Today's best bets, by Will Hayler
Regular Talking Horses readers will know that, as well as being rubbish at adding up the running totals, I'm never short on words when I fancy a few. Unfortunately, today is not one of those days.
I had planned to make Towcester the next stop on my tour of the courses this week but I don't think I can ever remember seeing such a shockingly poor card at the track. I've enjoyed going to the track ever since they switched to the free admission model, as the bigger crowds have made the on-course betting market much more robust and given the place a much-improved atmosphere, especially on run-of-the-mill days like today.
That said, it's a bit concerning to note on the website that there are now six fixtures a year at the track at which an entry fee is charged. Maybe the finances aren't working out as expected?
Conditional jockey Charles Greene has impressed in the couple of seasons he has ridden for Kim Bailey and boasts both a good strike-rate and level-stakes profit for the stable.
Greene today partners Quiet Whisper (3.50), whom he steered to victory on the gelding's only previous visit to the track, and this looks a much easier assignment than he has faced more recently.
I will also be rooting for my old favourite Marked Man (4.50), who lines up in a six-runner handicap chase where he is incredibly not the only 15-year-old, as fellow old boy Keltic Lord also takes his chance.
Dropped back to a mile and ridden by an inexperienced apprentice, Mcbirney (4.30) emerged with plenty of credit when beaten only a little more than four lengths at Newmarket last time out and he could be worth a bet at a double-figure price at Nottingham.
Maybe the spin over that shorter distance will have sharpened him up a little. He moves back up to a mile and a quarter off the same mark as when an excellent second in a decent handicap at Newmarket in July and reigning champion Paul Hanagan takes over the reins.
Tipping competition - day three
The victory of Meandmyshadow took Ormrod76 to the top of the table but it's a narrow lead and clearly there is all to play for.
This week's prize is a copy of the glorious new book of racing photographs by Edward Whitaker, chief snapper at the Racing Post. It's called Beyond The Frame and has received a very favourable review here. The cover picture alone is a thing a of beauty.
Today we would like your tips, please, for these races: 2.00 Nottingham; 2.30 Nottingham and 3.20 Towcester.
As ever, our champion will be the tipster who returns the best profit to notional level stakes of £1 at starting price on our nominated races, of which there will be three each day up until Friday. Non-runners count as losers.
In the event of a tie at the end of the week, the winner will be the tipster who, from among those tied on the highest score, posted their tips earliest on the final day.
For terms and conditions click here.
Good luck!
Standings after day two
Ormrod76 +9.50
Shears39 +9.00
MisterChester +9.00
Melonk +8.00
Lemondash +7.5
ElMatador1 +7.5
William36 +5.50
Slackdad38 +1.00
Suckzinclee +1.00
Chipsolderer +0.50
JimmyDeuce -1.50
AlexCook -1.50
Mulldog -1.50
Londonpatrick -1.50
Ellandback -1.50
Shrewdette -1.50
Kirstyp -1.50
Jaygee1 -2.00
Sportingchad -6.00
Goofs -6.00
Millreef -6.00
Curlycov -6.00
Xwireman -6.00
markahoy -6.00
Tanias -6.00
VolleVug -6.00
Factormax -6.00
Unfaircomment -6.00
Diegoisgod -6.00
Copshaw -6.00
Tl127 -6.00
Scandalous -6.00
Blitzwing -6.00
23skidoo -6.00
Zizkov123 -6.00
MauriceNL -6.00
Toptrapper -6.00
Matzov -6.00
Onmeheadson -6.00
Kperson -6.00
Coma88 -6.00
Lonewolfmcquaid -6.00
wiggy12 -6.00
Lameduck -6.00
Harrytheactor -6.00
ToffeeDan1 -6.00
Orso -6.00
Snowy81 -6.00
SandiUk -6.00
Carl31 -6.00
MrWinnersSonInLaw -6.00
Chiefhk -6.00
TheVic -6.00
WalthamstowLad -6.00
