John Burke

Hi all,

It’s Tuesday, which means it’s time to look back at last week’s racing and flag up a few future winners. There’s plenty to like this week.

Read More »Shuttle Diplomacy One to Note

Hi all,

Did Cheltenham Trials Day deliver the answers we were looking for? Not even close. While there were moments of drama and some good performances, the meeting will be remembered for one thing alone: a shambles of an ending.

Inside today’s main piece you can read my thoughts on Cheltenham Trials Day.

Read More »Cheltenham Trials and Tribulations

Hi all,

Saturday’s ITV racing action comes from Cheltenham and Doncaster, with Trials Day and the Great Yorkshire Chase taking centre stage.

Cheltenham hosts its final meeting before the Festival, and the sense of anticipation for March is building. It’s an eight-race card, headlined by the clash between Sir Gino and The New Lion in the Unibet International Hurdle (3:00).

The Virgin Bet Great Yorkshire Chase (2:05) is the big handicap of the weekend. I covered the race in Wednesday’s column and flagged Dartmoor Pirate earlier in the week. He’s now much shorter in the market, though a deep slog in the mud would be a slight concern.

The Great Yorkshire Chase is one of three races shown live on ITV Racing from Doncaster and, sacrilege or not, Town Moor offers for me the better betting opportunities.

Inside today’s main piece, I take a closer look at the final six races on Cheltenham Trials Day.

Read More »Trials Day Truths

Hi all,

Inside today’s main piece I’m recapping a cracking Thyestes Day card at Gowran Park.

Read More »Mud, Mayhem and a Last-Gasp Thyestes Thriller