arc weekend, much appreciated as always.

A summary of last weekend.

Arrived in Paris on the Thursday, a superb 4+ days in a city i love and know well, and not only the route to Longchamp hippodrome. A track i first visited in 1980 and one i remember fondly with Detroit in the Arc, Lester on Moorstyle in the Prix L'Abbaye and the girlfriend i was with at the time (i was young and in love).

6 of us went over last weekend (the others arrived on Friday evening) most of them from our syndicate and we met several more on the 2 racing days. 

Weather wise it couldn't have been better, in fact on the Sunday i left my suit jacket and waistcoat at the cloakroom, it was just too warm to wear.

There were student protests in the city, but we didn't see any trouble at all.

Betting wise, i think we all won over the 2 days, i certainly did and my posts on the 2 days mentioned some of my bets, including a few lays and both the Arab race winners. I was surprised at the PMU odds of 1.80 for the winner on Sunday, i expected he would be around the 1.50 mark.

In the Arc, most of us were sweet on Daryz, i put him up on here last year and again last Sunday, but no 16.5 PMU this time. Best horse in the race and probably doesn't get the recognition he deserves with a 9-1-1 record from 12 runs with valid excuses for 2 of them in England. His Longchamp record of 8 wins from 9, the loss by a short head is exemplary.

The aftermath of his 2nd Arc win resulted in comparison with previous champions by the media and racegoers alike, no surprise there, but all hypothetical of course and pointless. Only the 9th horse to win two Arcs, 5 of them colts and although only 8 have tried since Alleged was the last one in 1978, it may be decades before the next one. It was almost a certainty a stud career would follow, but he could have won a third in 2027 in my opinion.

As for the winning trainer, one of the best anywhere in my opinion, certainly in France, humble, very likeable, one of the few i trust what he says and comes across well in interviews. I've mentioned before we have a contact in the stable (we met on our travels a couple of years ago). He/she speaks very highly of him, he's certainly popular over there and also on our shores if you listen to George Scott.

Mikael Barzelona may have won the Arc, but it was Christophe Soumillon who took the riding honours with 5 winners and a 3rd in the Arc.

Our syndicate horse trainer George Scott had an incredible weekend with 2 group wins and a 3rd in the Arc, a nice little earner as Arthur Daley used to say. He's one of Newmarket's up-and-coming trainers attracting high profile owners and the benefactor of a couple of high-priced yearlings from the sales recently.

Biggest disappointment was Avec Toi who was 6th who lost his unbeaten record in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere, but one to take from the meeting is the winner of that race, Amusingly who i thought was impressive and one to follow.

A superb weekend in good company as always with several posters on here, plenty of laughs and banter, good food, group class racing and wonderful memories. Roll on October 2027, although several of us are going to Ascot next weekend.

In the Arc, most of us were sweet on Daryz, i put him up on here last year and again last Sunday, but no 16.5 PMU this time. Best horse in the race and probably doesn't get the recognition he deserves with a 9-1-1 record from 12 runs with valid excuses for 2 of them in England. His Longchamp record of 8 wins from 9, the loss by a short head is exemplary.

The aftermath of his 2nd Arc win resulted in comparison with previous champions by the media and racegoers alike, no surprise there, but all hypothetical of course and pointless. Only the 9th horse to win two Arcs, 5 of them colts and although only 8 have tried since Alleged was the last one in 1978, it may be decades before the next one. It was almost a certainty a stud career would follow, but he could have won a third in 2027 in my opinion.

As for the winning trainer, one of the best anywhere in my opinion, certainly in France, humble, very likeable, one of the few i trust what he says and comes across well in interviews. I've mentioned before we have a contact in the stable (we met on our travels a couple of years ago). He/she speaks very highly of him, he's certainly popular over there and also on our shores if you listen to George Scott.

In the Arc, most of us were sweet on Daryz, i put him up on here last year and again last Sunday, but no 16.5 PMU this time. Best horse in the race and probably doesn't get the recognition he deserves with a 9-1-1 record from 12 runs with valid excuses for 2 of them in England. His Longchamp record of 8 wins from 9, the loss by a short head is exemplary.

