Racing Lucky 15 – Friday’s top selections

Each day Bet4Causes will provide you with a preview of the day’s racing, offering what our experts feel will be the value bets of the day.

Take a look at our Lucky 15 selections (four singles, six doubles, four trebles and a four-fold) for Friday’s meetings…

LUCKY 15 SELECTIONS

HERE I AM (Fontwell 2.15) fluffed his lines at Fontwell when made favourite for a good-ground handicap chase in June, but gained compensation at Huntingdon in October when making all, and made a decent return after a four-month break when chasing home Vazaro Delafayette at that same venue late last month off an 8lb hike. He runs off the same official mark of 108 for this extended 2m1f handicap and the easy ground will suit Diana Grissell’s nine-year-old.

SKIDBY MILL (Lingfield 2.00) was last of 10 in his hat-trick bid in the fillies’ and mares’ AW championships conditions stakes, which was a mammoth step up in class. She ran well for a long way as an unconsidered 66/1 chance, having previously scored over 1m in the same class 5 grade that she contests today. She is only up 1lb from her last win and while it would be a career-best should she win, Laura Mongan’s six-year-old has a reasonable draw and should make a bold bid to make it three wins from four runs.

BALLYRATH (Newbury 3.00) has proved costly to punters in his last three outings since landing a 2m6½f handicap chase at Leicester in January. First-time cheekpieces appeared to work on that occasion, yet when upped 7lb and dropped to 2m4f, Nigel Twiston-Davies’s runner was a beaten favourite next time at the same track. Unseated when a warm order at Huntingdon next time, he was pulled up at Warwick last time, running as though something was amiss over 3m5f. The handicapper has relented, dropping him back to a mark of 115 and since the 3m trip today looks to be nearer his optimum trip, he could bounce back.

PENNEYWELL (Wetherby 3.15) looks to have been treated fairly for her first run in handicap company this afternoon. Warren Greatrex’s six-year-old mare was beaten a long way on her British debut in November but on her second hurdling start, she finished second to Superfection at Market Rasen (third home has since franked the form). However, she had no chance against an odds=on shot at Exeter last time and with stamina in her pedigree, upping her to today’s 2m5f should bring forth further improvement.

OTHER SELECTIONS

NEWBURY: 1.50 Hell’s Kitchen, 2.25 Bincombe, 3.00 Ballyrath, 3.35 Katgary, 4.10 Thunder Sheik, 4.45 Twirling Magnet, 5.20 Royal Battalion

FONTWELL: 1.40 Champagne George, 2.15 Here I Am, 2.50 Halling’s Wish, 3.25 Venetian Lad, 4.00 Highbury High, 4.35 Lost Arca, 5.10 Cayoacan

LINGFIELD: 2.00 Skidby Mill, 2.35 What A Party, 3.10 Dark Side Dream, 3.45 Shadow Game, 4.20 Planetoid, 4.55 Noble Deed, 5.30 Pursuitofthestars

WETHERBY: 2.05 Iniciar, 2.40 Tsar Alexandre, 3.15 Pennywell, 3.50 Lord Of Drums, 4.25 Three Colours Red, 5.00 Thetalkinghorse, 5.35 Captain Moirette

WOLVERHAMPTON: 5.45 First Rebellion, 6.15 Destroyer, 6.45 Robben, 7.15 Deben, 7.45 Louvencourt, 8.15 Pivotal Flame, 8.45 Indian Affair

DUNDALK: 6.00 Tilly Trotter, 6.30 Whiskey Zulu, 7.00 Northern Surprise, 7.30 Washington Dc, 8.00 Tom Dooley, 8.30 Posing, 9.00 Christy’s Call

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WEEKEND BETTING GUIDE: 5 PREMIER LEAGUE TIPS

We hope you are enjoying your new & improved MyClubBetting service. Check it out! And if your club or team has not yet taken advantage, it is time you did.

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Complete with the odds from your club’s betting service, we give you our five best bets of the Premier League weekend…

ARSENAL v WATFORD

There is absolutely no doubting that Arsenal (1.36) need a win at the Emirates on Saturday if they are going to stay in the title race. Despite having a game in hand, Arsene Wenger’s men come into this clash eleven points behind leaders Leicester. However, the Gunners will be buoyed after a dominant 2-0 win at Goodison Park last time out.

Watford (9.00) shocked everyone with a win at the Emirates in the FA Cup quarter final just three weeks ago. Goals from Odion Ighalo and Adlene Guedioura gave the Hornets a memorable 2-1 victory, allowing them to progress to Wembley for a semi-final clash with Crystal Palace.

Alex Iwobi has made the headlines in recent weeks. Iwobi (below) is the nephew of former Bolton Wanderers trickster Jay-Jay Okocha and after holding his own against Barcelona in the always daunting Camp Nou a fortnight ago, he then scored on his full Premier League debut against Everton just three days later.

With the form of Theo Walcott and the injury record of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain both coming under serious scrutiny of late, it would surprise nobody if the Nigerian international went on to cement a place in the Gunners starting eleven in the near future.

Watford’s recent away Premier League record will be of great concern to Quique Sanchez Flores. The Hornets haven’t won a single league game on the road in 2016, losing four, and drawing one of their five away games since the turn of the year.

Goals are usually on the agenda in games at the Emirates. 11 goals have been scored in the last five games at the stadium, with three of the last five Premier League ties ending with more than two goals.

It is also worth noting that neither of this season’s meetings between Arsenal and Watford have ended with less than three goals being scored.

Everything points to high scoring encounter at the Emirates.

