June 2007

Another gong for Dame Judi

Editor / 30 June 2007 / Leave a comment

1m 2f 7yd Handicap. Windsor, Sunday, 15.35 This three-year-old handicap is arguably the most interesting race domestically on Sunday with several progressive sorts involved and you are probably wasting your time if you look beyond winning form last time out....Read more »

Lava Man a rock in Hollywood

Editor / 30 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Some early Statesside markers will be put down for the Breeders' Cup Classic at Monmouth Park on October 27 in Saturday night's Hollywood Gold Cup. The front two in the market for the Grade 1 race at Hollywood Park this...Read more »

Sachin confident after Ireland preparations

Editor / 30 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Sachin Tendulkar believes the conditions India are experiencing in Ireland have set them up nicely for the upcoming Test series against England. The 34-year-old cracked 93 to help India beat South Africa by six wickets at the Future Cup in...Read more »

Olazabal a doubt for the Open

Editor / 30 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Jose Maria Olazabal is facing a race against time to be fit for the upcoming Open Championship at Carnoustie, which gets underway on July 19. The Spaniard is also a doubt for the preceding Scottish Open which takes at place...Read more »

French Open weekend preview

Editor / 30 June 2007 / Leave a comment

It's been a while since Colin Montgomerie was in the thick of the action challenging for a tournament lead but he will go into this weekend with high hopes that he can return to the winner's enclosure at the French...Read more »

Perry tees up birdie blitz

Editor / 30 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Kenny Perry hailed his play off the tee as he charged to the top of the leaderboard at the Buick Open with a nine-under-par 63 in his second round. The 47-year-old fired eight birdies and an eagle in the day's...Read more »

Moore joy for George

Editor / 29 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Middleham handler George Moore stunned punters 12 months ago when outsider Toldo landed the Northumberland Plate, but it is far from impossible that the diminutive trainer could strike again with Macorville in Saturday's renewal (Newcastle 15:20). The key to Macorville's...Read more »

Fortune to partner Aussie ace

Editor / 29 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Jimmy Fortune, runaway winner of the 'Top Jockey' award at Royal Ascot last week, has been snapped up by Australian trainer Gai Waterhouse to partner her start sprinter Bentley Biscuit in Newmarket's Darley July Cup. Many observers felt that regular...Read more »

Savill hoping for a return to the big time

Editor / 29 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Former BHB chairman Peter Savill, owner of 1995 French Derby hero Celtic Swing, is hopeful that his Royal and Regal will aquit himself well in Sunday's Irish Derby at the Curragh. The Sadlers Wells three-year-old landed a listed contest in...Read more »

Mediate on top after flawless round

Editor / 29 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Rocco Mediate is the leader after the first round of the Buick Open following an impressive bogey-free 64. The veteran American hit 88.9% of greens in regulation and took 27 putts, with his eight-under-par score giving him a one shot...Read more »

Top weight shouldn't stop Mambazo

Editor / 28 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Top-weight might not be sufficient to stop the in-form Mambazo winning Wolverhampton's 6f Handicap at 15:20. The Stuart Williams-trained sprinter won with a bit in hand over a similar distance at Lingfield last week, a victory for which he's picked...Read more »

Callan picks up Plate ride

Editor / 28 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Leading fancy for Saturday's two mile Northumberland Plate, Aile Eile, will now be partnered by Neil Callan following a late switch of jockey plans. Fran Berry, who had originally been booked to take the mount on the seven-year-old, will be...Read more »

Boscobel in great shape for Irish Derby

Editor / 28 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Last week's impressive all-the-way Royal Ascot Group 2 winner, Boscobel, is in great shape for his bid to complete a high-profile double in Sunday's Irish Derby. The Sheikh Mohammed-owned colt, supplemented for the race at a cost of €150,000, made...Read more »

Furyk plays down favourite tag

Editor / 28 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Jim Furyk has played down the fact that he is the firm favourite going into this week's Buick Open tournament. The world number three is one of only two players ranked in the world's top 20, Trevor Immelman (32 to...Read more »

Sorenstam battling through injury

Editor / 28 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Annika Sorenstam admits her fitness is a concern going into this week's 62nd US Open at Pine Needles. The Swedish ace has been struggling with a back problem and this week's major is just her third tournament since having enforced...Read more »

Dimenticata confirmed for Pretty Polly

Editor / 27 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Kevin Prendergast has confirmed that his Classic-placed Dimenticata will line up in the Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh on Saturday. The filly finished a good second to Finsceal Beo in the Irish 1000 Guineas, a run which convinced her...Read more »

Bickerton eyes return to form

Editor / 27 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Defending champion John Bickerton is targeting a return to form at this week's French Open after a poor start to the season. The 37-year-old won last year's event in Paris, claiming a dramatic one-shot victory over Padraig Harrington to pick...Read more »

