Saturday 14th June 2014

With Royal Ascot just around the corner and England playing their first game of the World Cup this evening I’ve backed off today’s racing fixtures. A lot of rain was seen over night changing the going whilst most of the action this afternoon sees large fields in highly competitive races.

Speaking of soft ground Ascot have been watering in preparation for the Royal meeting next week, the going was perfectly safe and suited all at good to firm. After lasts night rain on top of the artificial watering the going today is now good to soft. I really don’t understand what’s wrong with having good to firm ground these days at the classic meetings.

The forecast is for a dry few days before Royal Ascot but if the weather does take a turn and the meeting starts on good to soft ground, head’s should roll.

I was pleased to see Chile beat Australia last night 3-1, they play some great football and are a joy to watch. As mentioned in a previous blog I’ve backed them to get out of the Group and also had few quid EW at 50-1 to win the World Cup.

England vs Italy tonight, both teams will not want to lose and be happy with a point, Italy don’t score many and come into the World Cup in poor form whilst England will be set up safe and hard working. I’ve backed 0-0 and 1-1  but obviously hope we nick it.

Just the one bet for me on the horses, Gothic 1:50 Sandown. Gothic was unlucky last time out when his effort was blocked at a vital stage, finished strongly once in the clear. The race is a highly competitive handicap but hopeful there is a bit more to come from the Sir Michael Stoute runner. The price of 2-1 is ok.

Info on our new racehorse will be given tomorrow, this decent flat runner has the ideal profile for hurdles and is a stunning type with beautiful breeding. The horse will go into training with 2014 Grand National winning trainer Dr Richard Newland.

Please do register your interest as the syndicate will fill up very quickly.