Skontonovski Heads to Windsor for Second Start

Richard Spencer hasn't had a vintage two-year-old season. Taking a look at our recent update, I see the Newmarket trainer has revealed 10 juveniles stabled at Sefton Lodge, in the ownership of Phil Cunningham, and the familiar racing silks of Rebel Racing. 

Skontonovski is in the ownership of Rebel Racing Premier II. This son of Harbour Watch is out of a Listed-winning mare, who predominantly, enjoyed sprint racing.  Skontonovski cost £50,000 at the yearling sales. 

By all accounts, from the vibes we have received about this colt, he is well worth that sum and potentially a lot more.  

This February foal has been detailed on our 10 Dark Horse Mailing and ran creditably on debut at Newmarket. It was a particularly hot race with Charlie Appleby's Lazuli, winning in grand style (another of our 10 Dark Horses). Skontonovski was well backed on debut but had little luck on his racecourse bow. A bump leaving the stalls saw him off the pace. Then trouble in running. Oisin Murphy was booked to ride. However, that race had to be put down to experience, as he finished in some style under a considerate ride in 5th position. There was a lot to like about that race and the effort of those who finished towards the lead. 

I have little doubt this is one of the Spencer better if not best two-year-olds in the stable. We detailed this fact before debut. However, keep reading, as we have a couple of other juveniles yet to make their debut for the yard which has a touch of class. 

Skontonoviski is entered to run at 6:00 Windsor (Monday, 19th August). I see there has been money for the horse, which opened with a few bookies at 6/1. 

As they say, there is no such thing as an easy race. 

Saeed bin Suroor's Lost In Time, ran a fine race last time out at Goodwood and looks a tough nut to crack. He travels well and from a low draw could well lead. 

Followers of Group Horse Daily will know that Written Broadcast is held in some regard by Richard Hannon, a relatively expensive yearling purchase at 150,000 euros. This son of Gutaifan was fancied to go well in the same race as Lost In Time at Goodwood. However, there was definitely something amiss that day and he finished down the field. Considering he was priced 5/2, it would be a brave soul to say he will not be a major threat if back to best. 

I know a few followers of the page will be betting each-way, so I hope Skontonovski hits the frame if not tasting victory. 

Good luck if you are betting in this race. 

Update: Skontonovski - non-runner

As mentioned earlier, Richard Spencer has a couple of debutantes which you need to write down. 

Cruyff - Richard Spencer

This son of Dutch Art cost £90,000 at the yearling sales and one of the best juveniles in the stable. 

Bill The Butcher - 

This chestnut colt is a son of Starspangledbanner out of a winning mare. He cost £64,000. 

Other horses worthy of note for Richard Spencer:

One Step Beyond was disappointing last time out and is better than seen.

Emaraty Hero cost £55,000 and held in some regard.

We Are Rebel Racing from MediaVita Limited on Vimeo.

8 Roger Varian 2yo Horses for 2019

If you like a little bit of research, you probably know the answer to this question. How many two-year-olds (2yos) has Roger Varian unleashed so far this season? 

Taking a look at our page, it reveals, at the time of writing 8 juveniles which have either won or waiting in line to journey the short distance from the paddock to the winner's enclosure. The Newmarket trainer is at the front of the queue when it comes to talented horses of all ages and the two-year-old division is worthy of closer inspection. 

 Carlburg Stables, Newmarket, Suffolk has always been the centre of excellence, going back to the days of Michael Jarvis, who mentored Varian. You can see a distinct similarity in how they train the two-year-olds. 

Please, make time to revisit the Group Horse 2019 page because Varian will be adding to his list of equine prospects.  

Let's take a quick look at the horses he has raced so far, the better if not best horses in the stable. 

The big guns:

Daahyeh

This classy daughter of Bated Breath has raced thrice at the time of writing and she hasn't really put a hoof wrong. This January foal made the most of her precocity winning at Newmarket on debut when priced 3/1 joint-favourite over 6f. Next start, saw a resplendent effort at Royal Ascot when taking the Albany Stakes (Group 3). Made 5/4f for the Duchess Of Cambridge Stakes (Group 2), connections must have been disappointed to lose against previous rival Raffle Prize when runner-up when beaten ''readily''. Varian has his eye on other big prices detailed by a list of impressive pattern entries including the Lowther Stakes (Group 2) & Moyglare Stakes (group 1).       