Jose Maria Olazabal profile

Editor / 27 June 2007 / Leave a comment

There are many people who wouldn't have even walked again after being diagnosed with rheumatoid polyarthritis in both feet. But Jose Maria Olazabal has not only overcome the potentially crippling condition but has fought back to regain his place as...Read more »

Ground key to Juniper Plate challenge

Editor / 27 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Juniper Girl has attracted consistent support for the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle on Saturday with Michael Bell's filly looking likely to start one of the market leaders. The daughter of Revoque has enjoyed a remarkably consistent career to date, having...Read more »

Mickelson set for Scottish outing

Editor / 27 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Phil Mickelson has confirmed that he will play in the Scottish Open at Loch Lomond as he fine-tunes his game for the Open Championship...Read more »

Tolerance to be Newcastle hero

Editor / 27 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Zero Tolerance showed he was returning to something like his best at York last month and David Baron's seven-year-old looks to have an excellent chance in Newcastle's feature handicap (15:30). The gelding began this season in quiet fashion, showing little...Read more »

Mud lover Zennerman to strike in Bell

Editor / 26 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Kevin Ryan's Zennerman looks to have good prospects of getting off the mark for the season when he contests the historic Carling Carlisle Bell Handicap (15:30). The four-year-old has only a modest win to runs ratio but his form is...Read more »

Howell nearing return

Editor / 26 June 2007 / Leave a comment

David Howell is targeting a return at the European Open in Ireland as he bids to find his form ahead of the Open Championship...Read more »

Buick Open preview

Editor / 26 June 2007 / Leave a comment

The Buick Open has traditionally featured plenty of low scores and this year's version looks likely to be no exception when it gets underway in Michigan on Thursday. The 7,127-yard par 72 course at Warwick Hills Country Club was ranked...Read more »

Cabrera set for K Club outing

Editor / 26 June 2007 / Leave a comment

New US Open champion Angel Cabrera has revealed he will play in next week's Smurfit Kappa European Open at Dublin's K Club. The 37-year-old became the first Argentinian to win the US Open when he pipped Tiger Woods and Jim...Read more »

French Open preview

Editor / 26 June 2007 / Leave a comment

John Bickerton may be the defending champion at the French Open but there is another fascinating sub-plot to this week's events as the high-quality field gather on the outskirts of Paris for the richest tournament on Continental Europe this season....Read more »

Handicapper suggests degree of leniency for Yeats Cup option

Editor / 26 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Dual Ascot Gold Cup winner Yeats may well find himself on a fairer handicap for the Melbourne Cup than last year when he carried top weight into seventh place in Australia's greatest horse race. Jockey Mick Kinane hinted that connections...Read more »

Stoute team favouring King George bid for Maraahel

Editor / 26 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Last weeks gutsy Hardwicke Stakes hero Maraahel could well make his next appearance in the mid-summer showpiece, the King VI & Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes. Sir Michael Stoute's grand performer got the better of a tremendous tussle with Scorpion to...Read more »

Singh pulls out of Buick

Editor / 25 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Vijay Singh has confirmed he will not play at this week's Buick Open as he bids to recover from ankle and elbow injuries ahead of the Open Championship at Carnoustie. Singh, who fired a closing round of 65 to finish...Read more »

Mountain towers above rivals

Editor / 25 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Cove Mountain looks to have been given an equitable weight in the claiming race at Brighton (15:30) and the mare appears to have an excellent chance of finally breaking her maiden tag. Having failed to find the back of the...Read more »

Fasth in form of life

Editor / 25 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Niclas Fasth's two-shot victory in the BMW International Open has seen him installed as the early favourite for this weekend's Open de France. Fasth held off the challenge from veteran Bernhard Langer to take the $450,000 winner's cheque, closing with...Read more »

Fasth in form of life

Editor / 25 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Niclas Fasth's two-shot victory in the BMW International Open has seen him installed as the early favourite for this weekend's Open de France at Le Golf National in Paris. Fasth held off the challenge from veteran Bernhard Langer to take...Read more »

Miss Andretti to return home

Editor / 25 June 2007 / Leave a comment

King's Stand Stakes winner Miss Andretti seems unlikely to stay in Britain to run in the Darley July Cup at Newmarket on July 13, according to trainer Lee Freeman. The mare who broke the track record on the opening day...Read more »

Johnson colt set for Irish Derby bid

Editor / 25 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Recent Ascot winner Boscobel may be supplemented for the Irish Derby on July 1, with a decision set to be made on Tuesday. Mark Johnston's colt was an impressive scorer in the King Edward VII Stakes at the Royal meeting...Read more »

Etain looks best value in Fillies Handicap

Editor / 24 June 2007 / Leave a comment

With several hard-to-win with Fillies in the opening race on Monday's Windsor card, it may pay to take a chance with the Walter Swinburn-trained Etain at 18:40. The daughter of Alhaarth looks the least exposed of the runners, and makes...Read more »