VERDICT: ARSENAL 3 WATFORD 1 @ 11.00

BEST BET: OVER 2.5 GOALS @ 1.70

BOURNEMOUTH v MAN CITY

Eddie Howe will be delighted with his side’s recent form. Prior to their defeat at White Hart Lane last time out, Bournemouth (3.60) had recorded three straight wins to all but secure their Premier League status for next season.

Manchester City (2.05) are really struggling for league form. Despite winning the League Cup and advancing the quarter-finals of the Champions League, Manuel Pellegrini’s men have won just one of their last six Premier League games, losing four times during that period.

When Benik Afobe, Juan Iturbe and Lewis Grabban arrived at Bournemouth in the January transfer window, many expected Josh King to lose his place in the starting eleven. However, the new arrivals have had a wonderful effect on King, whose form has gone from strength to strength since January. The former Manchester United and Blackburn forward has found the net at crucial times this season, including recent strikes against relegation rivals Swansea and Newcastle.

Yaya Toure’s work rate and form has come under real question this season. While the big Ivorian has netted six league goals during the campaign, he has only managed to make five assists, which is far from impressive when you consider that he is in charge of all of City’s set pieces. Being caught too far up the field or out of position is also something that Toure (above) has been guilty of during this campaign. The former Barcelona man often leaves his midfield partner (whether it is Fernando or Fernandinho) exposed, allowing sides to catch City on the counter attack with great regularity and effect.

Despite recent form, we see this as an ideal chance for Man City to get back on track, particularly when you consider Bournemouth’s potential lack of focus after becoming almost certainties to avoid relegation.

We are going for an away win here.

VERDICT: BOURNEMOUTH 1 MAN CITY 2 @ 8.50

BEST BET: MAN CITY TO WIN @ 2.05

STOKE v SWANSEA

Stoke (2.15) are in a rich vein of form. The Potters have taken 13 points from their last six games, winning four times in the process. Mark Hughes will be hoping that his side can continue their run and secure a top 10 finish, with Stoke currently seven points clear of West Brom, who are occupying eleventh position.

In their last Premier League outing, Swansea (3.60) got a vital win 1-0 over Aston Villa to move ten points clear of the relegation zone. That victory was the Swans’ third from their last four league games, and while they are far from safe in their relegation battle, they are now in a far better position that they were when Garry Monk left the club.

Jack Butland has been Stoke’s best player this season, however his injury while on international duty with England has ruled him out for the rest of the season. That means Mark Hughes will have to call-on veteran keeper Shay Given for the remainder of the campaign. The Premier League stalwart joined Stoke in the summer as back-up to the talented Butland, and should make his first Premier League appearance for the Potters on Saturday.

Gylfi Sigurdsson (above) is in fine goal scoring form of late. The attacking midfielder has taken his Premier League tally to nine for the season with recent goals against Norwich and Newcastle, making him the Swans top scorer, ahead of all three of the club’s strikers.

Stoke have a solid recent record against Saturday’s opponents, losing just one of the last five meetings between the clubs. The Potters have also beaten Swansea in three of their last four clashes at the Britannia Stadium.

We can’t see past a home win here.

VERDICT: STOKE 2 SWANSEA 0 @ 9.00

BEST BET: STOKE TO WIN @ 2.15

LIVERPOOL v TOTTENHAM

Jürgen Klopp will still be reeling after the last round of Premier League fixtures. Liverpool (2.50) surrendered a two goal lead away at Southampton, eventually losing 3-2 after a second half capitulation.

One positive point from the game, was the performance of Daniel Sturridge. The striker appeared to be back to full fitness at St Marys, looking a threat throughout – calmly curling home in the first half to put his side 2-0 up.

Tottenham (2.88) are five points behind Leicester, therefore they cannot afford to lose this one. Mauricio Pochettino’s men won comfortably at home to Bournemouth last time out, however, Tottenham have lost two of their last three away games in all competitions.

Harry Kane is the clear favourite to be this season’s top scorer in the Premier League, but as we have seen in recent weeks, there is far more to his game than simply poaching. Kane (below) is the complete forward, who has very few weaknesses. This was particularly evident during his performance for England in Berlin last weekend. Kane’s hold-up play and energy caused the German defence all sorts of problem, while the neat turn and finish for his goal left jaws dropping.

These two sides are separated by a staggering 17 Premier League points, with Tottenham currently seven places higher than Saturday’s opponents. However, it is Liverpool who have the far better record in this fixture over the years. The Mersysiders haven’t lost to Tottenham in any of their last six meetings, winning five, drawing one and remarkably, scoring 18 times against the North Londoners during that period.

While we aren’t totally convinced by Liverpool, we just feel that the away side are far too short for this one, particularly when you consider that Tottenham haven’t won at Anfield since 2011.

VERDICT: LIVERPOOL 2 TOTTENHAM 1 @ 9.50

BEST BET: LIVERPOOL – DRAW NO BET @ 1.75

MAN UNITED v EVERTON

In their last Premier League outing, Manchester United (2.00) got a vital 1-0 win at the Etihad against bitter local rivals, Manchester City. That Manchester derby victory pushed Louis Van Gaal’s men to within one point of the Champions League qualification places, which is vital for the Red Devils, as their exit from both European competitions now means league qualification is the only way of them reaching next year’s Champions League competition.

Despite reaching the FA Cup semi-finals, Everton (3.80) have had a poor season under Roberto Martinez. The Toffees are languishing in the bottom half of the table after winning only nine of their 29 league games so far.

