‘Dream’ situation in division two of the Novice Stakes over six furlongs of ‘good to firm (in places)’ Haydock this afternoon; in fact with top-grade jockey Jamie Spencer on our side it’s what ‘Dreams’ really are all about!
AYAC is an acronym one uses when it’s the right time of year for backing two-year-olds seriously and, with June just five days hence, NOW is the time; it means Are You Absolutely Certain!
Obviously when punting all likely pitfalls have to be ‘built in’ to analysis, after due computation and assessment; if possible to say ‘yes’ and you consider all boxes are ticked then it is time to sally forth; however you have to be honest with yourself and KNOW the strength of feeling is 100 per cent, and prepared to risk your maximum stake.
It’s a tough game ‘professional punting’ as I’ve found out but horse-racing has afforded me a wonderful, profitable, life from journalism, and betting; courage is not always at issue but, by the same token, ‘faint heart never won fair lady’ and to make good profits it’s necessary to venture forth with confidence.
Armed with my time-handicap I’ve only had THREE bets to win five-figure sums, they all won!
There was Moonax when he landed the 1994 St Leger and two of my SEVEN naps table triumphs; we were in control and prices were massive.
Prices are what opportunistic betting is all about, hopefully Massaat will prove a solid illustration in the Epsom Derby a week this Saturday!
Once-raced Dream Of Dreams ‘flew’ up the Newmarket Rowley Mile climb forty-four days ago in a five furlongs maiden and would have won in a few more strides; the time-figure was right up to scratch.
Significantly Northern trainer Kevin Ryan has allowed plenty of ‘recovery time’ and Dream Of Dreams has been pencilled in for the ‘Coventry’ at Royal Ascot next month; this race is being used as a ‘stepping stone’ and so let’s hope there are no ‘slip ups!’
Takaafhor also comes out clear ‘best-in’ for division one and it’s my intention to play an each-way double in addition to singles which will only be lodged if odds 2/1 or better are available.
You need to have strict rules, this is a business for bookmakers and you should treat your ‘ard earned’ seriously too.
Nothing (and I mean nothing!) compares to the satisfaction and fascination of computing a two-year-old time-handicap; it wasn’t always like this!