Noseda outlines Soldier's Tale plans

Editor / 24 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Jeremy Noseda has confirmed that Soldier's Tale will be aimed at the remaining top sprints this year, following his blistering success in the Golden Jubilee Stakes on Saturday. The six-year-old flew the flag for Britain by sweeping home late and...Read more »

Right To Play impresses ahead of Northumberland Plate

Editor / 24 June 2007 / Leave a comment

John Gosden's Right To Play produced a magnificent piece of work ahead of a tilt at Saturday's John Smith's Northumberland Plate. The son of Kingmambo looked extremely well during a spin with ex-French horse Early March, and would have pleased...Read more »

Langer puzzled by Euro drought

Editor / 24 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Bernhard Langer remains puzzled as to why none of his Ryder Cup heroes have gone on to win one of the Majors. The German, who won the Masters in 1985 and 1993, led the Europeans to a record nine-point success...Read more »

Fasth falters in Munich

Editor / 24 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Niclas Fasth struggled to a 73 in his third round to slip back to the pack at the BMW International Open in Munich. The Swede had extended his lead to three shots after opening with a birdie but then carded...Read more »

1m 4f Listed Stakes

Editor / 23 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Pontefract, Sunday, 15.40 A teasing Listed contest (15.40) is the feature on Sunday's Pontefract card with any number of possible winners. The key race is the recent Listed Hildon Stakes at Goodwood, in which four of these took part, Ivy...Read more »

Eagle Mountain yet to peak

Editor / 23 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Aidan O'Brien has confirmed that Epsom Derby runner-up Eagle Mountain is on course for the Irish equivalent at the Curragh on Sunday week, with a back-up of three possible stable companions. Derby winner Authorized looks like going instead for the...Read more »

Cole to Newcastle

Editor / 23 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Withdrawals from today's Duke of Edinburgh Stakes at Royal Ascot could have significant knock-on effects for next Saturday's major handicap, the John Smith's Northumberland Plate, aka the Pitmen's Derby. Rayhani and Strategic Mount, confirmed fast-ground specialists, have been scratched from...Read more »

BMW International Open - WEEKEND PREVIEW

Editor / 23 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Swedes Niclas Fasth and Peter Hanson both enjoyed fine weeks at the US Open and they have carried on where they left off at the BMW International Open to head the leaderboard at the halfway stage. Fasth, who came fourth...Read more »

Woods withdraws from Buick Open

Editor / 23 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Tiger Woods has withdrawn from the Buick Open at the Warwick Hills Golf & Country Club, Grand Blanc, Michigan, starting on June 28...Read more »

Fasth in front in Germany

Editor / 23 June 2007 / Leave a comment

In-form Niclas Fasth of Sweden leads the BMW International Open on 12 under after carding a second-round 65. The 35-year-old, who finished a surprise fourth in the US Open last weekend, is two shots clear of countryman Peter Hanson, while...Read more »

Maraahel backers to be in seventh heaven

Editor / 22 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Maraahel, so often found wanting when upped in class, can win at his level and claim his seventh Group success in the Hardwicke Stakes (Ascot 15:05). Sir Michael Stoute has had a frustrating Royal Ascot to date but in the...Read more »

Improving Scorpion to sting rivals

Editor / 22 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Aidan O'Brien believes his Scorpion can improve on his recent Group One success in the Coronation Cup at Epsom, when he runs in Saturday's Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot. The Classic winner will have to defy a Group One penalty...Read more »

Els issues Open warning

Editor / 22 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Ernie Els believes Carnoustie, the venue for this year's Open Championship, is the toughest course on the major circuit and expects a tough test next month. There have been several players claiming that last week's US Open at Oakmont was...Read more »

O'Brien fears heavy weight for Yeats

Editor / 22 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Ascot Gold Cup winner Yeats may once again head down under for the Melbourne Cup in November, but trainer Aidan O'Brien fears a big weight in the staying event. The six-year-old ran out an impressive winner of the 2m 4f...Read more »

Mahan leads the way in Connecticut

Editor / 22 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Hunter Mahan leads the field at the rain affected Travelers Championship, where 39 golfers are yet to complete their first rounds. Despite enduring a rain break towards the end of his round, Mahan fired a 62 to leave him on...Read more »

What chance a British win at The Open

Editor / 21 June 2007 / Leave a comment

It has been 32 events and eight long years since the suffering British public last had a winner to cheer home at a Major, when Scot Paul Lawrie stunned the golfing world by winning at The Open Championship at Carnoustie....Read more »

In form OBrien set for another winner

Editor / 21 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Aidan O'Brien's all-conquering stable has been in terrific form at Royal Ascot and You'resothrilling looks another potential winner for the Irish maestro, in the 6f Albany Stakes at 14:30. Mick Kinane's mount safely holds May Day Queen, who could only...Read more »

Bolger happy ahead of Coronation bid

Editor / 21 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Trainer Jim Bolger reports he's very happy with his flying filly, Finsceal Beo, prior to her bid for Royal Ascot's Coronation Stakes. Successful in the English 1,000 Guineas on her Newmarket reappearance, Finsceal Beo was then narrowly touched off by...Read more »