Marcus Rashford has wasted no time in making himself a hero among the Man United faithful. The 18 year-old striker gave Martin Demichelis a torrid time against Manchester City last weekend, and his winner against United’s bitter rivals was more than deserved after his hard-working display. Since making his debut just a month ago, Rashford (below) has netted on five occasions, including last weekend’s derby strike and his impressive brace against Arsenal.

Despite their struggles, Manchester United have one of the most impressive away records in the Premier League this season – taking 28 points from 14 games at Old Trafford so far.

That said, Everton have done well on the road, with their defeat at the Emirates being the only blotch on their 2015/16 away Premier League record.

Goals are usually on the agenda when these sides meet, with Everton and Man United sharing an impressive 11 goals during their last 4 clashes.

It is also worth noting that the Toffees have scored on three of their last four visits to Old Trafford.

We fancy both sides to get on the scoresheet here, with the hosts nicking a victory.

VERDICT: MAN UNITED 2 EVERTON 1 @ 9.00

BEST BET: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @ 1.83

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Racing Lucky 15 – Thursday’s top selections

Each day Bet4Causes will be providing you with a preview of the day’s racing, offering what our experts feel will be the value bets of the day.

We make no apologies for a little value-seeking with our Lucky 15 selections (four singles, six doubles, four trebles and a four-fold) for Thursday’s meetings…

LUCKY 15 SELECTIONS

I AM COLIN (Bangor-on-Dee 3.45) made a bright start to his chasing career and has not been out of the first three in four starts over fences. Runner-up twice, he gained compensation for a short-head defeat at Warwick in December when landing a 2m6½f handicap at Leicester following a three-month break and off a 6lb higher mark. He was a little hesitant at a couple of fences and cheekpieces might sharpen him up for this better 2m4f event. A further 10lb rise in the weights is appropriate, given his superiority last time and Nigel Twiston-Davies’s 7yo remains very much on the upgrade.

BRANDON CASTLE (Wolverhampton 3.00) is reunited with Cathy Gannon, who partnered Andrew Balding’s 4yo when short-headed over today’s C&D in November. That was in a slightly better event and he races off a 2lb lower mark for this 1m4f handicap. After a couple of below-par performances, the hope is that Gannon’s touch will reignite his spark.

OBISTAR (Ffos Las 2.50) looked in need of his first run back after over a year on the sidelines when drifting in the market at Chepstow. The fact that David Pipe’s runner faded before three out in that 2m7½f handicap hurdle should have been no surprise. Improvement can be anticipated today, however. The 6yo has invariably improved for his first run after a break and he is just 2lb higher than when gaining his first career victory at Plumpton in similarly heavy ground that he encounters today.

PRETTY BUBBLES (Chelmsford City 6.05) has to give weight away all round but drops in class and is up in trip for tonight’s 1m fillies’ handicap. Those are all positives for John Jenkins’s 7yo, who is on a losing run of 12, but has been dropping to a favourable handicap mark. She loves to run past beaten horses and need to be played late, which did not help her last time at Wolverhampton (7f), but there is enough early speed in this race to play to her strengths.

OTHER SELECTIONS

BANGOR-ON-DEE: 2.10 Belami Des Pictons, 2.40 Beauboreen, 3.15 Red Devil Lads, 3.45 I AM COLIN (NAP), 4.20 Itshard To No, 4.50 Ballycash, 5.25 Maggie Rose

FFOS LAS: 2.20 Ballypoint, 2.50 Obistar, 3.25 Copper Birch, 3.55 Driftashore, 4.30 Stony Road, 5.00 Geordie Des Champs

WOLVERHAMPTON: 2.00 Spray Tan, 2.30 Engai, 3.00 Brandon Castle (nb), 3.35 Shine Likeadiamond, 4.05 He’s A Dreamer, 4.40 Cantankerous, 5.10 Well Owd Man, 5.40 Southern Storm

CHELMSFORD CITY: 6.05 Pretty Bubbles, 6.40 Nasri, 7.10 Timeless Art, 7.40 Dark Red, 8.10 Tasaaboq, 8.40 Rock ‘N Red

CLONMEL: 4.10 Bleu Berry, 4.45 Lake Takapuna, 5.15 State Of Origin, 5.45 Owennacurra Milan, 6.20 The Job Is Right, 6.50 Refused A Name, 7.20 Capital Force

Get your club, however large or small, its own tailor-made betting service – FREE – and start benefiting now! See myclubbetting.com for details.

If you are not affiliated to a club, you can bet via Bet4Causes.com, where 20% of net revenue goes to sporting charities, who include Greatwood, World Horse Welfare and StreetGames.

You must be 18+ in order to bet. Please gamble responsibly http://www.gambleaware.co.uk

Racing Lucky 15 – Wednesday’s top selections

Each day Bet4Causes will be providing you with a preview of the day’s racing, offering what our experts feel will be the value bets of the day.

Take a look at our Lucky 15 selections (four singles, six doubles, four trebles and a four-fold) for Wednesday’s meetings…

Big chance with Big Shoes: Darryll Holland

LUCKY 15 SELECTIONS

BIG SHOES (Kempton 7.25) represents the Charles Hills/Darryll Holland combination that will be well worth keeping an eye on in the next few months. Holland has ridden four winners from his last 10 rides and seven in 21 since returning to these shores having spent the last two years riding in Dubai and Mauritius. Having been gelded, the selection won on his first start back after a long break at Wolverhampton on his handicap debut. He races off a 3lb higher mark tonight. Though he ran well enough in defeat at Southwell last time, he may not have relished the Fibresand.