Pierre Lapin 

A debut winner at Haydock back in May. This son of Cappella Sansevero ran out an easy three-and-a-half length winner at odds of 1/1f. Race comment: Held up, jumped road after nearly 1f, ridden and headway over 1f out, led inside final furlong, ran on well, won going away, nice prospect (tchd 10/11). Connections have taken their time to make the second appearance, probably allowing this youngster to strengthen up. Make no mistake he is being earmarked for a number of quality races including the Gimcrack Stakes (Group 2), Champagne Stakes (Group 2), National Stakes (Group 1) & Mill Reef Stakes (Group 2). 

Sunday Sovereign 

(Group-class performer changed stables from Paddy Twomey.) Racing in the ownership of King Power Racing Co Ltd, he was sent to Carlburg Stables after disappointing favourite in the Norfolk Stakes (Group 2). Engagements including the Gimcrack Stakes (Group 2) & Mill Reef Stakes (Group 2) are on the cards.

Improvers:

Clan Royal 

Molatham 

Spreadsheet 

Most recent: 

I was quite impressed with Charming Spirit who made her debut on the 6th August 2019. This daughter of Invincible Spirit in the ownership of the Merry Fox Stud Limited. This bay filly is homebred out of an unraced mare. 

I suspect Charming Spirit needed the run on debut and we will see a much-improved performance second start.   

Surf Dancer Keeps 10 Dark Horse Mailing Subscribers on Crest of a Wave

What did we say? 

Whenever we mention a potentially talented two-year-old on our 10 Dark Horse Mailing it is simply a matter of time before they win. It sounds a bold statement, but all of our readers (even the quiet ones) are looking at our list and thinking: ''How do they do it?'' 

I'm sure many readers were eagerly awaiting the 2:10 Leicester because we had one of the ten going. 

William Haggas sent Surf Dancer to the East Midlands course to take part in the Longines Irish Champions Weekend EBF Novice Stakes (Plus 10). Racing over 7f on the rain-softened ground (good to soft), this bay colt, a son of Lope De Vega, and 260,000 euro yearling purchase, pleased connections with a dominant performance, stretching clear in the final furlong under a confident ride from Daniel Tudhope. The owners, China Horse Club/Ballylinch Stud will be eyeing up the Racing Calendar for a tilt at Group Class before long. 

Surf Dancer made amends for a slightly disappointing debut at Ascot, over 6f, where the 13/2 shot had no luck in running when short of room and checked when making a challenge.  

Those who have been following our 10 Dark Horse Mailing have witnessed the strength of our approach in detailing not just talented two-year-old horses but those which make the headlines and fulfil their potential by competing at the highest level. 

The majority of these horses were given before setting hoof on the racecourse, while the likes of Surf Dancer had one run and still unproven on course. 

Here is a list of the horses to have run:

Lazuli (Charlie Appleby)  11/10F 1ST

Effortless winner on debut at Newmarket and will be racing at pattern class soon. 

Surf Dancer (William Haggas) 4/7F 1ST

Noted after disappointing on debut as a potentially smart two-year-old and one of the best in the stable. Won ''comfortably'' the second start by three lengths.

Ziggle Pops (Richard Hannon) 15/2 3RD

I specifically detailed this son of Zoffany after finishing nearer last than first on debut and hoping he would be a big priced winner. Backed from 12/1, he ran a fine race, finishing in the third position behind Lazuli.

Persuasion (Charles Hills) 16/1 1ST

If the other horses didn't impress (I know they did) then Persuasion was named to make an impact. Racing in the familiar silks of Mrs Susan Roy, this expensive son of Acclamation won with authority on debut at Goodwood, making his presence felt in a Class 2 Stakes with win prize money of £18,903. I received a lot of comments about this horse and readers astounded by the quality of our information. I had a decent bet on this horse and he will be competing at the highest level. 