Andretti doubling up in Golden Jubilee Stakes

Editor / 21 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Tuesday's runaway King's Stand winner, Miss Andretti, is bidding to notch a notable Royal Ascot sprint double when she lines up for Saturday's Golden Jubilee Stakes. The Aussie-based speed merchant smashed the minimum distance course record, however the six-year-old mare...Read more »

Unwell Monty takes a break

Editor / 21 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Colin Montgomerie has been forced to pull out of the BMW International Open in Munich, Germany, because of illness. The Scot fell ill on his journey back to London after featuring in a pro-am in Canada on Monday following his...Read more »

Daly out of BMW International Open

Editor / 20 June 2007 / Leave a comment

John Daly's latest private turmoil has forced the controversial American to withdraw from the BMW International Open, starting in Munich on Thursday. The 41-year-old alleged his fourth wife had tried to knife him in his bed two weeks ago and...Read more »

Woods schedule in the air

Editor / 20 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Tiger Woods' participation at the Open next month remains shrouded in doubt after his wife Elin gave birth to their first child...Read more »

Sound Of Nature gets Hunt Cup go-ahead

Editor / 19 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Henry Cecil has confirmed the strongly-fancied Sound Of Nature as a definite runner in Wednesday's 1m Royal Hunt Cup at 16.20. Previously it had been thought that the progressive four-year-old would take his place in Friday's 1m2f listed Wolferton Stakes,...Read more »

Travelers Championship preview

Editor / 19 June 2007 / Leave a comment

After all the high scores and carnage of Oakmont, the PGA Tour players will be hoping for things to return to something closer to normal at this week's Travelers Championship. Furrowed brows, confused expressions and shaking of the head was...Read more »

BMW International Open preview

Editor / 19 June 2007 / Leave a comment

German veteran Bernhard Langer will attempt to put the finishing touches to his impressive CV this week at the BMW International Open when he bids to win the only event that has eluded him on home soil. The European legend...Read more »

Mickelson told to rest

Editor / 18 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Phil Mickelson has been forced to withdraw from this week's Travelers Championship as he continues to struggle with a wrist injury...Read more »

Haggas colt looks Enticing

Editor / 18 June 2007 / Leave a comment

The Australians provide a strong challenge in the King Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot (15:05), but it could be the Irish-bred Enticing who can keep the Group Two prize on home shores for trainer Willie Haggas. Trained as a superstar...Read more »

Woods looks to end hoodoo

Editor / 18 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Tiger Woods believes he will end his run of failing to win a Major from behind going into the final round, after seeing another title slip through his hands...Read more »

Ian Poulter profile

Editor / 18 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Ian Poulter finished last year in a hurry with a number of impressive displays and the flamboyant Englishman will be eager for lightning to strike twice in 2007. Cruising to victory at the Madrid Masters by five shots and then...Read more »

Andretti not great value - Trainer

Editor / 18 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Trainer Lee Freedman believes Miss Andretti may be not be value at the current price of 4.5, despite the mare being fit and ready for action in Tuesday's King Stand Stakes. "Anyone who wants to take the silly odds they're...Read more »

Semple sweet on Boy

Editor / 18 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Trainer Ian Semple believes his Burnwynd Boy has an excellent chance of upsetting some of his better bred rivals in the opening race at Royal Ascot on Tuesday. The two-year-old is one of 20 entries in the Coventry Stakes and...Read more »

Cabrera lands Major prize

Editor / 17 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Angel Cabrera was the surprise winner of the 107th US Open but admitted that the Oakmont course beat him. The world number 44 held off the challenge of Tiger Woods and Jim Furyk to become the first Argentinian player to...Read more »

Rebel ready to rock

Editor / 17 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Cockney Rebel, the brilliant winner of the English and Irish 2000 Guineas, heads the eight-strong field for Tuesday's St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot. Geoff Huffer's colt will be looking to add another Group One success to his impressive...Read more »

Bolger very happy with Finsceal Beo

Editor / 17 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Finsceal Beo is in excellent form ahead of Friday's Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot, according to her trainer Jim Bolger. The English and Irish 1000 Guineas winner currently trades as the Betfair ante-post favourite at 3.3 for the Group One...Read more »

US Open final round - PREVIEW

Editor / 17 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Aaron Baddeley will take a two-shot lead into the final round of the US Open, but the Australian will be looking over his shoulder throughout Sunday with Tiger Woods looming large behind him. Australian Baddeley shot a level-par round of...Read more »

Experience the key for Woods

Editor / 17 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Tiger Woods feels his vast experience of playing in pressure situations will be invaluable as he battles it out for the US Open title. The 31-year-old American and world number one is two shots off the lead ahead of Sunday's...Read more »

Top filly faces stud flop George

Editor / 16 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Stud flop George Washington faces one of the most eligible fillies in training when he gets his racing career back on track in the Queen Anne Stakes on Tuesday's opening Royal Ascot programme. When George Washington was winning the 2006...Read more »