BEAUTIFUL STRANGER (Southwell 2.50) produced a promising return after almost nine months on the sidelines when beaten a length by Jack Of Diamonds at Wolverhampton earlier this month. Keith Dalgleish’s five-year-old, has won three times either off today’s official mark of 71 or lower. He also has course-winning form and has not been out of the frame in his last five starts. The selection is a model of consistency and should be a fair price to make the frame at least in the 1m handicap.

HARWOODS STAR (Southwell 4.00) won over course and distance on his penultimate start in a first-time blinker/eye-shield combination on his first start for the John Butler yard. Off a 6lb higher mark last time, he missed the break and got the worst of the kickback, but did well to finish third to Sir Geoffrey, whom he had beaten in their previous meeting. The selection is better than what he showed last time and may be able to take advantage of a favourable draw.

SPACE ODDITY (Exeter 2.30) makes his handicap debut for Harry Fry off a fair official mark of 114 in what looks to be a competitive 2m½f handicap hurdle. He was very keen in a first-time hood on his hurdles debut and again took a string hold when scoring at Taunton last time under a fine ride from Noel Fehily. The selection needs to learn to settle and that could be a concern in heavy ground today. But we feel he will have learned from his previous experience and is worthy of interest.

OTHER SELECTIONS

EXETER: 2.00 Romeo Is Bleeding, 2.30 Space Oddity, 3.05 Sonny The One, 3.40 Umberto D’olivate, 4.10 Admiral Blake, 4.45 Dusk Till Dawn, 5.15 Big Fella Thanks

LINGFIELD: 2.10 Atwix, 2.40 Foylesideview, 3.15 Dream Voice, 3.50 Hawk Moth, 4.20 Askum, 4.55 Ms Gillard, 5.25 Pharoh Jake

SOUTHWELL: 2.20 Ordinal, 2.50 Beautiful Stranger (nb), 3.25 Moon River, 4.00 Harwoods Star, 4.30 Daisy Bere, 5.05 Down Time

KEMPTON: 5.55 Blistering Dancer, 6.25 Lucy The Painter, 6.55 Angelical Dancer, 7.25 BIG SHOES (NAP), 7.55 Harry Holland, 8.25 Torreon

DOWNPATRICK: 2.55 Runyon Rattler, 3.30 Midnight Theatre, 4.05 Shrewd Move, 4.35 Le Grand Chene, 5.10 The Winkler, 5.40 Bel Sas

Get your club, however large or small, its own tailor-made betting service – FREE – and start benefiting now! See myclubbetting.com for details.

If you are not affiliated to a club, you can bet via Bet4Causes, where 20% of net revenue goes to sporting charities, who include Greatwood, World Horse Welfare and StreetGames.

You must be 18+ in order to bet. Please gamble responsibly http://www.gambleaware.co.uk

Racing Lucky 15 – Tuesday’s top selections

Each day we will be providing you with a preview of the day’s racing, offering what our experts feel will be the value bets of the day.

We had plenty of winners yesterday and another tasty winning nap at odds of 7/2. Take a look at our Lucky 15 selections (four singles, six doubles, four trebles and a four-fold) for Tuesday’s meetings…

Neil Mulholland: Saddles Desoto County

LUCKY 15 SELECTIONS

DESOTO COUNTY (Fairyhouse 5.05) was well touted for the County Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival but connections ducked the race and instead rock up in this competitive 2m handicap hurdle. Neil Mulholland’s seven-year-old was a little unlucky coming from off the pace under a 5lb claimer, only to be denied a clear run at Leopardstown last time when bidding to follow up a win in a lesser event at Thurles on his first start for the stable, having previously been with Donald McCain in Britain.

CHICAGO SCHOOL (Wolverhampton 2.40) was a bit of a jack the lad last season and was gelded after eight unsuccessful starts. He has an official rating of 75, having raced primarily over sprint trips, but he was not beaten far wen upped to 7f and sporting first-time blinkers when last seen here in October. Mark Johnston gives him another hike in trip today in a 1m½f maiden and disposes with the headgear. We take the view that past experience will stand him in good stead against some likely improvers.

GLOBAL DREAM (Southwell 1.50) has been in decent form lately. Caroline Bailey’s six-yearold followed up his first success over hurdles when scoring at Leicester on his chase debut last month over 2m. Hiked up 6lb for that and upped to 2m4f at the same venue, he failed to concede 21lb to the winner last time. Versatile trip-wise, he tackles a distance a few yards short of 3m today and runs off the same mark of 105. This small-field handicap won’t take a lot of winning and he should give another solid account.

LOVES DESTINATION (Southwell 4.40) has an obvious chance of following up Sunday’s win at Plumpton under a penalty, providing the exertions have not taken too much of a toll. David Noonan is a decent young pilot, who knows the mare well and she led from the start in her most recent run. The way she quickened up suggested there was plenty more to come from the Chris Gordon-trained five-year-old. She concedes weight all round in today’s 2m4f hands and heels handicap hurdle for conditional riders, which looks quite competitive for the grade, but she is on the upgrade.

OTHER SELECTIONS   

FAIRYHOUSE: 3.20 Mr Diablo, 3.55 Flemenstar, 4.30 Robin Thyme, 5.05 DESOTO COUNTY (NAP), 5.35 Coolnagorna Giggs, 6.05 Hedgeinator, 6.35 Laverteen

HEXHAM: 2.00 Kid Valentine, 2.30 Turtle Cask, 3.05 Gully’s Edge, 3.40 See Double You, 4.15 Spring Over, 4.50 Dr West

SOUTHWELL: 1.50 Global Dream, 2.20 Guaracha, 2.55 Vinegar Hill, 3.30 Churchtown Champ, 4.05 Regal Ways, 4.40 Loves Destination, 5.15 Focaccia

WOLVERHAMPTON: 2.10 Toymaker, 2.40 Chicago School, 3.15 Charlie Lad, 3.50 Hongkong Adventure, 4.25 Scarlet Minstrel, 5.00 Desktop, 5.30 Bint Arcano

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If you are not affiliated to a club, you can bet via Bet4Causes.com, where 20% of net revenue goes to sporting charities, who include Greatwood, World Horse Welfare and StreetGames.