Skontonovski (Richard Spencer) 7/2 5TH

Would you consider this a disappointing effort? In all seriousness, I don't think so because this son of Harbour Watch will most likely win on his second start. He was very well backed on debut at Newmarket when (you guessed it) competing against Lazuli and Ziggle Pops. He ran a fine race after being impeded at the start and made steady progress in the closing stages to finish a creditable fifth with the race comments: ''Capable of better''.

So there you have it, the first five horses of our 10 Dark Horse Mailing have performed exceptionally well. To be honest, if you asked any top-class tipster or racing pundit to pick 10 two-year-olds and compared our list with theirs I'm pretty sure you would be interested in more of Group Horse. 

Throne Hall (Kevin Ryan) 11/4 3RD

I forgot about this runner, so an update to the original post. This son of Kingman was well backed for his debut at Haydock over 7f on good to firm going. Andrea Atzeni gave this colt a positive ride and for a debutante, he showed few signs of inexperience. Throne Hall led at the furlong pole and looked to hold every chance but pegged back by a couple of fair juveniles finishing third, losing by just over one length, beating the fourth in good style. Will be winning this season.  

Looking forward to the next four.

Join our mailing list by visiting Group Horse. 

Horse Trainer Quotes: Do They Pinpoint Winning Tips?

Looking for decent horse racing tips? Well, OLBG has today's free horse racing bets at the ready. 

I guess many punters associate the best racing information with trainers and their respective stables.

I mean, they look after the horse on a daily basis. If they don't know, who does? From working in my niche of two-year-old horse racing I've had a lot of people come to me detailing what ''inside info'' they have. Whether these people are connected to stables, owners or trainers. I don't want to know! 

Sounds strange, hey. Why wouldn't I want to know this ''valuable'' information? To put it bluntly, I don't want or need to rely on anyone to afford information.

However, each and every trainer is very different. Some are very good judges. They are usually the ones who keep their mouth shut. You often hear trainer comments when being interview by At The Races or Racing UK. You can also find a 'wealth' of information from various publications.

A few trainers do give you a straight answer. Bill Turner is as honest as they come and doesn't mind giving truthful interviews.

I used to love Clive Brittain for his optimism. The funny thing about being a glass half full man is that you can strike it lucky. Think back to Terimon in the 1989 Epsom Derby. Who else would have entered this son of Bustino? He finished runner-up to Nashwan at 500/1. Brittain was a master at ''getting lucky''. It had nothing to do with luck. 

In truth, you don't need to be phoning a horse trainer to know lots of good info. To some extent, they are not the best people to ask at all. Consider these pointers for the two-year-old horse: 

• Some trainers are poor judges of ability 
• They have a limited string which makes assessment difficult 
• The world and his wife know – little value 
• They do not understand or appreciate the opposition 
• Some are blatant liars 
• Why would they tell you? 

For that reason, I never listen to others. I've had people say the trainer told them about a horse. Often they run terribly. I have known a few trainers, and not being nasty, what they have told me didn't help find winners at all. Even if you own a horse many trainers are unwilling to say too much because they have little to gain. People expect every horse to win which is crazy. But give a few losers and the owner may get the huff and go elsewhere.

Probably the best way to learn about any horse trainer is to observe. They are creatures of habit. How many times have you seen a trainer target the same race with an exciting two-year-old? 

Each has strength and weakness but the key to their understanding isn't as hidden as you may suspect. With a little bit of homework, you will reap rewards and benefit greatly.

10 Dark Horse Mailing (Sent)

Hi Guys, 

I'm sure you noticed an email arrive in your inbox today. 

Yes, it is the first 10 Dark Horse Mailing. In truth, you really don't need this information as it is here on this website waiting to be found. Don't believe me, then navigate around this website and you will find lots of info. 

Click here to see the latest 10 Dark Horse Mailing.

Also, we have the results for every two-year-old race this season. If you are a subscriber to Racing Post you can even watch a replay of the races. I put all the results on here because I use them myself. It saves a lot of time and something you really won't find on the internet. 

Our niche is two-year-old horse racing and we know our stuff. 

In addition, we update all the weeks' two-year-old races so you don't need to think or scrawl through the cards. 

If you want to know the best two-year-olds in training then simply check out this link to our Group Horse 2019 Page. 