Cape hopes for clear run

Editor / 16 June 2007 / Leave a comment

6f Handicap. Sunday, Folkestone, 15.20 Decent prize money has attracted some fair sprint handicappers to Folkestone for the 6f contest at 15.20. Three who are likely to be the focus of punters' attention - Forest Dane (third), Cape (sixth) and...Read more »

Dougherty still in good Nick

Editor / 16 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Nick Dougherty is convinced he can recover from his disappointing second round score off 77 at Oakmont and the Englishman still has his sights on the US Open title. Dougherty was the overnight leader after finishing the first day on...Read more »

US Open Halfway Preview

Editor / 15 June 2007 / Leave a comment

It is the unlikely figure of Angel Cabrera that leads the field at the halfway stage of the US Open, but ominously Tiger Woods remains in touch going into the weekend as Oakmont starts to show its teeth. After a...Read more »

Jazz to call the tune at Sandown

Editor / 15 June 2007 / Leave a comment

David Barron is a man the bookies fear when he attempts to raid the southern coffers and the Thirsk-based handler heads to Sandown with Partners In Jazz, a likely sort to land the spoils in the RBS Handicap (14:25). Now...Read more »

Sanders red hot for jockey's championship

Editor / 15 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Following seven winners in the last two days, jockey's championship trail-blazer Seb Sanders has attracted a flood of money to claim the title for the first time in his long career. Sanders booted home a 31/1 four-timer at Lingfield on...Read more »

Vijay offers Oakmont warning

Editor / 15 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Vijay Singh feels this year's US Open test will only get tougher for the players as the week goes on and expects some high scoring. The Fijian finished day one in a group of 16 players on one-over-par following a...Read more »

Dougherty loving Oakmont

Editor / 15 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Nick Dougherty has indicated that the US Open could provide his best chance of winning a Major title. The Englishman leads the field after the opening round at Oakmont, with the 25-year-old taking advantage of the favourable early conditions on...Read more »

Dougherty nicks ahead at Oakmont

Editor / 15 June 2007 / Leave a comment

England's Nick Dougherty will head into the second round of the 107th US Open at Oakmont leading the field after an impressive opening two-under-par 68. The 25-year-old from Liverpool took advantage of slightly softer conditions in his early tee-off time,...Read more »

Spirit too strong for Sandown rivals?

Editor / 14 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Gleaming Spirit showed enough on his latest start to suggest Sandown's 5f Handicap at 14:40, could be well within his grasp. The Alan Jarvis-trained three-year-old showed signs of promise in his three outings in maiden company, but it was last...Read more »

Fahey double-handed in the Wokingham

Editor / 14 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Trainer Richard Fahey has revealed that both Knot In Wood and Wyatt Earp are in good form ahead of their scheduled tilt at the Wokingham Stakes, one of the biggest betting races of the five-day Royal Ascot meeting. The 6f...Read more »

Benbaun bidding to go one better

Editor / 14 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Benbaun, second in last year's King's Stands Stakes, is on target for his bid to go one better at Royal Ascot on the opening day of the meeting next Tuesday. Trainer Mark Wallace is also eyeing Saturday's Golden Jubilee Stakes...Read more »

Rose ready for Oakmont test

Editor / 14 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Justin Rose feels he is capable of challenging for the US Open title this week after his confidence boosting performance at Augusta. The Englishman finished tied fifth at the Masters after being in contention until the final two holes and...Read more »

Mickelson injury admission

Editor / 14 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Phil Mickelson's injury problems appear to have had an impact on Betfair punters ahead of the US Open at Oakmont. The left-hander admits he is still suffering pain from a wrist injury as he prepares to challenge for the second...Read more »

Traders to get Newbury treat

Editor / 13 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Treat has done very little wrong in three Group One contests and can earn herself some more black type when stepping down in class in the feature race at Newbury (15:50). Mick Channon's filly improved with every race last season,...Read more »

Five to watch at US Open

Editor / 13 June 2007 / Leave a comment

While the top two players in the world, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, will attract the majority of the attention at this week's 107th US Open Championship, rarely has a field in a major teed off with so many people...Read more »

Pit back at favourite hunting ground

Editor / 13 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Royal Ascot specialist Baron's Pit is set for another run at the meeting with trainer Ed Vaughan confirming the seven-year-old will run in the Wokingham on Saturday week. The gelding won the Norfolk Stakes as a two-year-old in 2002 before...Read more »

Goddard happy to help

Editor / 13 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Colin Montgomerie's new caddie says he will give advice when required but otherwise just let the Scot get on with negotiating the US Open course at Oakmont. The 43-year-old parted company with Alastair McLean at the weekend, after an alarming...Read more »

Dark to charm punters at Beverley

Editor / 12 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Dark to charm punters at Beverley After an indifferent start to this season, Dark Charm showed signs he was returning to winning form last time out at Redcar and he may prove too strong for his rivals at Beverley (15:20)....Read more »

