Epsom Downs - It must be nearly June

In my usual slapdash, tardy fashion, this post is being written considerably later than I had intended. I had hoped to have this up by the middle of last week  but I took my eye off the ball again and before I knew it another week had passed.

Better late than never as they say- at least I hope so.

The Derby Meeting

With Epsom nearly upon us -where do the weeks go? - I thought I'd let you in on a very good word I've had for one in the Oaks. A regular reader of the blog (one who has supplied me with some exceptional info in the past and who has a spy at Ballydoyle) has emailed to tell me that Aiden O'Brien is exceptionally bullish about the chances of Wonder of Wonders. O'Brien's exact words were "It can't get beat". Make of that what you will. Unfortunately the fancy prices are now gone. I had some 7/1 a while ago and will be having some more of the 5/1 ish available on the machine.

O'Brien also remains confident in the chances of Recital in the Derby - though he may not beat Carlton House, he believes him to be a cast iron each way bet at 7/1. There was a strong headwind at Leopardstown for the Derrinstown and the hanging left should be ignored.

I will be  putting Wonder of Wonders and Recital in a smallish each way double.

I have to say that, though I always like the Dante as a trial, I remain to be convinced that Carlton House should be anything like as short as 11/8 for the Derby. For me , he's  been massivelyover bet because of his connections and, though a likely winner, you will quickly go broke backing 11/8 shots on that sort of evidence.

Talking of the Dante has reminded me of one of the biggest ante post blows I ever struck against a bookmaker.

The year is 2004 and I've just watched North Light win the Dante with what looked like a bit in hand. Naturally, I've hurtled to the computer to see if any of the fiddlers are slow to react in the ante post markets for the Derby. Alas, most of them had already slashed him to around 7/1 for the Epsom event but imagine my surprise and joy when I notice that Victor Chandler, inexplicably, are still offering 33/1 about his chances!  How remiss of them I thought. I was even more amazed to see that they were prepared to let me have just over £200 at that price - despite the same horse being available to lay at just over 8 on Betfair. Very generous of them and it would have been exceptionally rude of me not to take full advantage!

Come Derby Day, I laid off my entire stake at 4.7 (plus a bit more for the green screen) but left the lions share on North Light. What a wonderful day. I wish bookmakers reactions were always so slow!

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Ron Robinson

I don't know how many of you have already heard of Ron Robinson, but if you haven't his site over at www.postracing.net is well worth a visit.

Ron produces ratings and he sends out an email highlighting his top rated horses in a lot of the races each day. The ratings are absolutely superb -have a look at  the testimonials on his site from some extremely well known racing figures - and they are completely free Sunday to Friday. He asks for a donation for his Saturday ratings and all money raised goes to a variety of racing charities.A true gentleman who has raised an awful lot of money for charity in this way

I rarely place a bet without checking Ron's ratings first and in addition to the ratings he regularly gives the benefit of his insight as to how best to use them. Well worth a look and completely free!

Ron's Ratings

That's all for today folks but plenty more later in the week

Kieran