You may look at the page and think there is too much info. Look at all those trainers and horse names. It may look a little overwhelming at first glance but it is very easy to understand and use. 

We have information on this website which simply doesn't exist anywhere on the internet. I update the horses and trainers on a daily basis.

Please note: there was a typo on the mailing and Kevin Ryan's horse is called Throne Hall (not Thone Hall) Sorry :-) 

Second Best for Kevin Ryan's Queen's Order on Debut at Pontefract

Just the one two-year-old horse race today. 

I'm not disappointed as it seems a long week and still lots of races to review and get my brain in order for Monday's race action that's spread across three meetings: Ayr, Windsor & Ffos Las. I upload the Week's Races for those who wish to save themselves time. I simply detail the two-year-old races because I have no interest in the other age groups. There are four juvenile races detailed for Monday. 

2:00 Ayr
5:35 Windsor 
5:45 Ffos Las
6:05 Windsor 

Something to consider. 

Sunday saw just the one two-year-old race at Pontefract. I don't mind this course as a place to bet. 

A course where it pays to have a little bit of experience and lead. A lot of debutantes struggle on turning courses, especially those on the all-weather which often turn from the start. Anyway, the betting suggested this was a two-horse race. 

Pop Dancer had run well on debut, dropping back in trip, and was fancied in the betting. 

The horse of most interest from Group Horse Daily was Queen's Order who had been given a couple of significant entries. This daughter of Delegator had been given a Lowther Stakes (Group 2) and Class 2 Stakes. Racing in the familiar silks of Clipper Logistics Ltd. A bargain buy at 8,500 guineas as a foal, then 50,000 euros as a yearling. 

Queen's Order ran a great race on debut when runner-up to Pop Dancer who returned a 6/5f. Ryan's charge travelled well, touched odds on in-running, but couldn't quite master the experienced Pop Dancer, trained by Richard Fahey. 

The duo pulled seven-lengths clear of the third. 

See the full result here. 

Richard Hannon in Flying Form With Group Horse Daily

A busy day with 9 two-year-old races considered.

Far too busy at times. However, there is one option when you work in this game: keep up to speed or fall off your perch. The latter isn't an option. And the former makes for a fun and enjoyable life. 

(Time permitting).

Richard Hannon is one of those trainers who can drive you nuts. Perhaps it's just me but he always comes across as being a little bit ''secretive'' on TV. I'm probably doing him a disservice for which I apologise if I offend. Often predicting a winning debutante is about as logical as a mosaic floor. However, with a clunk, clunk, clunk... three melons stop on the win line and an old-fashioned fruit machine spews out cash. 

From such a powerhouse of a stable, it isn't surprising they can find the winners' enclosure. I'm sure they have a few bets along the way. Peeping over the shoulder at William Hill bookmakers, I couldn't help notice a nice treble going in. 

(Joke) 

Today they unleashed a trio of two-year-old talents. No surprise to see that all were detailed on Group Horse Daily. 

1:50 Ascot - 

Saw Cloak And Spirits win well even after an awkward start. The 3/1 shot looks a fine example of a talented juvenile. Did you notice that she had recently been given a Listed race entry? This bay daughter of Invincible Spirit is sure to be racing at pattern class in the next few weeks. Readers may have noticed Dubai Paradise had been given a Group entry but disappointed today. That wasn't her running and she will show more ability next start. 

2:25 Ascot - 

I thought this Class 2 race looked a stiff old contest. Not the type of race I would bet myself, preferring weaker races. However, Mum's Tipple was quite well backed and she hung in there (literally) to hold the late charge of a few well-touted two-year-olds from stables we know have plenty of ammunition. She looks a good yearling purchase at £45,000. I would keep a note of a few of these juveniles. Surf Dancer would have gone quite close to winning if not slightly hampered and eased. 

6:15 Chepstow - 

This looked an open race and Malvern was noted as it held a Class 2 stakes entry. I noticed this British-bred son of Outstrip was as big as 6/1 on Betfair at one point, before being hurriedly backed down to a more realistic 3/1. This chestnut colt cost just £38,000 when purchased at the 2yo Breeze-up sales in April (just 12,00 guineas as a foal). Malvern ran out a tidy winner in this Novice Auction Stakes. I'm pretty confident they came here with a win in mind. 