King to go for Jubilee

Editor / 12 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Last season's Wokingham winner Baltic King looks unlikely to defend his crown and will possibly step up in class and run in the Golden Jubilee Stakes. The Hughie Morrison-trained seven-year-old produced a dramatic burst of speed to capture the race...Read more »

US Open preview

Editor / 12 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Much was made of the fact that Zach Johnson's final total of one-over-par was the highest winning score in US Masters' history when he won the first Major of the year at Augusta two months ago. But if a player...Read more »

Hogmaneigh run depends on ground

Editor / 12 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Trainer Stuart Williams has warned punters that his Hogmaneigh may not run in the Wokingham Handicap at Royal Ascot if the ground is too quick. The four-year-old has been popular in the Betfair market since winning the Vodafone Dash at...Read more »

Confident Harrington wary of tough test

Editor / 12 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Padraig Harrington says he is full of confidence heading into the US Open at Oakmont, starting on Thursday, and reckons level-par will be good enough to win...Read more »

Phil Mickelson profile

Editor / 12 June 2007 / Leave a comment

It was feared at one stage in his career that, despite his immense talent, Phil Mickelson might join the unfortunate group classed as the best players never to win a major...Read more »

Oakmont has Woods feeling green

Editor / 12 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Tiger Woods believes the notoriously difficult Oakmont Country Club could provide the biggest challenge to his hopes of winning the US Open for a third time. The Pennsylvania course is widely regarded as one of the toughest in golf and...Read more »

Queen Anne is next target for Red Evie

Editor / 11 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Trainer Michael Bell has Red Evie in good form for her eagerly-anticipated crack at the Queen Anne Stakes on the opening day of Royal Ascot's meeting on June 19. Bell's filly was a revelation in 2006, progressing from winning an...Read more »

Spencer going for Gold aboard Geordieland

Editor / 11 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Jamie Spencer has been booked to ride Geordieland at Royal Ascot's Gold Cup on Thursday week. Jamie Osborne's six-year-old, who flopped Down Under when well beaten in the 2006 Melbourne Cup, had previously put up a much better effort by...Read more »

MONDAY'S PREVIEWS

Editor / 10 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Wolverhampton's Maiden (16:15) over a mile-and-a-furlong looks likely to be a race which will continue the flying form of the Sir Mark Prescott stable in the shape of Hazy Days. The yard has been mopping up in these types of...Read more »

Manduro set for Prince Of Wales

Editor / 09 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Earl Of Sefton winner Manduro is likely to tackle the Prince Of Wales Stakes at Royal Ascot on June 20, according to trainer Andre Fabre. The five-year-old, who was knocking on the door in the top races last term, has...Read more »

Finsceal Beo to take on Darjina

Editor / 09 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Finsceal Beo will tackle French 1,000 Guineas winner Darjina at the Royal Meeting later this month in what promises to be a mouth-watering renewal of the Coronation Stakes. Jim Bolger's brilliant filly was denied a Classic treble by the Alain...Read more »

Scott not getting carried away

Editor / 09 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Adam Scott of Australia was taking nothing for granted despite holding a three-shot lead going into the final round of the St Jude Championship in Memphis. The 26-year-old, who is the overwhelming 1.48 favourite in Betfair's outright winner market, carded...Read more »

Scott not getting carried away

Editor / 09 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Adam Scott of Australia was taking nothing for granted despite holding a three-shot lead going into the final round of the St Jude Championship in Memphis. The 26-year, who is the overwhelming 1.48 favourite in Betfair's outright winner market, carded...Read more »

Punters wary of bad Manners

Editor / 09 June 2007 / Leave a comment

2m 4f Novices' Chase, Stratford, Sunday, 16.30 Five recent winners make the novices' chase (16.30) at Stratford one of the more interesting races on Sunday's domestic programme especially as the race was won last season by the high-class Yes Sir....Read more »

Punters favour Rebel in rematch

Editor / 09 June 2007 / Leave a comment

The rematch between Cockney Rebel and Dutch Art in the St James's Palace Stakes is potentially one of the most mouth-watering clashes of Royal Ascot week. Cockney Rebel and Dutch Art won their respective races on either side of the...Read more »

Bowman misses out on Biscuit

Editor / 09 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Aussie jockey Hugh Bowman knows all too well the strength of Bentley Biscuit, a proposed runner from Down Under in both the King's Stand Stakes (June 19) and the Golden Jubilee Stakes (June 23) at Royal Ascot. Bowman has ridden...Read more »

Scott leads the way in Memphis

Editor / 09 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Adam Scott is trading as the 2.16 favourite to win the St Jude Championship in Memphis, as he leads at the midway stage following a rain-affected second round. The Australian began the day sharing the lead with Swede Frederik Jacobson,...Read more »

