Due to popular demand I’ve given this page over to my brother Gary.

He likes to back outsiders but can fancy a short one too and spreads his bets over a variety of sports (although it will mainly be horse-racing on this page.) We’ll keep a record of his progress but please remember that backing longer priced runners can result in lengthier losing spells.

Be sure to come back and read his thoughts on the days offering.

Gary recommends using Betfair odds to maximise profits……Signup for an account here

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Hi all,

 I’ve been a little quiet recently as my luck has taken the inevitable turn for the worse. After such a phenomenal run of good luck it’s understandable that things would change. Having said that, I have still been backing winners as quite a few of my old system horses who disappointed on the day have gone on to win next time.

On to today and I have had a good look at the International Handicap at Ascot and I’m more than convinced if Noble Citizen can match the form of his 4th in the Victoria Cup or 6th in the Hunt Cup he will win this. Trading at around 22/1 that looks very tempting, as does the 33/1 about Gallagher and 25/1 Advanced. Over at York there is a 6F handicap at 3.40 and I’m taking 2 against the field, they are Singeur and Baldemar available at around 25/1 and 22’s.
 
Recommended Bet
 
3.40 York  SINGEUR  1pt ew 25/1
                BALDEMAR 1pt ew 22/1
 
3.50 Ascot NOBLE CITIZEN 2pt ew 22/1
                 GALLAGHER 1pt ew 33/1
 
                  2×2 = 4x 0.25pt ew doubles = 12pt total stake

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Hi all, in a bid to get back in to winning ways I have decided that my bet of the week runs in a 20 runner 7F handicap. In recent weeks we have seen our profit slip down to a still respectable +75.99 AP & +31.94 to SP. Hopefully today we will see a reversal of recent fortunes and once again visit the winners enclosure. I have selected 2 against the field, one of which I don’t think will come as much of a surprise.

Those of you that were following me earlier in the season will remember Noble Citizen sneaking 4th place in the Victoria Cup at Ascot. Since then he has run a very solid race in the Hunt cup to be 6th from a poor draw. That was a very good run for a horse who’s best form is over 7F. I’m very keen indeed today on his chances and held back on tipping him earlier in the week when 20/1 was widely available as he did need 12 to defect to get a run, he has sneaked in as bottom weight and with William Buick booked to ride all looks good for a massive run. As a saver I’m having an ew bet on Everymanforhimself who at 33/1 looks huge value.
 
Recommended bet 5pt ew Noble Citizen 18/1 Bet365
      and as a saver 1pt ew Everymanforhimself 33/1 VC
 
Good Luck
Gary

Hi all,

 just a quickie for today. Last week we lost 1/2pt to SP and AP as Sea Desert ran a good race for 3rd place.

For Saturday I have chosen 2 from the 3.25 & 4.35 Haydock. For the 3.25 The Old Newton handicap I hav gone with a couple near the top of the handicap in Munsef who hasn’t had the right conditions on his last few runs and Red Cadeaux who last ran in the Chester Cup. My other race is the 6F sprint in which I’m sticking with Edge Closer and I believe today is his day. I’m backing him up with Fitz Flyer.
 
Recommended Bet
3.25 2pt ew Munsef 20/1
       1pt ew Red Cadeux 12/1
 
4.35 2pt ew Edge Closer 10/1
       1pt ew Fitz Flyer 16/1
plus 2×2 = 4 x 0.50pt ew Doubles = total stake 16pts
 
cheers,
Gary

25th June

Hello all,

It’s been a couple of weeks since we last had a go and as we lost all 10pts staked, we now stand at +80.49 AP prices and +36.44 to SP.

For today’s bet we are concentrating on the big race of the day, The Northumberland Plate or Pitmans Derby as it’s know as Oop North, which is run over 2m 19yds with 20 runners. Those of you that bought my Royal Ascot guide will know that I tipped Aaim To Prosper in the Ascot Stakes Handicap over 2m 4f.  He ran a very gallant 3rd at 16/1, which was nice for our EW money, but you may recall I did warn that 20F was really stretching his stamina and all his best form is over 16F when ridden up with the pace.

In last years race Gavin got his wish and Som Tala won from the front which is a good pointer to Aaim To Prosper running a similar race as Som Tala also had his previous run in the same Ascot handicap. I know that the draw shouldn’t play a major role in 2mile races but with the layout of the course and where the stalls are positioned at Newcastle it has tended to favour those drawn low. This is my only reservation about Aaim to Prosper’s chances as he has stall 17 and he needs to be prominent. It’s imperative he gets a good start and can get across without using up too much energy.