The aftermath of his 2nd Arc win resulted in comparison with previous champions by the media and racegoers alike, no surprise there, but all hypothetical of course and pointless. Only the 9th horse to win two Arcs, 5 of them colts and although only 8 have tried since Alleged was the last one in 1978, it may be decades before the next one. It was almost a certainty a stud career would follow, but he could have won a third in 2027 in my opinion.

As for the winning trainer, one of the best anywhere in my opinion, certainly in France, humble, very likeable, one of the few i trust what he says and comes across well in interviews. I've mentioned before we have a contact in the stable (we met on our travels a couple of years ago). He/she speaks very highly of him, he's certainly popular over there and also on our shores if you listen to George Scott.

Mikael Barzelona may have won the Arc, but it was Christophe Soumillon who took the riding honours with 5 winners and a 3rd in the Arc.

Our syndicate horse trainer George Scott had an incredible weekend with 2 group wins and a 3rd in the Arc, a nice little earner as Arthur Daley used to say. He's one of Newmarket's up-and-coming trainers attracting high profile owners and the benefactor of a couple of high-priced yearlings from the sales recently.

Biggest disappointment was Avec Toi who was 6th who lost his unbeaten record in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere, but one to take from the meeting is the winner of that race, Amusingly who i thought was impressive and one to follow.

A superb weekend in good company as always with several posters on here, plenty of laughs and banter, good food, group class racing and wonderful memories. Roll on October 2027, although several of us are going to Ascot next weekend.

As for the winning trainer, one of the best anywhere in my opinion, certainly in France, humble, very likeable, one of the few i trust what he says and comes across well in interviews. I've mentioned before we have a contact in the stable (we met on our travels a couple of years ago). He/she speaks very highly of him, he's certainly popular over there and also on our shores if you listen to George Scott.

Mikael Barzelona may have won the Arc, but it was Christophe Soumillon who took the riding honours with 5 winners and a 3rd in the Arc.

As for the winning trainer, one of the best anywhere in my opinion, certainly in France, humble, very likeable, one of the few i trust what he says and comes across well in interviews. I've mentioned before we have a contact in the stable (we met on our travels a couple of years ago). He/she speaks very highly of him, he's certainly popular over there and also on our shores if you listen to George Scott.

Mikael Barzelona may have won the Arc, but it was Christophe Soumillon who took the riding honours with 5 winners and a 3rd in the Arc.

Our syndicate horse trainer George Scott had an incredible weekend with 2 group wins and a 3rd in the Arc. He's one of Newmarket's up-and-coming trainers attracting high profile owners and the benefactor of a couple of high-priced yearlings from the sales recently.

Mikael Barzelona may have won the Arc, but it was Christophe Soumillon who took the riding honours with 5 winners and a 3rd in the Arc.

Our syndicate horse trainer George Scott had an incredible weekend with 2 group wins and a 3rd in the Arc, a nice little earner as Arthur Daley used to say. He's one of Newmarket's up-and-coming trainers attracting high profile owners and the benefactor of a couple of high-priced yearlings from the sales recently.

Biggest disappointment was Avec Toi who was 6th who lost his unbeaten record in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere, but one to take from the meeting is the winner of that race, Amusingly who i thought was impressive and one to follow.

A superb weekend in good company as always with several posters on here, plenty of laughs and banter, good food, group class racing and wonderful memories. Roll on October 2027, although several of us are going to Ascot next weekend.

The aftermath of his 2nd Arc win resulted in comparison with previous champions by the media and racegoers alike, no surprise there, but all hypothetical of course. Only the 9th horse to win two Arcs, 5 of them colts and although only 8 have tried since the last one in 1978, it may be decades before the next one. It was almost a certainty a stud career would follow, but he could have won a third in 2027 in my opinion.

As for the winning trainer, one of the best anywhere in my opinion, certainly in France, humble, very likeable, one of the few i trust what he says and comes across well in interviews. I've mentioned before we have a contact in the stable (we met on our travels a couple of years ago). He/she speaks very highly of him, he's certainly popular over there and also on our shores.