You must be 18+ in order to bet. Please gamble responsibly http://www.gambleaware.co.uk

Racing Lucky 15 – Monday’s top selections

It is the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse this afternoon and each day Bet4Causes will be providing you with a preview of the day’s racing, offering what our experts feel will be the value bets of the day.

Take a look at our Lucky 15 selections (four singles, six doubles, four trebles and a four-fold). If you followed our advice to a £1 stake unit on Saturday, you’d have picked up £141.10.

There are no less than eight meetings in Britain and Ireland on Bank Holiday Monday. Here are the selections…

LUCKY 15 SELECTIONS

SIR NOTE (Market Rasen 2.25) gets today’s nap vote. James Eustace’s six-year-old was a 12-length winner on his return from a six-month lay-off in a weak soft-ground novices’ handicap chase at Huntingdon at the end of January. That was a smart performance on his chasing debut and while he has been upped 12lb, he is sure to come on for that run. He is relatively unexposed and while he can be a bit keen, today’s 2m1f and the easing ground conditions hold little fears.

SPORTSREPORT (Plumpton 3.40) landed a four-runner handicap chase over course and distance (2m1f) two weeks ago on his first start following a 102-day break. He scored off a mark of 105 and gets hiked up 7lb for that, so it will need a career-best for Seamus Mullins’s eight-year-old to win this better race, but he receives weight all round there still seems to be improvement in him.

DRUMLEE LAD (Chepstow 4.05) similarly tackles stiffer opposition today, having been rejuvenated by a three-month break when scoring in a 2m3½f handicap hurdle at Doncaster three weeks ago. It helped that the former David Pipe inmate had come down 15lb since going handicapping, but he scored readily debuting for Johnny Farrelly and is back up 11lb as a result. He travelled supremely well and his trainer feels he now has the key to him. The weight rise may not anchor him.

MAID OF TUSCANY (Fakenham 3.25) landed a selling handicap hurdle here on her penultimate start and was not beaten far at Southwell in a handicap hurdle thereafter. She makes a return to action after 158 days on the sidelines and races off a 7lb higher mark in a competitive-looking 2m novices’ handicap hurdle. Neil Mulholland’s yard had a couple of welcome winners last week and while the selection’s fitness must be taken on trust, she should go close if near her best.

OTHER SELECTIONS

FAIRYHOUSE: 2.40 Tocororo, 3.15 Sutton Place, 3.50 Just Cause, 4.20 Gwencity Berbas, 5.00 Sub Lieutenant, 5.35 Uranna, 6.10 On The Shannon, 6.40 Blow By Blow

CHEPSTOW: 1.45 Grace Tara, 2.20 Abigail Lynch, 2.55 Vinciaettis, 3.30 Sandy Beach, 4.05 Drumlee Lad, 4.40 Tour Des Champs, 5.15 Postbridge

FAKENHAM: 2.15 Ministerofinterior, 2.50 Man Of Steel, 3.25 Maid Of Tuscany, 4.00 Noble Legend, 4.35 Bells Of Ailsworth, 5.10 It Was Me, 5.45 Kayf Grace

HUNTINGDON: 2.10 Caged Lightning, 2.45 Allee Bleue, 3.20 Troika Steppes, 3.55 Dusky Lark, 4.30 Red Hammer, 5.05 Pandy Wells, 5.40 Bardd

MARKET RASEN: 1.20 Solumn Grundy, 1.50 Milly Baloo, 2.25 SIR NOTE (NAP), 3.00 Agentleman, 3.35 Blue Rambler, 4.10 Orartimo, 4.45 Black Ivory

PLUMPTON (Prec inspection 7am): 2.00 Persian Breeze, 2.30 Ya Hafed, 3.05 Howabaoutnever, 3.40 Sportsreport, 4.15 Up Four It, 4.50 Head Spin, 5.25 Tales Of Milan

REDCAR: 2.05 Perfect Peak, 2.35 Hold On Magnolia, 3.10 That Be Grand, 3.45 Abushamah, 4.20 My Lucille, 4.55 Cliff, 5.30 Lavetta, 6.00 Bahamian Sunshine

CORK: 1.55 Great Minds, 2.25 Serefeli, 3.00 Glimmer Of Peace, 3.35 Carrigeen Kigelia, 4.10 Kilcolman Hill, 4.45 Salsify, 5.20 Impulsive Star, 5.55 Take A Twirl

Get your club, however large or small, its own tailor-made betting service – FREE – and start benefiting now! See myclubbetting.com for details.

If you are not affiliated to a club, you can bet via Bet4Causes.com, where 20% of net revenue goes to sporting charities, who include Greatwood, World Horse Welfare and StreetGames.

You must be 18+ in order to bet. Please gamble responsibly http://www.gambleaware.co.uk

Racing Lucky 15 – Easter Sunday’s top selections

The experts at Bet4Causes put you in the money yesterday – the Lucky 15 to a £1 Stake unit yielded a cool £141.10.

Three of our four selections won and the other was a non-runner. We also told you California Chrome would win the Dubai World Cup – and our nap selection was also victorious.