BA-CA wide open at midway mark

Editor / 09 June 2007 / Leave a comment

There is a wide-open look to the BA-CA Golf Open in Vienna at the halfway stage with the top six players in the field covered by only two shots and some 17 players within five shots of current leader Richard...Read more »

Alderney capable of springing Timeform surprise

Editor / 08 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Few would dispute that Michael Jarvis is a master trainer and an expert at placing his horses, so the fact that asks his three-year-old filly Alderney to take on older and apparently better rivals in Haydock's Timeform Silver Salver (15:10)...Read more »

Manduro team favour Prince of Wales challenge

Editor / 08 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Ace trainer Andre Fabre has hinted that his recent Group 1 winner Manduro could well bid to follow up in Royal Ascot's Prince of Wales's Stakes, rather than tackle the one mile Queen Anne Stakes. Manduro was tremendously impressive in...Read more »

Duo share Memphis lead

Editor / 08 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Sweden's Freddie Jacobson and Australian Adam Scott hold the joint lead after the first round of the St Jude Championship in Memphis. Both players shot opening rounds of 67 to leave them on -3, one shot ahead of two other...Read more »

Anthem to rock Goodwood

Editor / 07 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Eight previous winners, including four who won last time out, will line-up in Goodwood's feature handicap (15:55) on Friday but the race could go the way of the only maiden in the race. Rock Anthem has been brought on steadily...Read more »

Ryans Wolf raring to go

Editor / 07 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Kevin Ryan is happy with his star sprinter Amadeus Wolf and says it is all systems go ahead of his bid to land the Golden Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot. With a Group Two win at York under his belt...Read more »

Odds-on Sanders will struggle - Prescott

Editor / 07 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Despite trading at a shade of odds-on, Sir Mark Prescott does not believe his stable jockey Seb Sanders can win the Jockey's Championship. Sanders currently leads the race to be top jockey from Jamie Spencer, who is due to return...Read more »

Woods Open plans uncertain

Editor / 07 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Tiger Woods has again suggested that there is a good chance he could miss the Open Championship, with his 2007 schedule up in the air due to the impending arrival of his first child. The world number one is set...Read more »

Soldier's Tale to take command

Editor / 06 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Soldier's Tale has an outstanding chance on the official figures to take the most valuable race of the day at Haydock, the 7f Listed Stakes at 16.25. Clear by 3lbs in the ratings off a mark of 112, supporters of...Read more »

Lefty allays fitness fears

Editor / 06 June 2007 / Leave a comment

American left-hander Phil Mickelson is confident he will be fully fit to take part in next week's US Open. The American world number two is currently recovering from a wrist injury and has pulled out of this week's St Jude...Read more »

Pencil in the picture for Coventry Stakes

Editor / 06 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Royal Ascot's six furlong Coventry Stakes looks like being the next stop for the speedy Irish-trained colt, Pencil Hill. The unbeaten son of Acclamation initially caught the eye at Naas over six furlongs, prior to stepping back a furlong in...Read more »

Coronation Stakes beckons for Mi Emma

Editor / 06 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Crack German filly Mi Emma is heading to Royal Ascot in order to take her chance in the Coronation Stakes. Trained by Andreas Wohler, Mi Emma didn't run as a two-year-old, however she's rapidly making up for lost time and...Read more »

Godolphin team could be worth following in Notts feature

Editor / 05 June 2007 / Leave a comment

There have been definite signs in recent days that the Godolphin horses are beginning to find their form and Hinterland could well add further weight to the argument if landing Nottingham's feature mile conditions event (16:10). The Dubaians won this...Read more »

McGinley and Clarke to miss US Open

Editor / 05 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Irish duo Paul McGinley and Darren Clarke will miss the US Open after they failed to make it through the qualifying at Walton Heath. Clarke, who has missed the last three tournaments due to a hamstring injury he suffered while...Read more »

Authorized may drop back in trip for Eclipse challenge

Editor / 05 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Peter Chapple-Hyam is considering dropping Authorized back to 10 furlongs to take on older horses for the first time in the Eclipse Stakes at Sandown in July despite his Epsom Derby triumph. Frankie Dettori had initially been keen to run...Read more »

Moore hoping for Friday return

Editor / 05 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Champion jockey Ryan Moore looks set to make his long-awaited return to the saddle at Brighton on Friday as long as he is passed fit by senior HRA medical adviser Dr Michael Turner. Moore suffered a lateral fracture to his...Read more »

GOLF - BA-CA Golf Open preview

Editor / 05 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Colin Montgomerie will be aiming for a morale-boosting performance at this week's BA-CA Golf Open in Austria before he packs his bags and heads for America and next week's US Open. Montgomerie has not enjoyed the best of seasons in...Read more »

STAR NAMES WALKING IN MEMPHIS

Editor / 05 June 2007 / Leave a comment

They certainly know about stars in Memphis and they'll be treated to a whole host of them when the PGA Tour's Standford St Jude Championship gets underway this week at TPC Southwind. The city is famed for being home to...Read more »

