good enough for Paddy?

If Paddy Brennan is willing to do 10 stone, then that's good enough reason to support Major Malarkey in the Betfred Classic Chase at Warwick this afternoon. We have backed him previously, as he looks a horse made for this arena. and one can be reasonably assured that his trainer, Nigel Twiston-Davies (who excels in this sphere) will have him in good shape.

On a rather lacklustre day, the other major handicap, the Lanzarote Hurdle is run at Kempton. As ever, these races can be tremendously puzzling but going to give another chance to Act of Kalinisi. He ran well enough last time off a slow pace and should be suited by track and conditions, not to mention having the services of Barry Geraghty on top. Perhaps an across the card each way double will sate the punting appetite.

good luck...

3 big ONES for Ballydoyle brigade?

Big day for Ballydoyle after an inauspicious season (by their standards) with leading chances in today's Group 1 races at Leopardstown and Haydock. Heading to Leopardstown myself for the Irish Champion Stakes where Rip Van Winkle following his success at York will be warm order. Based on that gutsy run, very hard to oppose him here, although stablemate Cape Blanco has to be respected, while Famous Name could run well if the imminent rain materialises in time. Lillie Langtry has had a troubled career so far, with it being disappointing to see her run moderately at Newmarket following her success in the Coronation Stakes. That was good form however, and she is of interest at 3/1 in the Matron Stakes.

Over at Haydock, Starspangledbanner goes for the Betfred Sprint. Slightly unlucky at York, he is entitled to be favourite for this but represents poor value. There are a few interesting 3 year olds running including Lady of the Desert, but I am going to have a small each way bet on old friend Genki, who won nicely here on his penultimate start. Good handicappers winning top sprints is not entirely unheard of, don't you know!!

good luck......