Check out the full result here. 

Did I bet on any of these two-year-olds today? No. I am not keen on betting on any horse making its debut unless it is a speculative price. For most larger stables that don't happen, because they don't have winners at huge odds. Interestingly, Hannon is one of those that do. 

Thanks for your support. 

6:25 Beverley Race Analysis (22nd July)

An EBF Fillies' Novice Stakes over 5f on good ground. 

Twelve two-year-olds take part. 

Interesting to note we have a few significantly-entered juveniles taking part. Unsurprisingly, they are at the head of the betting. 

From a betting point of view, this doesn't look the easiest of races to assess. 

Karl Burke is a fantastic trainer and all the more interesting when they field a two-year-old in the ownership of Phoenix Thoroughbreds Limited. Compared with some of the horses this group own Seize The Time is a relatively cheap purchase at 120,000 Euros. Readers of Group Horse [Daily] will remember this owner/trainer duo had Kadar and Mistress Of Love winning last year for Spigot Lodge. 

This chestnut daughter of Siyouni is out of a winning mare, who was placed at Listed class. 

She has a prime draw in stall one. 

Karle Burke can win with his debutantes. The best juveniles usually win on debut. We have seen this to be true with Lord Of The Lodge, Rayong, Classy Moon & Never In Paris. 

From a betting point of view, Seize The Time [9/4], with regard to the general two-year-old trainer statistics, is likely to be underpriced. The stable has decent win and place claims when priced 13/2 & less SP. Only two debutantes have won when priced over 16/1 on debut. This covers a number of years of research. Those who take an interest on these pages will note that Seize The Time has an entry for the Lowther Stakes (Group 2). Three other horses from the stable have this potential engagement: Macho Touch, Living In The Past & Never In Paris.  

Last year, they had two horse entered for the Lowther: Little Kim and Lady In France. The former finished 5th of nine. The latter didn't race at two but won on her debut at three. 
  
I had intended to write about this race more fully. However, time is never on our side. 

Other significantly entered juveniles include: 

Dream Kart trained by Mark Johnston. She has received a solitary Class 2 stakes entry on Group Horse Daily detailing she is far from one of Kingsley House's better two-year-olds but a very capable filly. This daughter of Dream Ahead is a small filly, very lean but strong as a weasel. She has shown bright speed on most starts, which she will need to do here from the disadvantaged stall 10. In addition, she has to shoulder a win penalty after cruising home at Windsor. The Johnston horses continue to run well. Whether she can defy a penalty against a strongish field we will have to see. 

Stars In The Night has been entered for two Class 2 stakes races. Kevin Ryan's charge ran in one of them on debut at Newcastle. This daughter of Starspangledbanner is a nice-looking filly with size and scope. She was made favourite last time out when disappointing at 6/4f. The same race as Dream Kart ran, so they have similar claims at best. She just looked to run out of steam in the testing going at Carlisle. The fact she has been off course for over 50 days could well indicate there was an issue that day or simply given a rest and time to strengthen up after a couple of hard races. If bouncing back has claims even from a wide draw. 

Three Coins is another filly who has been tested at a higher level. She won on debut at Ripon. She started at odds of 7/1 when competing in the Hilary Needler Trophy when a disappointing 7th. Once again, this daughter of Fountain Of Youth hasn't been seen for over forty days which suggests she didn't show her running at Beverley. 

To add to the mix Michael Bell fields a filly in the ownership of Clipper Logistics called Spring Campaign. This daughter of Dandy Man cost 60,000 Euros at the yearling sales. She is out of a twice-winning mare who competed at Group class. From a betting point of view, Bell's debutantes can win at all prices and most priced 13/2 & less SP have ability. 

