You're at the races enjoying a drink with friends just before the opener. Alan the Anorak approaches you at the bar, complete with bottom-of-glass specs, sensible trousers and shoes. He's been studying one race for hours. There's a false favourite, an event ripe for a bet. After poring over his (many) form books and archive videos of races he's found one worth a punt. Thanks Alan. The listening throng nod sagely and mark the horse down for a possible wager. Five minutes later here's Wide Boy. Pssst, we've had a tip for one in the first. Unraced, working like a dream. Could be Cheltenham material; could be anything. The lads in the yard are all on. Cue mass exit in search of the bookies.
The lure of the tip is always the more tempting. Punters love the thought of inside information while it also cuts out having to do all that hard work that the form book students put in. If you want to wade in on the strength of gossip today have a wager on Pierrot Lunaire in the first at Ludlow. This has been working well and is reportedly pretty useful.
Personally I don't back them first time out but if the information from the yard backs up my estimation on form then it's time to have more on. I can't promise that in the case of 4.00pm Panjo Bere at Ludlow but I am pretty convinced this one has the ability to win more races. He beat two horses, including Saturday's big-race winner Mous Of Men, at Fontwell with ease last month before flopping badly at Kempton a fortnight ago. The ground and the longer trip may have found him out that day and he looks well worth giving another chance to.
Earlier on the card I like the look of 3.30pm Ouzbeck. He was only sixth last time but that was a decent handicap and this looks more suitable, especially as the step up in trip is sure to suit. Matuhi is the one to beat and will make the market for the selection. However, he has to improve on what he has shown so far and in these sorts of situations I prefer the one with the form in the book.
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