22nd February 2017

Hi ,

It’s great to see the F.A.Cup taking shape with the two Manchester clubs, Chelsea, Spurs and Arsenal still in the shake up come the quarter finals. Some say the Premier clubs don’t give the tournament enough respect by playing weakened teams but really that does only apply to the bottom half of the league with those teams that are petrified of relegation.

It will be great to see non League Lincoln at the Emirates taking on Arsenal and I’m sure they will give them a good hard game. The tie of the round must be Man Utd’s game with Chelsea and Jose Mourinho returning to what was once his spiritual home. All I can say is let the mind games begin.

The Grand National weights were announced last week and top Irish owner Michael O’Leary is not happy saying that the Irish entries have been given too much weight based on their ratings over in the Emerald Isle. Well I hasten to disagree as they are the best horses on current form and what about Lord Windermere being allocated 10 stone 5lbs who won the Cheltenham Gold Cup back in the day.

I have always found the National to be a lucky race for me and after going through the field I reckon I have found a hot one who to me could win regardless of weight as he stays all day and has that turn of finishing speed for the long run in. Now I will make it available to readers but not before all my loyal paying members have been informed at the best prices available.

Howies Hottie was out with the washing last week but as I have told you time and time again don’t expect big priced winners served on a plate every week. Anyway I’m going in the lucky last at Kempton the 8.15 with Le Tissier in this 2 mile handicap.

The gelding is still a maiden but the trainer has been teaching the horse to settle in his races and it appears staying is now his game. He stayed on at Lingfield last time over a shorter trip and the 2 miles and Kempton’s longer straight should play to his advantage.

HOT HANDICAPPERS

ARTIFICIAL SURFACES

Ixelles Diamond trainer L.Carter - Ran well after a break and will be fitter next time.

The Detainee trainer J.Gask - Finished strongly at Lingfield and open to improvement.

JUMPERS

Cue Card trainer C.Tizzard - Romped home at Ascot on Saturday and I still think he can win the Gold Cup at the Festival.

Vintage Clouds trainer Sue Smith - Stayed on past beaten horses at Haydock but can pick up a nice staying chase before long.

Back next Wednesday be lucky.

Howard Davis-Shaw.

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