For whatever reason, other paragraphs have to be approved by moderators, but for what reason i have no idea, it was simply a continuation of the Arc weekend.

Absolute nonsense by moderators, assuming they exist, but if it's an algorithm they need to review it.

For whatever reason, other paragraphs have to be approved by moderators, but for what reason i have no idea, it was simply a continuation of the Arc weekend.

Absolute nonsense by moderators, assuming they exist, but if it's an algorithm they need to review it.

The aftermath of his 2nd Arc win resulted in comparison with previous champions by pundits, no surprise there, but all hypothetical of course and pointless. Only the 9th horse to win two Arcs, 5 of them colts and although only 8 have tried since the last one in 1978, it may be decades before the next one. It was almost a certainty a stud career would follow, but he could have won a third in 2027 in my opinion.

As for the winning trainer, one of the best anywhere in my opinion, certainly in France, humble, very likeable, one of the few i trust what he says and comes across well in interviews. I've mentioned before we have a contact in the stable (we met on our travels a couple of years ago). He/she speaks very highly of him, he's certainly popular over there and also on our shores if you listen to George Scott.

As for the winning trainer one of the best anywhere in my opinion, certainly in France, humble, very likeable, one of the few i trust what he says and comes across well in interviews. I've mentioned before we have a contact in the yard (we met on our travels a couple of years ago). He/she speaks very highly of him, he's certainly popular over there and also on our shores.

As for the winning trainer, one of the best anywhere in my opinion, certainly in France, humble, very likeable, one of the few i trust what he says and comes across well in interviews.

Thank you ANDREW  G/L

Thanks Andrew.

Only the 9th horse to win two Arcs, 5 of them colts and although only 8 have tried since Alleged was the last one in 1978

vital (?) comma missing after since?

Drumbeat is B365's Superboost offering (presumably, the shorties they don't think will win) at 2.50, so you're in good company, although last week's won.

Thanks for the posts Andrew, have a good day.

Good Morning All,

Many thanks for the posts, appreciated.

With reference to my own yesterday, a right Pigs ear albeit ably assisted by the moderator and several 'waiting for approval' messages, but it appears my post was actually checked and posted by them at the original time, long after i had tried to outfox them by splitting the paragraphs. I didn't have a pop at jockeys or trainers, the reverse in fact, in my eyes there wasn't anything in my post that contravened forum rules so i can only assume it was due to the quantity of words. Oddly enough, they never reposted before on similar occasions.

Irrespective of the above almost an hour of my lifetime completely wasted () and in the unlikely event that Aidan O'Brien reads this forum he would have taken umbrage at my post if so, considering 2 of my selections included a lay of one his runners and going against him with the other, although both were short odds.

The lay Drumbeat (10/11f) won easily (would have with me as jockey) and my win selection Desert Castle failed to reel in Darkness Falls (6/4) by a neck in the Dewhurst. A good race and both look decent colts although i wouldn't be rushing to back the latter at 7/2 for the 2000 guineas (as low as 5/2 with some book) but if 6/1 the runner-up was still available in late winter, i could be interested.

On to this afternoon, several meetings in England and Ireland and not bad cards by any means, but there wasn't anything that jumped off the page. On the European continent there's a 2-year-old G3 in Germany with a decent winner's prize of 74K with only 6 runners and even last place picks up a consolation so i'm surprised there is no interest from our shores. Further east in the Czech republic, Gavin Cromwell attempts to win the gruelling Velka Pardubicka cross country chase over 34f and 31 obstacles with the likely favourite and Cheltenham winner Final Orders. It appears Betfair are not covering these meetings though.

Staying in Europe there's a decent group class card at Auteuil and one to watch here is the 3-year-old Huron Bleu in the G2 (16.17) so impressive when winning LTO and unbeaten in 3 runs. The best juvenile hurdler in France and will take some beating although betting odds will reflect this. An exciting hurdler who should win and we could see him again at the '48-hour obstacle' meeting in November, probably in the G1 Prix Cambaceres. 

