10.45am Al Ferof on course for the King George
Tony Paley: Al Ferof, an impressive winner of the Amlin Chase for the second successive year at Ascot last Saturday, is on course for the William Hill King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.
The chaser was third behind stablemate Silviniaco Conti in the Kempton event last year and owner John Hales is delighted his smart horse is over the ulcer problem that was affecting him and has come back to form.
“We were delighted with him [at Ascot]. It showed what a class act he is, but he was full of ulcers even after three months out at grass,” he said. “We treated him and he’s put on plenty of condition and extra substance. He goes for the King George now.”
Thursday’s best bets, by Tony Paley
The diehards among the jump racing fans will turn their attentions to the Newbury Hennessy meeting which opens on Thursday and while there are still issues off the track, given the way the racecourse has declined in recent years, there will be plenty of action worth watching over the next three days.
Jollyallan should win the opener at prohibitive odds but while this is a card probably best watched for the future, if forced to have a wager then Ned Stark (2.45) gets the vote. He is proven on testing conditions and there is the likelihood of improvement over this longer trip though there are a number of dangers in a competitive heat.
Tipping competition, day four
Our winners so far:
Monday
Tenor Nivernais 5-1
Gand Gigolo 12-1
Theinval 4-1
Tuesday
Orchard Road 5-1
Sportsreport 3-1
Lucky Mark 8-1
Wednesday
Back To Bracka 4-1
Volio Vincente 11-2
Livia’s Dream 14-1
And our leader is:
goofs +25
... who was already joint-top before picking Livia’s Dream. Millreef (+17.50) had a most impressive perfect Wednesday and lies second.
Today, we’d like your tips, please, for these races: 2.45 Newbury, 3.15 Newbury, 3.25 Taunton.
This week’s prize is a copy of the Racing Post Annual 2015, now in its fourth year and running to 208 colour pages packed with stories from this racing year and some of terrific photos of the greatest moments. Interviewees include Willie Mullins and Tony McCoy. If you don’t win, you can buy it here.
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. If you have not joined in so far this week, you are welcome to do so today, but you will start on -9.
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!
Click here for all the day’s racecards, form, stats and results.
And post your tips or racing-related comments below.
