The Recreational Punter

I am working too much and prefer writing in a written (i.e. paper and pen diary), which I have done for the last 4 years on non-punting matters.  They are all in my loft (it is very dusty) and if there is no fire you can read them when I die - please do not hold a minute's silence. An hour's drinking chatting about what an idiot I am/was will be much more fun. Cheers!

Highlights A confident bet against market expectations for Sheffield United to beat Brighton. The statisticians' favourites continue to be overbet, despite their inability to beat most of the (few) clubs below them in the Premiership. You would have made a decent profit opposing Graham Potter's men this season, although I still think he is the best English manager around. The 25/1 to be next Tottenham manager is not looking good, although Betfair Sportsbook would only allow £10 on. Greaneteen looked a good price to win the grade 1 Celebration Chase at Sandown. I thought Altior had gone at the game and Sceau Royal had had a hard season so backed him to win at 8/1 with Bet365, and then breached my no each-way at under 10's rule because Betfair were paying 3 places in the 7 runner race, and I was convinced Greaneteen would be placed. Bryony Frost rode an excellent race, not letting Altior get away down the back, and then sneaking up Nico de Boinville's inside on the home b...

He is not everyone's cup of tea but I admire Richard Birch's honesty in his column describing his punting week published in Racing and Football Outlook. He is an eccentric chap. I will never forget the extraordinary strides, a kind of extremely baggy set of beige combats, combined with black slip on shoes, which "Birchy" wore to present the prize in the race he sponsors at Footwell in memory of his parents. In his little speech he spoke movingly of his love for his mum and dad and his love for gambling, hence the sponsorship of the race and my respect for him. With the Guineas only nine days way, and Mark Howard's terrific 'Ahead on the Flat' arriving through my door, it seemed the right time for me to produce a weekly round-up of bets and thoughts on gambling, for my own amusement and discipline - and maybe someone else will like it. It was great to see racing at Brighton back with an evening fixture last Saturday. I am not sure that late kick offs suit t...

The Scottish Grand National on a Sunday? What would the Kirk say? Perhaps this once the horse racers will be forgiven as avoiding a clash with Prince Philip's funeral provides a valid excuse for breaking the Sabbath. In the glory days of Channel 4 covering the racing, you would find Alex Salmond and Robin Cook giving their well informed opinions on the big race as guests on the Morning Line, jousting in a friendlyish manner with John McCrirrick. Sadly no more - Cook and McCririck have died and Alex Salmond has .... well best not go there. Nicola Sturgeon is an ever-present on Scottish TV but I am pretty sure that even she would admit to not being an expert on the form and going at Ayr. So in the absence of a tip from the First Minister I will just have to go in again on 2 horses I have followed all season- Aye Right - trained by the admirable Harriet Graham, and too consistent for his own good. Keeps running well in big races without winning and is consequently punished by the hand...

There was an occasion when I backed 6 horses in singles and 5 of them won (at decent prices too). It showed a profit of £1500 which was great, until I realised that if I'd put them in a "toby multiple" I would have been looking at a life changing  (ok well life enhancing) £80k plus. Since then I have often done small accumulators, in my mind as account closure prevention strategies, but in reality to prevent the sense of disappointment which the aforementioned successful wagers led to. Today I just backed singles and coming home from work I sat down to watch the replays. Would you Adam (and Eve) it - Elysian Flame won at 25/1 (despite the going being against him) which led to an oi oi but oh dear what if the others won? For reasons I can kind of explain I was the relieved that my other bets- 3.50 Ayr - Defining Battle (the only bl**dy Harry Skelton horse not to help him to the jockey's championship) 4.10 Fontwell - Glorious Boru (I was worried momentarily) and, 4.45 F...

I see no point in following runners from the top stables (Gosden/s - wish I'd called my son Thaddeus! -, O'Brien, Fellowes, Haggas, Balding etc) after the Craven, because they are always so well found in the market.   With that caveat in mind these are the horses I will be keeping an eye on, following an excellent 3 days at Newmarket, over the next few months- Fast Medicine. This horse cost a fair whack and has been 33/1 and 66/1 on its first 2 starts. It kept on well after the dip on Tuesday and could win - but I suspect will be gambled on when it does so put in your tracker and back the night before. Desert Dreamer. She won very easily for Stuart Williams (underrated trainer) and Hollie Doyle never touched her. Hopefully she can win at an even higher level. Seattle Rock. Trained by Sylvester Kirk and thought ran ok in the Nell Gwynn. Entered at Newbury on 18 April (would be surprised if she runs) but could go in at big odds at some point. Bellosa. Could not have been more imp...