If there is a lay bet anywhere, one to consider is Minella Emperor (Cork 15.22). The trip shouldn't be an issue, but he looks a bit one-paced, may prefer more cut in the going and hasn't run since May. Dad Sez will probably go off in front and could be hard to catch, but i will be a layer of Minella Emperor anyway.

Looking further ahead, KA Ying Rising bids to win the Everest at Randwick, Australia for the 2nd time on Saturday and in my opinion only the draw and very soft going stand in the way, but more on this later.

Our syndicate filly Lady Of Clover had her last race for us on Thursday (5/2f) but never got into the race and Liam let her coast home. 12 runs for us with 2-0-4 record, always did her best and was unlucky a couple of occasions. She was often well fancied, in fact favourite in 4 of her previous 6 races. She goes to the sales later this month and we start again with a new purchase.

One of our previous horses, Calibos finished 3rd in a novice handicap hurdle the previous day, he did really well and looked the winner approaching the last (didn't jump it well) but lack of a race since early May told and he was beaten 3L. There was consolation for her trainer Jo Davis who win with Benvoy in the flat at Kempton later that day.

PHS

I agree with the missing comma, no excuses.

Tanglefoot

I will comment on your B737Max experience in a separate post later this evening.



Good luck all and have a nice Sunday.

Thanks Andrew.Looking forward to the B737Max post.

me too

With reference to my own yesterday, a right Pigs ear albeit ably assisted by the moderator and several 'waiting for approval' messages, but it appears my post was actually checked and posted by them at the original time, long after i had tried to outfox them by splitting the paragraphs.

Andrew,
Are you aware that the screen is no longer scrolling upwards after a post (or is it just for me)? Caught me out a few times until I realised.

Good evening All,

I posted a response to Tanglefoot with respect to the Boeing 737 MAX about 5 minutes ago and i saw it in place, but it appears to have been taken down for whatever reason. I will see if the moderators post it later, if not, i can try again tomorrow as i don't want a repetition of yesterday.

Absolutely crazy !

It appears Tanglefoots response to me has also been deleted.

Madness !

No worries Andrew got the gist of your post,thx again

Good Morning All,

tanglefoot 03 Oct 26 12:47 

Afternoon Andrew, just back from the USA where I managed to lose my passport, had to chase around America to find it, I flew on various aircraft’s Boeing 767 Max 8 and max 9, Airbus 321 Neo and Dreamliner797-9 and I was pleasantly surprised that the Max8 seemed ok and would not hesitate to fly on one again, taking that the recent hijacked aircraft was a max 8 and survived a 15000 ft rapid decent and lost part of the rudder and landed safely.
Gl with your trip to Paris.

Tanglefoot

I assume you are referring to the Boeing 737 MAX as i'm not aware of any other commercial aircraft equipped with such a system (MCAS) and also with respect to my comments initially posted several years ago on one of my threads and a few occasions since.

During the 737 MAX aircraft development phase Boeing decided to install a larger engine that was positioned forward and higher on underside of the wing than the 737 predecessors. This is not unusual with variants, but it resulted in CG issues with the aircraft so they utilized and modified an existing software driven system MCAS previously used on a tanker program to stabilize pitch characteristics.

At the time Boeing wanted the aircraft to be certified quickly as it was in direct competition with the Airbus 320 Neo so 'corners were cut' to speed up the program. In USA, the regulatory authority for aircraft certification is the FAA who are an independent organization (as is EASA for Europe) but it's an open secret within the industry they were 'in bed' with Boeing and 'self-certification' was often suspected. Engineers on the program were aware of serious safety issues, not only with MCAS and made them known to management at risk of losing jobs, but a few whistleblowers (subsequently sacked) did blow the whole thing open to the media and general public, there are televised and You Tube documentaries about it.

The crashes occurred due to an accumulation of reasons, including the MCAS software did not require pilot input, it was deemed not necessary for pilots to have simulator training, only limited information was stated in the AFM (flight manual) and Boeing even suggested the system wouldn't be activated under normal flight conditions. After the crashes authorities around the world grounded the aircraft to prevent it flying.