The other one I’m going to go for is another I have done in the past, Desert Sea. He got into all sorts of trouble in the Chester Cup because having missed the break he was squeezed out and had to sit and suffer for 2 miles around the Roodee. He travelled strongly through the race without being able to challenge and wasn’t beaten very far in the end by Mamlook. He again has a good draw for a front runner in 4 and lets just hope he takes advantage of it this time. If all goes to plan we should see Desert Sea leading with Aaim To Prosper sitting in a nice 3rd or 4th and the 2 of them fighting out a great finish. Mamlook or Halla San for the tricast.
 
Recommended Bet: 1.5pts ew Aaim To Prosper 20/1 Bet365,betfred & Paddypower (22/1 Sporting bet) 

1pt ew Desert Sea 14/1

Good luck to us all, 
Gary

12th June

hello everyone, after the last week or so our totals are still well in profit, with Judge N Jury nicking a very tight 4th place at Epsom last Saturday.
Ante Post prices +90.49
Starting Price      +46.44
 
for today to try and boost our kitty for next weeks Royal frenzy I have selected a trio of nice priced nags all from the Knavesmire. First up is one that I backed at Epsom last week and didn’t run too badly, he is one of my Hunt cup short list but needs to win here to get a penalty to increase his chances of getting a run. He is Tartan Gunna and runs in the 2.40 at York currently trading around the 8/1 mark. Next up is the 3.15 a huge field of 3yo sprinters and I’m giving a 2nd chance to Take Ten who had the worst of the draw at Newmarket when I gave him 2 weeks ago he ran well that day and is a few pounds better off with Swilly Ferry, at top price of 28/1 that looks very tempting to me and stall 4 will not be a disadvantage here. Last up is Green Park in the 5.25 at York currently trading at around 14/1, he has been knocking on the door all season having twice lost in close finishes I’m hoping today is the day he gets the breaks and can get his head in front.
 
Recommended bet
2.40 York Tartan Gunna 2pt ew 8/1
3.15 York Take Ten 1pt ew 28/1
5.25 York Green Park 1pt ew 14/1
3 x 0.25pt ew doubles + 0.25 ew treble = total stake 10pts

5th June

Hello, it’s been a bleak week on the punting front this last 10 days, with last weeks selections finishing 5th & 6th, but all is not lost as we try to recoup those losses on 2 of my favourite races. The Epsom Dash at 3.15 is a great spectacle to watch, but even better to have a punt in and my nap of the week runs in this. I helped myself to some 16’s on betfair earlier on in the week as I knew he would be half those odds with the high street bookies. The one I really fancy here is Oldjoesaid 4th last year from stall 1, he hasn’t faired that much better this year with stall 7 but I don’t think it matters here as they go flat out the whole way. This is likely to be fast and furious and you won’t win or lose your money any quicker all season as this is likely to only take 55 seconds. He is a very confident selection and i’m having 5pts win at 8/1. The second race I’m looking at is the last 6F h’cap again as in the Dash the first 4 home from last year are back with changes in weights and draw from last year. Baldemar who won last year has a leading chance as does Mac Gille Eion who finished 2nd and the 3rd home and very unlucky in running Something, but I’m looking further back down last years result to find my 2 against the field. Aye Aye Digby who actually was sent off 10/3F last year comes here not in the same form as last year but on a good weight and at a massive 50/1, the other I fancy is the in form Abraham Lincoln who was very unlucky when touched off at Ripon a couple of days ago as followers of my system will know. He was 12th in this race last year but comes here of a rating 8lb lower than last year, but in much better form, both of my fancies have what look like bad draws being drawn wide in 15 and 17 but if we look back to last year the winner was drawn 17 and the low numbers got into all sorts of trouble on the rails with Something and Aye Aye Digby the worst sufferers.
 
Recommended bets
3.15 5pt win Oldjoesaid 8/1
        1pt ew  Judge N Jury 25/1
5.20 1.5pts ew Aye Aye Digby 50/1
       1pt ew   Abraham Lincoln 12/1
 
plus 2×2 = 4 x 0.50pt ew doubles = 16pts staked
 
cheers for now and good luck
 
Gary

29th May

28th May

Hi all,

After last Saturday’s lovely result I’m looking to follow it up with my biggest bet so far this flat season. In the 4.05 at Newmarket I really like the way Kay Gee Bee travelled in the Victoria Cup at Ascot last time, I’m not saying he would have won without his troubled path but he would certainly have been much closer. This is a slightly weaker contest but track and trip are ideal and I’m expecting a massive run today. As such I’m having 5pt win on Kay Gee Bee at 8/1.
 