Monty happy ahead of US Open bid

Editor / 04 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Colin Montgomerie - who is trading at 20 for a top five finish and is available at 10 for a top 10 finish at the upcoming US Open - insists he is heading to the latest Major in confident mood....Read more »

Steel to give opposition the blues

Editor / 04 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Steel Blue seems sure to give his backers a good run for their money in Ripon's 6f Nick Wilmot-Smith Memorial Handicap (15.30). Richard Whitaker's former course and distance winner needs to reverse a recent defeat at the hands of My...Read more »

Regime set for the Eclipse

Editor / 04 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Trainer Michael Bell has found no real excuses for his colt Regime, who finished a finished a most disappointing thirteenth in the Derby despite being quietly fancied by connections. "He may just have tweaked something in the race, but fortunately...Read more »

Markus Brier profile

Editor / 04 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Markus Brier made his big breakthrough in 2006 by claiming his maiden victory and he has wasted no time in following that up over the last 12 months to establish himself as a player to watch on the European Tour....Read more »

Derby second and third delight connections

Editor / 03 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Vodafone Derby runner-up Eagle Mountain has plenty of options open to him after his game effort in finishing five lengths behind Authorized on Saturday. Last year's Beresford Stakes winner made up a tremendous amount of ground from Tattenham Corner to...Read more »

Sandown next for brilliant Authorized

Editor / 03 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Authorized, the brilliant winner of the Vodafone Derby, is likely to take in the Coral Eclipse next after his wonder show at Epsom on Saturday. Winning trainer Peter Chapple-Hyam, who had previously saddled Dr Devious to win the Classic fifteen...Read more »

Oakmont feature

Editor / 03 June 2007 / Leave a comment

The eyes of the golfing world will fall on Oakmont next week and they are likely to witness one of the stiffest course examinations put before the world's elite players in a recent Major championship. Oakmont will play host to...Read more »

Lightning Rod storms into Memorial lead

Editor / 03 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Australian Rod Pampling stormed into a three-shot lead going into the final round of the Memorial tournament at Muirfield Village, Ohio. Play was delayed for more than two hours on Saturday because of lightning in the area. But Pampling was...Read more »

Casey announces caddy split

Editor / 02 June 2007 / Leave a comment

World number 16 Paul Casey has announced that he has parted company with long-time caddie Craig Connolly. The Englishman has worked with Connolly for three years but despite claiming a top ten finish at the US Open, they have decided...Read more »

Digital to come of age

Editor / 02 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Although definitely in the veteran stage of his career, Digital still retains enthusiasm for the game and may be the value choice in the competitive 7f handicap at Brighton (14:50). Mick Channon's ten-year-old has raced an incredible 103 times on...Read more »

Sanders eats into Spencer lead

Editor / 02 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Jamie Spencer's position at the head of the Champion Jockey market is coming under increasing pressure with plenty of recent support for Seb Sanders. Spencer is still clinging on to favouritism in the Betfair market at 2.02 but Sanders, who...Read more »

Scorpion plans on hold

Editor / 02 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Scorpion could be heading to the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot on June 21 but it is stablemate Yeats who heads the betting in the 2m 4f contest. Aidan O'Brien's entire was the surprise winner of Friday's Coronation Cup at...Read more »

Celtic Manor Wales Open weekend preview

Editor / 01 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Bradley Dredge's dream of becoming only the second Welshman to win his country's own championship remains very much alive as he moved smoothly into contention at the halfway stage of the Celtic Manor Wales Open. Dredge, who is bidding to...Read more »

Great Scott leads in Ohio

Editor / 01 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Adam Scott believes his second-round 62 at the Memorial Tournament in Ohio included some of the best golf of his life. The Australian, matched to small stakes at 100, is now the 2.96 favourite to claim the trophy on Sunday,...Read more »

Admiral tops A-list in Derby

Editor / 01 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Derby Stakes (Group 1 - 1m 4f 10yd) Epsom - Saturday 16:20 Authorized heads a very lop-sided market for the Vodafone Derby (16:20) and at evens or worse, surely the horse is crying out to be laid given that there...Read more »

Baltic King on Royal duty

Editor / 01 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Baltic King could bid for back-to-back victories at Royal Ascot later this month, but not in the Wokingham Stakes which he won last season. Trainer Hughie Morrison favours sending the veteran sprinter out for the Golden Jubilee Stakes on the...Read more »

Arabian Gulf out of Derby

Editor / 01 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Arabian Gulf has met with a setback and misses the Vodafone Derby on Saturday, reducing the field to 18 runners. Connections of the Khalid Abdullah-owned colt may now regret the decision not to pay the £75,000 supplementary entry fee this...Read more »

Mickelson doubt for US Open

Editor / 01 June 2007 / Leave a comment

Phil Mickelson is rated doubtful for the upcoming US Open after being forced to withdraw from the Memorial event through injury. The left-hander suffered a wrist injury during his first round in Ohio and was forced to leave the course...Read more »