Conclusion: This is an intriguing but thoroughly difficult race to assess. Seize the Time is interesting but could well be underpriced from a statistical perspective. A prime draw is positive if lively from the stalls. However, to achieve the level of ability of a few of these form horses is no easy task for even a gifted horse. Dream Kart has her work cut out with a penalty, especially being so small. However, I can see her trying to lead and may well tire in the closing stages. Stars In The Night and Three Coins have proven ability but need to show their wellbeing after a disappointing display on their last start. Three Coins has to defy a win penalty, which, again, takes some doing. Spring Campaign is interesting. Bell has a few talents to judge this one's ability. In general, the stable do not feature the best strike rate on debut with their fancied juveniles. 

I would have to take a watching brief. 

3 Reasons to Use Betfair in Favour of Traditional Bookmakers?

It's interesting how seasoned gamblers bet.

I know a couple of professional gamblers who aren't the slightest bit interested in using betting exchanges to place their bets. After years of gambling, I know one thing: ''There isn't really a right or wrong when it comes to the individual. There's isn't a Henry Ford approach of any colour will do as long as it is black. Because each and every gambler has, over time, appreciated that their way of working is best for them.''  

I would be a fool to question that. It would be the same as me saying that someone can't make money betting just because I don't understand what they are doing or how they do it. If they have polished that stone, it may well shine like a diamond. It could well be the most expensive form of carbon - clear and sparkling rather than a hunk of dusty coal. 

I respect seasoned gamblers. 

I recently met with fellow blogger Jerry Banks. It's funny as we have been working together on our respective horse racing blogs for many years. We have come close to meeting a few times at Great Yarmouth racecourse. I'm pleased to say last month we met and had a drink with his friend in the beer garden of the Troll Cart. It was lovely to meet Jerry, someone who I have always respected. He is a good man and I know he knows his horses. He's very much informed.

He said that he doesn't bet via the exchanges as the liquidity on the early markets is so poor that it simply doesn't work. That is true for those who like to get their money on and get some value, especially if they are confident the horse is going to be backed. I know Betfair have the Sportsbook as the traditional bookmaker option. I don't know about you, but I'm lucky if I can get more than a fiver each way before some red-printed message appears ''Your maximum bet is £1.50...'' I'm not sure if that is the norm but a Blue Chip company can't even take a few notes. 

I know another friend of mine doesn't use the exchanges. He isn't keen on them at all for a number of reasons.

Without question, every platform has its pros and cons. 

I've used Betfair for many years. In addition, I have a few bookmaker accounts. There are 3 main reasons why I use Betfair in favour of traditional bookies.

1) Betting on outsiders

If you have bets on horses beyond the first three favourites there is a good reason to think about betting on the exchanges. If you fancy a 20/1 shot and you can double the price on the exchanges it just doesn't make sense to opt for the shorter odds. 

2) Your Horse Has Been Seriously Backed

Let's say you bet on a horse at 10/1. There is a crazy gamble and it is backed to 6/4f. Wouldn't you want to lay the stake to cover your bet? A potential win of £250. You could lay your stake for £37.5 to have a no-lose bet to win £212.5. You may well be happy to just go with the bet. However, to me, the option of laying your stake money is a worthy consideration and option when a horse is backed off the boards. 

3) Using Your Expertise to Win more

There are lots of gamblers who know their stuff. However, there are a lot more who don't. And many of them are trying to make easy money laying horses on the exchanges. It's a competitive world. To try and get money in their pocket they need to push the betting odds to the limit. And lots of the time their lack of understanding sees them lose their cash. For instance, if you know a horse is very likely to be outpaced but run on at the finish. These horses often touch huge odds in-running because it looks like they literally have a mountain to climb. If the layer isn't aware the horse needs time to get motoring then they may be at the mercy of the bettor who is dangling the carrot on a stick. In this way, you are simply using your knowledge to make even bigger profits. This simply couldn't happen with the bookmakers.   

What is your favourite way to bet?

Group Horse Is Hotting Up

Well, I have kind of settled into being at West Palm Beach, Florida. No, that's not me sitting on a deckchair at sunny Brighton with Pimms in hand. 

I'm always busy so the websites and racing keep me interested. Obviously, the five-hour time difference means I get up at 7am, if not earlier, to get ready for the day's racing. 

In some respects, it works quite well, as I don't feel I am waiting for the racing to start early afternoon. It's more like 8am. 