So Far
Ante Post +104.62
Starting Price +62.44
 
cheers for now and good luck to us all
Gary

22nd May

Hello readers,

 Just a quick post today as I’ve been busy swatting for the Scoop6 and practicing ducking from low flying golf clubs (not hinting that Gavin’s a bad loser or anything). I have 2 races today the 2.15 Goodwood where I really like the look of Parisian Pyramid and the 3.40 York where I’m going for 2 old stalwarts of the sprinting game River Falcon and Rasaman.
 
2.15 G Parisian Pyramid 4pt win at 8/1
3.40 Y River Falcon 1pt ew 12/1
3.40 Y Rasaman 1pt ew 25/1
 
2 x 0.50pt ew Doubles = 10pt stake
 
AP +78.62pts
SP +54.44pts
 
Good Luck and have a great weekend
Gary

15th May

Hello,

Today I’m taking a look at just the one race, the 3.40 at Newbury which is a 6F - 16 runner h’cap. I have 2 to look at, the first one being the bottom weighted Baby Strange. He is 1/1 over this CD and now races off a mark 5lb lower than when last successful in May last year at Newcastle, trading at around 20/1 this looks a cracking EW bet. The other one I’m interested  is Spanish Bounty, he too is slipping nicely down the ratings having spent most of last season running over 7F.  Today he races of a mark of 90 the same as his last winning rating and was ridden that day by today’s pilot Tom Queally. This is his first run of the season so may just need this but he is certainly one to keep in mind throughout this season in the top 6F h’caps. He was my long term fancy for last season Ayr Gold Cup so maybe we can start planning a long range Ante Post coup.
 
Today’s recommended stakes are
 
1.5pts EW Baby Strange 20/1 generally
1pt EW Spanish Bounty 25/1 Paddy Power & Stan James
 
Cheers and good luck
Gary

10th May

Hello,

What a disappointing run from Gloucester particularly as the winner was well behind him at Ayr last time.In fact the 1st, 2nd & 6th all ran in that Ayr race and Gloucester on the form book should have been 5 lengths in front of Eradicate. At least Noble Citizen ran a good 4th to reward the EW money.
 
Ante-Post we returned 8.25pts so lose 1.75= +80.62pts
Starting Price we returned 6.94pts so lose 3.06 = +56.44pts
 
I will be back later in the week for a look at the handicaps at York
 
Cheers for now Gary

7th May

Hello, we suffered a few traffic problems on Wednesday at Chester,Desert Sea missed the kick and as a result had to sit and suffer on the inside rail, whilst Swingkeel jumped ok but got sandwiched between runners and couldn’t hold his place. Both travelled really well but couldn’t escape the pocket they were in, that’s Chester! I should have had a saver on Mamlook as the race looked ideal for him but you cant do them all.
 
Onto Saturday where we have a 29 runner 7F h’cap at Ascot (3.25) and a 24 runner h’cap hurdle at Haydock (3.35).
 
We’ll start by looking at Ascot where the ones I like are all drawn high. I have 3 against the field and they are Advanced (27), Noble Citizen (25) and Dhular Dhar (18). Advanced is better over todays trip of 7f rather than the 6f he usually runs over, Noble Citizen ran well behind Thebes at Lingfield last time, and usually runs well in big field handicaps, whilst Dhular Dhar doesn’t have any recent good form but he was 3rd in this race last year off a rating 11lb higher than todays. His first run this season can be forgotten as he was drawn low (2) in the Doncaster Spring Mile where 9 of the first 10 home were drawn high.
 
Recommended Bet 1pt ew Advanced 20/1 generally
                        0.75pt ew Noble Citizen 40/1 generally
                        0.50pt ew Dhular Dhar 33/1 generally
 
Over at Haydock we have the Swinton H’cap Hurdle where for me there is only one bet and that’s Gloucester. On a flat 2m 110yds on good ground with a big field to bury himself in I can see him leading over the last and quickening away (no harm in dreaming! It worked for Gavin on Wednesday with Mamlook).
 
Recommended Bet 2pts ew Gloucester 20/1 generally
 
Plus 3 x 0.25pts ew doubles on the 2 races
 
Total invested 10pts

Good luck,
Gary

4th May

Hello readers,

What promised to be a good weekend after Dick Turpin’s gallant effort to win the 2000 Guineas, rather petered out once Puff was announced a non-runner. We were rather done up by the rain that fell on Saturday night and the subsequent change in going on Sunday which affected the draw but I was still disappointed with Orpsie Boy. I feel both he and Saucy Brown will be worth following throughout the season as they are both well handicapped.
 
