27th July 2016

Hi ,

I don’t know if you have seen the article in last Saturdays Racing Post on Trainer Mark Johnston’s views on racing?

He makes some very interesting observations regarding the state of the sport in particular not being happy with the presentation team on Channel 4 putting too much emphasis on the betting and not spending enough time on the wonderful horses and explaining and educating the viewers on the fundamentals of the game. Hopefully when I.T.V take over they will make a much better job of it.

Mark also thinks and I must agree there are far too many handicaps especially those where some horses could carry over two stone more than others. These races are formed for the bookmakers advantage where in reality it would be far better to have horses of equal abilities running against each other and so offering a fair playing field to all.

He also feels this would stop certain trainers giving their charges quiet runs to lower the handicap marks. Lets face it the entire sport would be better off with a tote monopoly with Betfair and the exchanges as the only other way to bet. There would be much more money going back into the sport than into the greedy bookmakers pockets.

I bet not many readers have heard of the Mongolian Derby but this week a team which includes Kevin Darley will be heading out of Goodwood for Ulan Bator to compete in this 600 mile race over the postal trip that Ghengis Khan set up in 1224. The people taking part will have to complete four stages a day then rest in canvass tents and survive on a diet of boiled mutton.

I wish the immaculate Kevin Darley luck and hope he takes his medicated wet wipes if he gets saddle sores.

What a great weeks racing we are having with both Goodwood and Galway putting on a veritable feast of racing and for Howies Hottie I’m playing in the 5.25 Goodwood on the Amanda Perret trained The Warrior. He has dropped in the ratings since his time with Aiden O’Brien and this 7 furlongs should be his ideal trip. He has been on my radar with one or two eye-catching runs and the 20/1 with Stan James at the time of writing looks tempting.

The only negatives are the car park draw and the dangerous Rex Imperator from the O’Meara yard. However at the odds he is worth a punt plus it would be nice for the locals to cheer home a winner as Amanda trains just down the road on the Sussex Downs.

HOT HANDICAPPERS

FLAT

Pearl Acclaim trainer D.Nicholls - The gelding is on a competitive mark and seems to be in decent form.

Hopes High trainer J.Berry - Ran on strongly at Yarmouth and could be well treated in low class handicaps.

Kicking The Can trainer D.Thompson - Always seems to find one or two too good for him but I’m sure there is a winnable opportunity for him soon.

Taureen Star trainer M.Bell - Finished well from off the pace at Ascot and can soon be winning.

Back next Wednesday be lucky.

Howard Davis-Shaw.

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