Hopefully Jamie not Frank on the Brentford to light up a slow punting time

Funny time of year for us gamblers. The going changes from heavy, to good, to firm rendering horse racing recent form almost irrelevant (that's my excuse for my last 3 bets reading fell, pulled up and unseated).

Cheltenham is over, there are some low grade jump fixtures and it is then a damp squib opening to the flat turf season.

In other sport the golf is match play (which is a total lottery where many of the best players only seem to be there for the appearance money). Rory Mcllroy hit his ball into a lake but not content with that found a swimming pool with the replacement!

At least there is football? Well no the Premiership is suspended for a live international matche on terrestrial TV, namely England versus San Marino. Crawley Town would thrash the butchers and bakers from San Marino which gives you an idea of how competitive that is.

My focus will be on 2 things-

1. The Lincoln (at Doncaster). This straight mile handicap has been farmed in recent years by top trainers (Gosden, Haggas etc) with the proverbial group horse in a handicap. Not sure what is going to happen this time as by all reports the going at Doncaster is firm, bordering road like, so the better animals may well not be risked. 

I fancied Brentford Hope at the declaration stage. Trained by Richard Hughes, this horse either wins on the bridle or comes nowhere, but could be suited by the way the Lincoln is run. Jamie Spencer, the hold up king, is booked and if he runs then let's hope it is Jamie on a good day, and not Frank Spencer which he normally is when I  back one ridden by him.

2. The Super League is back. I have never been to a rugby league game live but I enjoy watching it on the telly and find it much more entertaining than its posher brethren rugby union.

My approach to betting on rugby league is hypocritical because I look to the offers from my least favourite bookie, Betfred. They sponsor the super league and their offers can be value. They do not last long and there is a restriction risk but some are worth taking.

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