AP +86.37 - 5pt for sprint +1pt for Guineas = +82.37
SP +60.00 -5pts for sprints +4.5pts for Guineas(2nd 16/1 & NR) = +59.50pts
 
The week ahead has a few races of interest to me starting on Wednesday with the Chester Cup, then on Saturday the Victoria Cup at Ascot and one of my favourite races The Swinton Hurdle at Haydock.
 
Today I will have a look at the Chester Cup.
With 19 runners going to post on this very tight track it is important to get a good position early and the draw can make a big difference. A front runner drawn low is key as any front runner drawn high will burn a lot of energy off just getting to the front. With last years 4th home a front runner drawn in 3 I think Desert Sea will make a bold bid to go three places higher this time but I’m taking a slight chance with J.Dunlop trained Swingkeel who is a hold up horse drawn in 4. The trainer has a good record in the race with a winner and two placed from his 4 runners. My biggest concern is that he gets too far back early on. Providing he is ridden closer to the speed I think he’ll run a massive race and at 12/1 looks a solid ew bet. Mamlook does look like the type to be suited by this race and he could be a big danger and top weighted Tastahil has to be respected as his trainer B.Hills has 3 wins and 5 places from his 10 runners but drawn 16 and 9-10 to carry its a big ask.
 
Recommended bet 1.5pts ew Swingkeel 12/1
Saver 1pt ew Desert Sea 16/1
 
I’ll be back Friday with a look at Saturday’s 2 races
 
Cheers for now,
Gary   

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30th April

Hello readers, as we move into May we leave behind the 4m 4f of the National or the 4m of the Scottish version or even the 3m 5f of last weekends Bet365 chase to concentrate on the other end of the racing spectrum, a 6 furlong dash. A race which will all be over in just over a minute. These races are definitely the marmite of the racing game and while I  love these sprints (but hate marmite)I know a lot of people can’t stand them (but like marmite, yuck). From The Wokingham to The Stewards Cup, my favourite of them all the Ayr Gold Cup and all those in between, I love the lot of them!
 
Sunday sees an ultra competitive 25 runner renewal. Last year stall 1 prevailed but this, I believe, was helped by the smaller than usual field as only 17 turned up. This race normally attracts fields nearer 30 runners. Having gone through the form I had narrowed the 34 five day declarations down to 3. The final field of 25 includes 2 of those 3.

Now with the draw being what I consider one of the most important part of the selection basis I have had to reconsider my fancies. I have one that has a great draw while the other has the worst possible stall available. So I have changed my main selection and saver around.

Due to the draw of stall 18 I now think Saucy Brown trained and ridden by last years winning connections D.Nicholls/A.Nicholls is the main bet. He last ran in the 6F race at Doncaster on Lincoln day, a race that both the last 2 winners of this race used as a stepping stone for here, he is the right age band, ratings band and weight band and as such is a very confident 2pt ew selection.As no prices are available as I write this I am hoping for 10/1 at least.

The saver is last years 4th home Orpsie Boy, he is 26lb better off with last years winner and is in fact racing of a 16lb lower mark than 12 months ago. He has been busy over the winter on the AW but comes here after a 37day break.  Stall 1 is a worry but this hold up horse can move across in behind if the stands rail proves a disadvantage. I am hoping for at least 33/1 for my 0.5pt ew saver but do shop around for the value as discussed in Gavins post today and if any firm bet the first 5 then take it.
 
Cheers for now and good luck,
Gary

28th April

Hello readers, after another successful weekend with 1st and 3rd we now stand at +86.37pts Ante Post prices and +60pts to Starting Price.

Although this weekend centres around the Guineas races I’m particularly looking forward to Sundays 6F sprint handicap which I will be having a go at once the draw is known. Until then I thought I would have a bash at the 2 Guineas races.

After watching all the trials so far and not believing we have a super star in our midst I’m looking for a bit of value for an each way investment. I believe that Dick Turpin and Puff who both have proven fitness and both looked like a mile will suit are the value. I will be having 1pt ew Dick Turpin for the 2000 Guineas and 1pt ew Puff for Sunday’s 1000 Guineas. Both are available at 20/1 with Sporting Bet and I will also have a 0.5pt ew double.
 
