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Four days of great racing can help salvage my batttered pride

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Wayne Bailey has tips for the next four days including Dante Stakes and Yorkshire Cup bets. And after being eclipsed by his novice wife at Leopardstown last week he needs a win or two

Have you ever noticed how horse racing can make you look like a complete wally sometimes, especially in front of your loved ones?

I woke up on Sunday morning, and the weather being so good I decided to treat the wife to a day at the races. Three group races at Leopardstown in the sun sounded like pure bliss. Except it wasn't - for me anyway.

If you could back a horse to be second only, I'd be quids-in now. No less than four of my bets came second, while the wife managed two winners at [3.05], and [9.19]. So how come this Canadian woman who knows little about The Sport of Kings managed to win plenty of money, while her racing fanatic husband went home empty handed?

Annoyingly, on the way to the track, I mentioned that Pat Smullen had a good record at Leopardstown. She latched on to this piece of information, and backed accordingly. So much for my hours of form study!

There's nothing worse than not listening to your own advice.

Anyway, her new found love of racing means she's going to have a flutter this weekend. My male ego is damaged, and I need to put up a decent performance to save face. I'm hoping some of the following produce the goods and restore the tipster pecking order in the Bailey household!

Thursday, York, Dante Stakes (2:40)
When a horse opens up odds-on, I usually look for a reason to lay - as punters often get carried away and back such horses into ridiculous prices. Twice Over is currently trading at [1.68] for the Dante Stakes, but I just can't seem to find any reason to click that pink button, and a back bet at that price is fast becoming my preferred choice. It's hard to define what makes a classy horse, but every time I watch his previous three outings, I get that sense that Cecil may just have a great animal on his hands here. There's been some interest in Tartan Bearer, but I think Centennial poses the real threat. John Gosden has been in fine form so far this year, and is sure to have his colt fired up for this. There are only two places up for grabs, but I'd happily take [2.8] or higher for Centennial in that market.

Suggestions: Back Twice Over to win, Back Centennial to be placed if priced [2.8] or higher.

Friday, York, Yorkshire Cup (2.40)
Johnny Murtagh has a cracking record in Group races, and following him has proved lucrative over the past few years. However, O'Brien is having mixed fortunes recently, and backing the likely favourite Honolulu at a restrictive price doesn't make much appeal. He's shown the odd encouraging spark in the past, but always seems a little over his depth in group company. Instead, I'm happy to side with in-form Royal And Regal, who seems to be back to his old self after some poor runs last summer.

Suggestions: Lay Honolulu, Back Royal And Regal.

Friday, Dundalk (8.10)
Don't say you weren't warned! Many months ago, I suggested that following Ger Lyons at Dundalk's all-weather track could prove a decent money-spinner, and had you put a tenner on each of his horses, you'd be well over £200 in profit to Betfair prices. The layers are staring to cop on, and prices are getting shorter, but it's worth taking a chance with Lyons' Kalcan in the second maiden of the evening. He was, in fact, one of those horses that let me down on Sunday, but he'll appreciate the step up to seven furlongs, and can continue the profitable trend for Lyons.

Suggestion: Back Kalcan.

Sunday, Gowran Park (2.15)
With three little ducks next to his name, Jim Bolger's Comadoir hasn't yet been able to shake that maiden tag off. I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt however, as he appeared to struggle with the soft/heavy ground on each occasion. I've been waiting on him to run on good ground, and if the weather holds up, he should have a cracking chance of putting things right.

Suggestion: Back Comadoir if the ground is good or better.

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