Outlander: Big chance at Fairyhouse

Each day we will be providing you with a preview of the day’s racing, offering what our experts feel will be the value bets of the day.

Here are the Easter Sunday selections…

LUCKY 15 SELECTIONS

OUTLANDER (Fairyhouse 4.15) can land the big race of the day, a competitive renewal of the Ryanair Gold Cup Novice Chase. Only 10 days ago, he was well supported and going well in the JLT Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham, only to get in close to the fourth last and took a nasty-looking tumble. That would not have done his confidence much good, but he is a winner at this Grade 1 level. He loves the soft ground and the more rain that falls, the better. The same can be said for Otago Trail, who may just be a shade below top class, but may take advantage should the Willie Mullins-trained selection fluff his lines.

BLUE RAMBLER (Plumpton 4.35) has not had a great deal of luck since arriving from France. John Ferguson’s runner has been beaten on both starts this year, going down narrowly to Jetstream Jack at Mussleburgh and then had his colours lowered by Gawfa at odds-on over 2m at Huntingdon. On both occasions, the front two pulled clear of the remainder and this former Listed 1m4f Flat scorer in France may have a touch too much class for his rivals in the 2m maiden hurdle.

MAXIE T (Sedgefield 1.50) has let us down on a couple of occasions recently, but Micky Hammond appears to have found an ideal opportunity for the five-year-old to get back to winning ways. The 2m½f novices’ hurdle for conditional jockeys was turned over at odds of 2/7 at Market Rasen last time and is better judged on his two runner-up efforts at Wetherby and Carlisle respectively before that run. This race should not take too much winning.

CLAYTON HALL (Wolverhampton 3.50) has had just the one run, when touched off here as an unfancied 16/1 shot by the highly-touted Isharah late last month. Having given the odds-on favourite a real scare in that 1m1½f maiden, Richard Fahey’s runner should come on for that experience and while he will get further in time (he is from the family of St Leger winner Millenary), today’s C&D event looks within his capabilities.

OTHER SELECTIONS

FAIRYHOUSE: 2.00 Crown Of Gold, 2.35 Mighty Concorde, 3.05 Myska, 3.40 Fire In The Soul, 4.15 OUTLANDER (NAP), 4.50 Solita, 5.25 Narcissistic

PLUMPTON: 2.15 Royal Vacation, 2.50 Ghost Of A Smile, 3.25 Like Sully, 4.00 Dormello Mo, 4.35 Blue Rambler, 5.10 Saroque, 5.45 Same Ole Trix

SEDGEFIELD: 1.50 Maxie T, 2.25 Bollin Line, 3.00 Shine Away, 3.35 My Friend George, 4.10 General Mahler, 4.45 Feast Of Fire, 5.20 Azure Glamour

WOLVERHAMPTON: 2.05 Our Lord, 2.40 Mister Mischief, 3.15 Discreet Hero, 3.50 Clayton Hall, 4.25 Almanack, 5.00 Dawaa, 5.35: Lucky Lodge, 6.05 Diatomic

CORK: 2.10 Guitar George, 2.45 Dr Waluigi, 3.20 Seeking Susan, 3.55 Oscar Lantern, 4.30 Inch Rise, 5.05 Arctic Skipper, 5.40 Thekingofconnemara, 6.10 Classic Place

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Emma Lavelle: Up the ante with Thistlecrack

Top trainer Emma Lavelle is Jumps Brand Ambassador for Bet4Causes, where 20% of the bookmakers’ profits goes to sporting charities.
In her latest Racing Plus newspaper column, she looks ahead to Cheltenham 2017, providing some ante-post value…

By EMMA LAVELLE

MUCH-LOVED and dearly missed Sir Peter O’Sullevan was once asked: “What is the secret to longevity?”

He mused for a moment, then pulled out of his top pocket a slip of paper, smiled, and offered it to the questioner with the words: “Always have something to look forward to – an ante-post bet. I find it keeps one going.”

That is sage advice. Often the value is to be found in having a long-range sortie.

So having reflected upon Cheltenham, there are a few horses that already tempt me for the 2017 Festival.

World Hurdle hero Thistlecrack was undoubtedly one of the highlights, but what course will Colin Tizzard plot? He is a tall horse and he’s an eight-year-old. Conventional wisdom is to send them jumping sooner rather than later, as the older they are when they see a fence, the less likely they are to take to them.

The Grade 1 Liverpool Hurdle is an obvious immediate plan, but you are not going to get rich at current odds of 1/3.

The winner’s prize money for the World Hurdle was over £170,000, so why would he go for the RSA Chase (for which he is priced as short as 3/1), which had prize money of £85,000? Far better to back him at 3/1 to win the World Hurdle again.

World Hurdle hero Thistlecrack

Thistlecrack was not really respecting one or two of his hurdles at Cheltenham, so if he does go novice chasing next term – and he has reportedly schooled well – the Gold Cup has got to be the target and the 10/1 currently available looks fair, for what may be a mouth-watering clash with Vautour, Don Cossack, Coneygree and Djakadam.

Faugheen is 2/1 to win the Champion Hurdle and while those odds look skinny now, wait until he wins over Christmas – he is likely to be odds-on come March 14.

The each-way value, however, lies with Triumph Hurdle winner Ivanovitch Gorbatov, who adds depth to an already deep-in-talent two-mile division. Initial 20/1 quotes have gone, but 16/1 is still available about the next Istabraq.

Douvan will probably win the Champion Chase, but he is already odds-on in some places to head a division that is lacking in depth.

Our runners will also be thin on the ground this week. Rain is forecast again over the next few days and I’m left tearing my hair out again.