Cheers for now and I’ll be back for a look at Sundays sprint once the draw is known
 
Gary

27th April

Hello readers, another great weekend with another big priced winner. If you followed me Ante Post then 1.5pts ew at 33/1 returns a very healthy 61.87pt profit + 1pt ew at 12/1 on the 3rd which returns a 2pt profit. We were +27.5pts from last week then -5 from Friday which leaves us +86.37pts or if you played at sp then the winner returns a profit of 37.5pts and 2pts for the 3rd which again leaves us +25.5pt. -5pt from Friday +39.5pt=+60pts

Not bad I hope you’ll agree from just 10days work.

I would like to thank all those readers who have took the time to either comment on Gavin’s Blog or email him with your thanks and tales of how much you all won. Reading some of them gave me nearrly as big a buzz as watching Church Island fly the Pond fence and kick on for home. I must say a big thanks to A Heskin the brilliant 7lb claimer who, not only rode this winner but, also rode A New Story to victory at the Cheltenham Festival which kick started this fantastic run of luck. When I saw he was booked to ride I was delighted and he rode it to perfection.

Looking ahead this weeks big races are not my cup of tea, 1000&2000 Guineas, whilst a joy to watch they’re not really betting propositions. I do believe next weekend is the Swinton Insurance H’cap Hurdle at Haydock a race I do love and I’m sure there will be a sprint or two at Newmarket as well.

Cheers for now Gary

P.S. For those that are interested I had: £25ew @ 33/1+£20ew @33/1+£20ew @25/1 & £20 @32 on betfair on the winner and £40ew @ 16/1 the 3rd home. I did sell a bit back on Betfair but still walked away with a +£2000 profit on the race.

23rd April

Hello readers,

You’ll be glad to hear I still managed to back a few nice outsiders while confined to my sick bed and my good recent run comtinues. I’ve got three for today and they’re all massive prices with no recent form. There is method in my madness I assure you…..

Hard to Name (4.15 Perth) form figures 9-078P
Bankers Bonus (5.45 Chepstow) 200004P
Nakajima Nate (6.40 Punchestown) 3650

They are currently available at 50/1, 28/1 and 50/1 and I recommend 0.5pt ew on each and 0.25pt ew trixie on the three.

In tomorrows Bet365 Chase Church Island made the final line-up and will be my main bet with 1.5pts ew at 33/1. I’ll have a 1pt ew saver on Lacdoudal at 12/1

Good luck,
Gary.

20th April:

Hello readers. I was intending to take a good look at Saturdays feature race the Bet365 Chase today but due to ill health (more commonly known as manflu) my head won’t allow me to concentrate properly. What I will say at this stage, with 38 declared, I have a potential short list which mainly includes the old brigade:

Church Island is looking very tempting at 33/1 whilst previous winner Lacdoudal is of great interest although I’m not overly keen to take as little as 14/1 at this stage.  Gavin’s big national hope, Hello Bud didnt stay the trip at Aintree but has won a Scottish National winner and the distance at Sandown should be no problem. He’s currently available at 20/1 in a place which does seem like a bit of value should he line up.

All being well and with a clear head I will post my final thoughts on Thursday. I’m also keeping a close eye on the h’caps at Punchestown but as yet haven’t seen anything to get me excited.
 
Cheers for now,
Gary

19th April:

Hi and welcome to my own section of Gavin’s blog,

After a lot of nag-nag-NAGGING from Gavin I have eventually given in and agreed to a trial period of posting my own selections.

Those of you that read both Gavin’s and Matt’s blogs over Cheltenham and Aintree wil know that I had some unbelievable luck and posted winners at 33/1, 40/1 and 100/1 with a place at 50/1 as well from only half a dozen selections. I’m hoping that this good run of form can continue and I’m sure you are too! One of those that was unplaced, Gloucester, ran a cracker in the County Hurdle and I believe he is due to run at either Cheltenham on Thursday or Ayr on Saturday. I’ll be backing him again but one word of caution with him is that his best form is in big fields run at a fast pace.

For my first venture into tipping I’m looking at Saturday’s Scottish Grand National. At this early stage I have already had a small each way interest on both Dom D’Orgeval and Merigo. Dom D’Ogeval has had a 38 race career, 10 over fences with no falls or unseats (this is a very important factor in selecting a horse here). Merigo has a similar profile with a 16 race career, 10 over fences again with no falls or unseats. Both are set to carry the minimum weight of 10-00 and are currently available at 33/1 and 25/1 respectively.

I have decided to place a 5pt per race limit to my selections and recommend 1.5pts ew on Dom D’Orgeval at 33/1 with Paddypower and 1pt ew on Merigo at the 25/1 that is widely available.