All aircraft systems, even minor such as water and waste are subject to stringent safety analyses and subsequently attain a DAL class, including minor, major, hazardous or catastrophic levels. Most do not mean loss of aircraft, but catastrophic does and in these cases engineers design means of redundancy to negate this. Unfortunately, the MCAS system was deemed 'harzardous' when it should have been the higher level.

Boeing and Airbus are different in their design philosophy, the latter prefer 'fly by wire' systems where the aircraft relies on software, but Boeing prefer a 'mechanical' approach giving pilots more control. Both are fine, but i have no doubt if MCAS had been designed by Airbus, the crash would not have occurred.

Since the crashes Boeing have updated the software and implemented means of safety to the system that was probably scrutinised in intricate detail by the FAA due to the cosy relationship rumours before certification was attained for all variants bar the MAX-10. It's obviously improved and probably 99% safe, but several operators have reported 'incidents' (these reports are mandatory) so it's not 99.9% safe in my opinion.

It's not only the MCAS system that's faulted on the aircraft, design issues remain and i'm aware of this as i have several friends and ex-colleagues working on modifications in Seattle and Renton to this day. You may be aware of the incident where an emergency exit disengaged in flight and subsequently blew out due to cabin pressure, this is just one example.

To date there are very few national airlines in Europe operating B737 Max aircraft of any type, only Iceland, Poland and Turkey to my knowledge. There are a few discounted fare carriers, Ryanair (who have the most) with charter operators Norwegian Air and Air Europe, but no BA, KLM, Air France or Lufthansa et all.

Several years ago, i posted that without wishing to be a scaremonger, i would not fly on the aircraft until it had been in operational service without major incident for a few years and i stand by that. Some of my colleagues feel the same. The bottom line, is the aircraft safe ? Yes, probably. Would i fly on it tomorrow ? No, nor will my daughter.

I've flown on Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus 321 Neo, both are nice aircraft in particular the latter, KLM have them. There isn't a 797 of any series type aircraft yet, but this is probably simply a typing error for 787-9.

Irrespective of the above, i hope you had a good time in the USA.

For those not aware, i'm freelance consultant in the aerospace industry, civil and military. My profile photo is the Saab/Global 6000 AEW&C aircraft i worked on in Linköping, Sweden for 6 years and i was an often visitor to Bombardier in Toronto back in time.

Have a nice Monday all.

Reposted

PHS

Andrew,

Are you aware that the screen is no longer scrolling upwards after a post (or is it just for me)? Caught me out a few times until I realised.

I wasn't aware of this and apart from posts being removed, no issues

Old saying if u do not succeed,try,try again,cheers Andrew

Tanglefoot

Exactly. I removed the paragraph with my views about the recent FlyDubai MAX 737 incident (i will not use the H word) and it appears to have worked. I guess the moderators didn't like my opinion about some of the flight details that need explaining and political influence, but fair enough, i accept. Now i can move on.

The Everest Sprint Draw at Randwock on Saturday (06.30)

The odds-on favourite draws 11 on the outside, not a good draw.

1 - KA YING RISING (11) - J: Zac Purton - T: David Hayes
2 - GIGA KICK (12) - J: Dylan Gibbons - T: Clayton Douglas
3 - JIMMYSSTAR (8) - J: Nash Rawiller - T: Ciaron Maher
4 - ANGEL CAPITAL (2) - J: Ben Melham - T: Chris Waller
5 - HEADWALL (6) - J: Kerrin McEvoy - T: Matthew Smith
6 - CABALLUS (10) - J: Tim Clark - T: Bjorn Baker
7 - JOLIESTAR (5) - J: James McDonald - T: Chris Waller
8 - SPICY MARTINI (4) - J: Taylor Marshall - T: Toby Edmonds
9 - SAVVY HALLIE (7) - J: Zac Lloyd - T: Brad Widdup
10 - TEMPTED (1) - J: Chad Schofield - T: Ciaron Maher
11 - NINJA (3) - J: Tommy Berry - T: Michael Freedman
12 - BLUE DOOR (9) - J: Jamie Melham - T: Bjorn Baker