She may be a fancy price, but as long as the ground stays good, Woodland Walk (1.25 Haydock) would have an each-way tinkle. She has not run since early December, but she has worked well and is a consistent mare.

For the Lavelle Lucky 15 today, Ulk Du Lin (3.15 Newton Abbot) has to concede weight all round in the 2m handicap chase and if the ground does not come up soft, he should be able to confirm previous form with Miss Tenacious.

Hermitage Bay (4.00 Kempton) was a long way clear of the rest when beaten at odds-on at Southwell and should make amends in the 7f maiden.

Roger Varian has been exuding confidence over Postponed (4.20 Meydan) and looks the one in the Dubai Sheema Classic.

And since Roger’s string is in fine early-season form, Barsanti (2.50 Kempton) is worth a nibble in the 1m3f Rosebery Handicap.

Finals flourish

THE All-Weather Championship Finals Day at Lingfield is now etched into the racing calendar and it has also started to capture the public’s imagination.

First the major negative. Good Friday racing is not for us. Can we please have one day, other than Christmas Day, where we don’t have any racing? Staff up and down the country need a well-deserved break. Just one day – that’s all we ask.

But there are plenty of positives about the Finals Day, aside from its Good Friday slot. Admittedly the concept received something of a lukewarm response when it was unveiled three years ago. And while the wave of acceptance has been more ripple than rip, it is certainly starting to make a splash.

It works on several levels. There is a narrative for a start. It fills a major void before the turf Flat season and the prize-money – £1.1million of offer across the seven races – was always going to attract high quality horses.

Then there is the familiarity of runners, which is not something always associated with the ‘other’ code. It is also a fine precursor to the Dubai World Cup.

But most of all, ARC have provided a blueprint that works. It would be interesting to see how many courses latch on to the idea of holding their own Finals’ Days, which are open only to horses which have competed at the course in the last 12 months.

I’d like to see more of them. It would encourage loyalty from owners and trainers, and give the marketing men at even the most mundane of tracks something to chew on. You can only go so far with the obligatory Ladies’ Day.

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RACING LUCKY 15 – SATURDAY’S TOP TIPS

The most valuable race in the world is run this afternoon. The Dubai World Cup sees a field of 12 go to post in Meydan.  

Here is the preview of the big race, complete with all Saturday’s selections and our idea of a Lucky 15 (four singles, six doubles, four trebles and a four-fold).

California Chrome: World Cup hopeful

RACE OF THE DAY: DUBAI WORLD CUP

5.00 Meydan (1m 2f)

FORECAST: California Chrome (6/4), Frosted (9/4), Mshawish (8/1), Hoppertunity (12/1), Special Fighter (14/1), Mubtaahij (16/1), Hokko Tarumae (20/1), Keen Ice (20/1), Vadamos (20/1), Gun Pit (33/1), Teletext (33/1), Candy Boy (50/1)

ANALYSIS: Prince Bishop, partnered by young William Buick, caused a 14/1 shock in the $10 million event last year. In some respects that renewal, the first since it switched to dirt at Meydan, was an oddly low-key affair.

This year it is different – the Americans have returned in their droves to make this a fascinating contest.

Last season was all about American Pharoah, who swept all before him across the pond, but the Triple Crown hero has had his day and now the attention turns to the next generation.

Frosted has been tabbed by many as the likely winner. Kiaran McLaughlin’s grey made the frame in both the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes last year. He landed the trial for this impressively (the second round of the Al Maktoum Challenge) last month and the dogs have been barking about his work.

Mshawish, third in the Dubai Turf last year, has been in excellent form this term and took a Grade 1 handicap at Gulfstream on the dirt last month. That was the same race he won a year ago before scoring in Dubai for Todd Pletcher. Frankie Dettori takes the ride on the six-year-old son of Medaglia D’oro and he has solid each-way claims.

Keen Ice, the mount of Ryan Moore, beat Frosted into third at Saratoga in August, with American Pharoah runner-up. However, Dale Romans’ runner has not been in the same form and Frosted appears to have improved past him.

Bob Baffert knows what it takes to win the Dubai World Cup, having been successful twice before and he relies upon Hoppertunity, who the Grade 2 San Antonio Stakes (1m1f) at Santa Anita last month, coming wide late and fast. This trip should suit and he is no back number.

However, he looks held by CALIFORNIA CHROME on their running at Santa Anita in January. Art Sherman’s runner just failed to overcome a poor draw in stall 11 in this race last year and finished 2¼l runner-up to Prince Bishop. He has had two runs since that defeat – the second of those coming over course and distance, which was a straightforward task, despite conceding 15lb all round to seven rivals. He did not have a prep run in Dubai before the World Cup last year and he has been specifically trained for this race. The only downside is, again, the draw. He is drawn in stall 11 again.

Special Fighter has won three races at Meydan, notably landing a Group 1 over C&D tree weeks ago. He was allowed to set his own pace up front and got a soft lead that day. There is no way that is going to happen again as there should be plenty of pace this time.

Japanese star Hokko Tarumae led for a long way in this race last year, but ran a little freely and eventually weakened into fifth. He won a Grade 1 in Japan in January but is likely to come up short of the top American horses.

WINNER: CALIFORNIA CHROME

EACH-WAY: MSHAWISH

LUCKY 15 SELECTIONS

POSTPONED (Meydan 4.20) joined Roger Varian’s stable from Luca Cumani and made his first start for Newmarket handler a winning one, landing the Group 2 Dubai City of Gold at Meydan last month. It was an ideal prep for the Dubai Sheema Classic and the way Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum’s five-year-old landed the 1m4f turf event by three lengths, left the impression there was a lot more to come. The King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes winner came out of that race really well and a big run is expected. He is a confident selection.