I have been going to the park in the evening as they seem to be a lot more accommodating in the US with basic exercise equipment such pull-up bars and you can walk or jog (run if you like) a mile circuit and there are 20 exercises stations (can't think of a better word) dotted around. I am not very fit. I really need to get fitter, so this is helping. I think most people struggling with fitness is related to being a little (or a lot) overweight. As they say in horseracing terms ''weight stops trains''. It stops people, horses and I guess even a pollen-laden bumblebee if it has had a good day. 

The significant two-year-old (2yo) entries are hotting up, too. I've added four or five race entries over the last week and although many detail horses who have shown their cards (so to speak) there is a number who are worthy of a look. Simply click the link and check out Group Horses 2019. 

That's as simple as it gets. 

Sure, I could detail the significant runners on a daily basis. However, I am a very busy person and I hate to be a bit of a grumpy old man, but I don't see too many people doing much for me. It is sad to think that many people read our websites and don't really consider the time and energy it takes. I thought the same when the Racing Post went offline today for an hour or so. Lots of comments on Twitter about it being offline. ''Is there something wrong with the APP?''  

But how many people ever say thanks for a free website. Sure, if you are paying for the service you have every right to complain. But if you are using all the info for free then a little appreciation goes a long way. 

I wonder how many times people have even shared a post on here? 

It says it all, hey. 

Thankfully, I do things because I want to. I use the information on here to help with my betting. It is very good, saves readers lots of time and you've all seen the winners. 

By the end of the month, I should have the first lot of 10 Dark Horses ready to mail. I have been very slow sending any mailing. I forwarded a couple early season. 

Check out the Group Horses 2019 page and you will see a few two-year-olds of note.

Thanks for your support.  

From The Fens to West Palm Beach

If you thought I had been a little quiet it's because I have been travelling.

I left from my home town of March in the windswept Fens on Tuesday afternoon. Via train from March, Peterborough, Kings Cross, St Pancras...finally to Gatwick Airport. Got there about 4pm, just in time to stop in the Bloc Hotel, which is situated in the airport. 

I would rather simply turn up on the day and as John Denver once said: ''I'm leaving on a jet plane, don't know when I'll be back home again...'' 

However, a 10am flight doesn't give any time to travel or get to Gatwick late so I always stay overnight. Not that I sleep very well. I am worried I will oversleep and wake up to find I have missed the flight. I guess it happens. So, I don't sleep that well and then feel half ill because of lack of sleep and early mornings which I don't mind to a point but not keen on after a poor night. 

I had to check in about 8am. Some grumpy women on the Norwegian Airlines desk looking like she smiled once sometime back in 1973. I don't know what it is with customer service these days. Perhaps it has always been the same. No one seems to give a toss that you actually pay part of their wage with travelling here and there. After a recent nightmare experience with the ticket lady from hell when travelling to Great Yarmouth (if she wasn't some kind of man-hating witch I don't know what she was) I am slightly unnerved by any person sitting behind a desk or with a ticket machine in hand. East Midlands Trains thanks for fuck all. 

Anyway, the women behind the desk at Norwegian (the one who doesn't know how to smile) tried to inform me that I'm getting close to the limit of my visa. As if I didn't know that! I can count up to 90 my dear...and 75 days or whatever it is isn't three months not even in your embittered world. 

So I got on the flight after security checked my bags for drugs. (Like they do). 

I really don't like travelling alone. I'm not one of these chatty people, so I don't like to force my ''chat'' on people. I sat next to a couple of lads who probably came from Norway or Sweden (not sure) but they were polite and kind of friendly in a non-talking way. Flying for nearly ten hours to the USA isn't fun. I've only got little legs and I was jiffling about like some old gran in her nineties. I kept trying to sleep. I may have got an hour or two. I would hate to be an air steward or cabin crew in this age of political correctness. Compared with the women on the desk they were joy personified. I had a meal. It was ok. I didn't take any water onboard and two small cups of orange juice left me in a state of dehydration.

