Time For Rupert really should be winning today, otherwise they might as well forget about running in the Gold Cup.

Don't think I'll be playing it though, see no value at the odds in what is, essentially, a retrieval mission sort of race they probably had never considered two or three months ago.

Wouldn't be surprised to see one or two of the other horses make him work hard for it.

todays double

GREYFRIARSCHORISTA.1.30.south
ROYAL SWAIN.2.00.south

double pays around 7.5/1 (or did lastnight!)

some good racing today....

IFBUTANDWHYNOT.3.40.ascot been working well and yard think he could be cheltenham material 17/2


also

INGLEBY ARCH.11.55.south
ST OSWALD.3.20.south
WICKED WENCH.1.oo.south
DASHING EDDIE.2.45.south
FRASCATI PARK.2.30.ascot .. could make a case for each runner in this but this one at 8/1 as he likes ascot

Can't see Haydock being on tomorrow. Been heavy ground there all week apparently, and its snowing like hell in Ormskirk according to the girlfriend, belting down with snow in Chester too so think the Newton-Le-Willows area must be in the same situation.

Absolutely no chance of Haydock being on tomorrow. A lot of wet snow here today, so should imagine, it will be worse up on higher ground in Haydock. Expect Kirkland Tellporkies to call a 7.30 am inspection, followed by 3 further inspections before abandoning about 30 mins before the 1st race.

Nothing now for me until boxing day, where 1 I have been waiting for, goes to Wincanton in a handicap!!!

ps/ Skybet have got next season's opening fixtures priced up. Anyone else spotted the 2 obvious ricks?

Ascot are having a morning inspection too with the forecast looking a bit iffy tonight.

ps/ Skybet have got next season's opening fixtures priced up. Anyone else spotted the 2 obvious ricks?

Frost covers went on after racing today but the forecast isn't looking too promising, although that seems to go for the whole of Britain at the minute. I just hope we are not in for one of those winters again.

On the match odds you mean? Can't see nothing unusual, Catalan 11/8 at Bradford?

Apparently if they get what is forecast they should be raceable, just if the forecast is worse then that might put them in a bit of bother.

Nothing worse than having the days jumping action fall foul to the weather for the dross at Lingfield to take centre stage - one of the most underwhelming sporting outcomes possible.

Yup, thats 1. Bradford definately being priced up on past reputation.
The other is Widnes. As far as I'm concerned, Widnes are in for 1 hell of a kicking this season. God knows how they are giving the start against Wakey, who look to be strengthening their squad nicely for next season.

Catalans never start the season well and away?
Wakey new squad may need time to Gel.

Think small stakes backing all the outsiders with the handicap 1st game of the season.