John Burke

Morning all,

The driest winter in years could be about to morph into the wettest if the last few days are any guide. Last Friday we had Storm Eunice wreaking havoc across Britain & Ireland. The storm had threatened to decimate Saturday’s action but thankfully it didn’t. However, we did lose a decent card at Navan due to waterlogging on Sunday and today’s sole remaining jumps meeting at Carlisle faces a morning inspection to see if racing can go ahead.

Inside today’s main piece. I’m looking back at my Saturday highlights. Plus, there’s a selection from this afternoon’s meeting at Dundalk.

Read More »Weekend Review

Morning all, After today there are now just three Thursday’s until the start of the Cheltenham Festival. Most of the big names have now completed… Read More »Arkle Outsider

Morning all,

People often describe Wednesday as the “hump of the week”, stop sniggering at the back. Well for this column it’s the day to look at Saturday’s big race action.

There’s plenty of top flight sport on offer on Saturday. Down at Ascot, it’s the final Grade 1 in Britain before the Cheltenham Festival the Ascot Chase (3.35), which could include King George VI. Among the entries are Saint Calvados, Mister Fisher and last year's winner Dashel Drasher. The Ascot card also features the Grade 2 Reynoldstown Novices' Chase (1.50).

The Grand National Trial (2.40) is the feature race of a seven-race card at Haydock. The big race action is completed by the Grade 2 Rendlesham Hurdle (2:05) and the Victor Ludorum Juvenile Hurdle (1:30).

There’s further big race action at Wincanton with the Grade 2 Kingwell Hurdle (3:20) where the mercurial Goshen could take on lively Champion Hurdle outsider Adagio.

Across the Irish Sea its Red Mills Day at Gowran Park. The 2m 4f Red Mills Chase is the highlight of a card that also includes a Grade 3 two-mile hurdle.

Read More »Something For The Weekend

Morning all,

Inside today’s main piece. I conclude this weekend’s review with a look at Saturday’s big betting race the Betfair Hurdle. Plus, you will find a couple of horses for the tracker from last week’s and a Tuesday selection from Lingfield.

Read More »A Game Selection