OUR KYLIE (Carlisle 2.55) was beaten fairly convincingly on her handicap hurdling debut (a conditional riders’ event) at Doncaster last month for trainer Tony Coyle, but has since joined Brian Ellison’s yard. While she gave the impression she will be suited by further than the 2m½f she got, she has been highly tried and she is at a yard that traditionally has done well with recruits from other yards.

SPRING LOADED (Kempton 3.25) completed a hat-trick for Paul Darcy with two 6f wins at Lingfield, having previously taken a similar Class 2 event at Wolverhampton. He came from off the pace to score last time and he keeps sneaking narrow wins, which keeps him ahead of the handicapper, who cannot put him up too much. Up 2lb today, there is still improvement in him and he is being campaigned superbly.

NAKADAM (Carlisle 2.20) is likely to get his ground, providing the forecast overnight rain arrives. He was beaten a quarter of a length by Kilbree Chief at Ayr last month in a 3m3f handicap chase, having hit the last and had his ground taken by the winner thereafter. He looked unlucky in a weak race but the pair pulled well clear and the form might not be that bad.

OTHER SELECTIONS:

MEYDAN: 11.45 Handassa, 12.20 Cool Cowboy, 12.55 Manatee, 1.35 Polar River, 2.10 Sole Power, 2.45 X Y Jet, 3.45 Intilaaq, 4.20 POSTPONED (NAP), 5.00 California Chrome

KEMPTON PARK: 1.10 Bills Delight, 1.40 Rapacity Alexander, 2.15 Windshear, 2.50 Afonso De Sousa, 3.25 Spring Loaded, 4.00 Hermatige Bay, 4.35 Duchess Of Marmite, 5.10 Jolivitesse

HAYDOCK: 1.25 Ruby Rambler, 2.00 Uhlan Bute, 2.35 Moorlands Mist, 3.10 Jac The Legend, 3.45 El Beau, 4.20 Woodford County, 4.50 Elgin

CARLISLE: 1.45 Dubai Shen, 2.20 Nakadam, 2.55 Our Kylie, 3.30 Blakemount, 4.05 Wintered Well, 4.40 Swing Hard, 5.15 Wildehearted Woman

NEWTON ABBOT: 2.05 Lapalala, 2.40 Que Sera, 5.15 Ulck Du Lin, 3.50 Distant Sound, 4.25 Hardtorock, 4.55 Lamb’s Cross, 5.25 Western Miller

CORK: 1.50 Clear Cut, 2.25 Beechmount Whisper, 3.00 Crème De La, 3.35 Full Court Press, 4.10 Danequest, 4.45 Quick Jack, 5.20 Sean O’Casey

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Racing Lucky 15 – Friday’s top selections

It is All-Weather Championship Finals day at Lingfield Park, where over £1.1 million is prize money is up for grabs.

Not only does Bet4Causes come complete with an extensive suite of horseracing markets, we try to provide a few winners as well!

Each day we will be providing you with a preview of the day’s racing, offering what our experts feel will be the value bets of the day.

Here are Good Friday’s selections and our idea of a Lucky 15…

LUCKY 15 SELECTIONS

COLD AS ICE (Lingfield 1.40) has had just three all-weather runs, which is the minimum required stipulation to run in any race on All-Weather Championship Finals Day. William Haggas has targeted this 7f fillies’ and mares’ conditions stakes event for a while with the 4yo daughter of Western Winter and she gained an all-the-way success at Chelmsford before Christmas, having been much sharper for her first British run at Wolverhampton in November. The smart former South African filly had a 6f prep on this track in a Listed event and did well to finish a close-up third to Rivellino early last month, having sat well off the pace over an inadequate trip. Back against her own sex and over the right trip today, it will take a very good one to beat her.

GRENDISAR (Lingfield 3.45) has been a standing dish at Lingfield with form figures over the 1m2f course and distance reading 2111232211. Having landed the Winter Derby Trial early last month, Marco Botti’s six-year-old followed up in the Group 3 Winter Derby itself, beating Maverick Wave by a length and a quarter. With a strong pace virtually guaranteed, the selection may well take the Easter Classic.

RIVELLINO (Lingfield 2.10) runs well fresh, as he showed when taking a Listed conditions race over 6f here following a 73-day lay-off early last month. He struggled in this Sprint final last year when drawn 11 of 11 and he met trouble in running. Karl Burke’s runner gets the same berth in a field of 14 today, but he says: “We are drawn wide again, but as long as he gets a good kick from the gate, he should run a big race. He’s in fine form at home and we’re hopeful.”

TAKE CHARGE (Wolverhampton 1.55) showed plenty of ability on his final start of last season at Redcar, albeit when third to Dark Devil in what looked a modest 7f maiden. David Barron’s charge did not appear to handle the undulations of Epsom on his second start and that run can be forgiven. Darryll Holland takes the ride today and improvement can be anticipated.

OTHER SELECTIONS

LINGFIELD: 1.40 COLD AS ICE (NAP), 2.10 Rivellino, 2.40 Notarised, 3.15 Captain Joy, 3.45 Grendisar (nb), 4.15 Wolowitz, 4.45 Race Day

WOLVERHAMPTON: 1.55 Take Charge, 2.25 London Protocol, 2.55 Two Jabs, 3.30 Decandent Times, 4.00 Line Of Reason, 4.30 Rusty Rocket, 5.00 Yorkindred Spirit

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