I wasn't sorry to hear we were 30 minutes from Miami. I usually get a flight to Fort Lauderdale but they have changed routes so it is Miami. I guess it sounds better and more of a touristy location than FL. I was simply pleased to get out of that seat. Stretch my legs and await the rigmarole of security. I don't know if it is just me, but if I had a bag of sugar in my rucksack by the time I met security it would turn into a bag of cocaine. Or, at least, feel like it. 

It was quite straight forward. The man on the desk asked me a few questions. Seemed to ask a few times why I only had hand luggage. I have lots of clothes there. He asked: Are you staying at a hotel for over two months?''

I don't know if this was a trick question. I felt like saying: ''Yes, I'm sharing with Bill Gates.'' However, I don't want to get on the wrong side of anyone who can be a pain in the arse. Like these customer service women. I said I am staying with the other half. He simply said: ''Have a good stay.''

I was met by this little drug sniffer dog on the last stretch of the security. I put my bag on the floor so the beagle could get a good sniff. I knew the bag of ''sugar'' was airtight, so I wasn't concerned! (Yes, that is a joke).I am as clean as Mr Sheen. 

Next, I had to find my way to level 3. Sound like somewhere from a page in the book 1984, written by George Orwell. For all I know, they may well have a room 101 somewhere up and down. I was trying to find the Tri Rail train. 

I hate going to places and not having the slightest idea of what is going on. I followed the signs. I was pretty sure I was getting there. I saw this thing that didn't look like a train. It was a monorail thingamebob which took me a short distance to Tri Rail. I asked this Mexican bloke, who looked as though he worked there if I needed a ticket to get on this funny-looking contraption. 

I think he thought I was having a go at him as I kept asking questions trying to work out what was going on etc. He said: ''I'm just answering your questions!'' I said: I appreciate your help but I haven't got the slightest idea what I am doing and it is the first time I have been to Miami Airport and the need to travel via Tri Rail. 

I wanted to save Marlene time from driving from West Palm Beach to Miami, so I had the bright idea I would just do it. 

I finally got off the monorail thingamebob and a short walk to the Tri Rail station. I had a slight issue with the ticket and thought the customer service women was kind of helpful but a touch ''where is this bloke from'' attitude. ''She said: ''Do you live in Miami?'' I felt like saying: ''Do I sound like I live in Miami?'' But didn't as I've had enough with confrontations of late. 

I said: ''I'm from the UK (England).''

I keep thinking about these people. I just think if you arrive at Gatwick, need to get to Kings Cross (on your own) and then travel to March in the windswept Fens you may have a moment of realisation that being somewhere new isn't plain sailing. (Thank God a boat wasn't involved!). 

So I got on the train. A big hulking double-decker of a train. I sat down. I got up and put a timetable of the route in my bag just in case I feel like stressing the life out of myself any time soon. 

It made me smile as I watched a selection of commuters get on and off. Many had cycles. The ticket man came along. I noticed he had a gun in a holster. Thank the Lord the old bag on the Yarmouth train wasn't given one of those for ''assisting'' travellers (to an early grave). He didn't say much. Just looked at the ticket. I like quiet people. Sometimes you don't need to hear an opinion. 

I noticed a couple of locals hadn't got a ticket. I wondered if the gun might be needed. They were issued with a fine. One didn't have identification. I can only imagine the ticket man new the residence of Mickey Mouse. Joking. The man gave a name, address and whatever. 

My ticket cost $6.51 or something like that. Quite good value. 

I saw places come and go. Opa-locka Station, Hollywood Station, Ft. Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Lake Worth and finally West Palm Beach.

After a long, long journey which lasted over one and half hours in all, I was getting pretty tired and fed up. 

My phone doesn't have internet in the US. I am worried I might forget about this roaming thing and come back to a bill of four figures. I managed to get the free internet on the train after messing about with the bloody thing for 20 minutes. 

Oh, the joys of travel. 

It went off. I manage to get it back on for a minute and tell Marlene I would be at West Palm Beach at 5:55pm. She isn't the best with times. I was waiting at the station boiling up in the sweltering heat for over an hour. 

I didn't have wifi and I didn't dare find my way from there to City Place or somewhere with free wifi just in case Marlene turned up and wondered where I was. 

Eventually, she arrived. My beautiful, Marlene.

Thankfully I am here.

And I thought horse racing was complicated.