, Today's Free News And Tips...

26th October 2016

Hi ,

I read a very good article in last Saturday’s Racing Post by ex champion jockey and now trainer Richard Hughes regarding the immanent demise of Channel 4 racing.

He feels that the program has lost the plot by concentrating far too much on the prices of horses in the market and the political aspects of racing. I’m in total agreement with Hughsie and can’t wait for the new channel to take over the program which is horse racings shop window.

Many of us in the racing industry including bookmakers and tipsters fail to understand the significance of a top horse racing show as it will if entertaining attract new people to have an interest in the sport as without attracting new blood our industry will decline.

In years gone by John Francome, Big Mac, Tommo, Brough Scott and Lord Oaksie were a formidable team with the viewing figures very high however the current crop could bore the pants off anyone.

One thing is for sure Matt Chapman and Jason Weaver will surely inject some fun into the new I.T.V. coverage and we will see more of the horses and less about peoples opinions. Another fault to me is the commentary as I’m sick of Simon Holts views of the horses chances and perhaps he needs a refreshers course on race calling by going to America or Australia to see how it’s done.

Talking about Australia next Tuesday it sees the running of the Melbourne Cup billed as the race that stops a nation or two nations as most of New Zealand is captivated by it too.

It was first run in 1861 where the Sydney trained Archer was the winner. The first mare to win was Makybe Diva and she is the only horse to have won the race three times. The first female jockey to win was last year when Michelle Payne won on Pride of Penzance.

The race is worth over 6 million Aussie dollars in prize money and the track at Flemington will attract over a hundred thousand spectators. The cup presented to the winning owner is a loving cup with three handles that represents the relationship between the jockey, trainer and owner.

Well for this weeks Howies Hottie I suppose I must have a crack at the race and my tip is our own Big Orange from Michael Bells Newmarket yard who ran very well in last years event to finish 5th. Michael says the horse has improved this year and this strong front running stayer can give us a good run for our money.

Mind you I did say racing also has to be fun and entertaining so I will also be having a fun punt on my namesake in the race the Aussie trained massive outsider Howard Be Thy Name.

HOT HANDICAPPERS

FLAT

Molten Lava trainer P.Cole - Ran well in a claimer last week and can win a low grade race.

Mezzotint trainer L.Carter - On a decent mark for winter campaign on the polytrack.

Bubbly Bellini trainer A.McGuiness - Dropping down the ratings to a winnable mark.

JUMPERS

Harry the Viking trainer S.Thompson - Veteran chaser who is on a good mark.

Back next Wednesday be lucky.

Howard Davis-Shaw.

CLICK HERE For Howard's Eye-Catchers!