The Winning Strides

  The York Ebor Festival - Fancies for the week York Racecourse There is some great racing ahead this week with racing at York taking centre stage🏇 Let's hope for a successful week 🤞 Wednesday 23rd August  York 2.25pm: Acomb Stakes (Group 3)  BALLYMOUNT BOY appears to be a solid favourite in this. His close 1L finish behind VANDEEK at Goodwood, who went out to win the G1 Prix Morny next time out, hints at his potential.  That was on soft ground but given his pedigree I think he may have preference for good ground and no rain expected until Friday, conditions seem favourable. The step up to 7f could also work in his favour given his breeding & to me all signs point to a strong showing from BALLYMOUNT BOY. BALLYMOUNT BOY to win at 9/4. York 3.00pm: Great Voltiguer Stakes (Group 2) This race is quite a puzzle with a small field, which often makes picking a bet a bit tricky. GREGORY is currently leading in the betting, but this shorter distance might not be his ide...

  Weekend Reflections -  Prix Morny  Vandeek  The Prix Morny: Gutsy Vandeek Improves again.  I thought VANDEEK would improve for better ground, that didn’t come but he managed to improve again taking his chance G1 on very soft, he outbattled our choice RAMATUELLE just before the finish line & if my suspicions are correct about his knee action,  VANDEEK's potential on a firmer surface ground stills excites me for future races. Vandeek wins the Prix Morny after a thrilling finish at @fgdeauville ! @Atzenijockey | @gainsboroughHQ pic.twitter.com/u1qDLhF7R2 — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) August 20, 2023 RAMATUELLE , despite her weight advantage, took the lead and seemed poised for victory. However, she was bested by a rapidly advancing VANDEEK in the closing stages. Perhaps she hit the front slightly too early, either way RAMATUELLE remains one to keep onside for future races. Arrest Holds No Prisoners 👮. The NAP pick ARREST justified...

   The Sumbe Prix Morny - Race Overview & Tips River Tiber The Subme Prix Morny 🇫🇷 Our main race this weekend comes on Sunday over in France at Deauville is the 3.25pm Group 1 Prix Morny over 6f. The market is topped by one of Aidan O’Briens star 2YO’s River Tiber.  The 9 stand their ground it what looks to be the most exciting 2YO race of the season.  RIVER TIBER is favoured by outstanding Coventry form, but a recent setback raises concerns.  RAMATUELLE, the French contender, gains a 4lb allowance being a filly but needs to improve on her impressive G3 victory. She will act on any ground.  VANDEEK impressed on soft ground at Goodwood & his knee action suggesting more improvement on better ground, but the quick turnaround is a concern.  ELITE STATUS burst onto the scene & has a C&D victory to his name. Discounting a loss to a 150/1 shot at Royal Ascot, he's a contender.  JASOUR seems to excel on firmer ground, not yet e...

Weekend Reflections - Phoenix Stakes Bucanero Fuerte takes the G1 Phoenix Stakes The Phoenix Stakes: Bucanero Fuerte confirms the form & lands the Phoenix stakes. Our prediction came through as BUCANERO FUERTE triumphed in the Phoenix Stakes, maintaining his perfect record at the course, making it 3 wins from 3 races at the Curragh.  He confirmed his supremacy over his old rival UNQUESTIONABLE , who finished fourth, probably not his true running,  possibly due to pre-race playing up in the stalls. 🚀🚀🚀 Bucanero Fuerte streaks away to take the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes 🥇 #ITVRacing | @curraghrace | @amoracingltd pic.twitter.com/N5llJv82gp — ITV Racing (@itvracing) August 12, 2023 I highlighted PORTA FORTUNA as a potential contender, and she put in a strong performance by securing second place in what appeared to be a competitive race on paper. In reality, BUCANERO FUERTE was dominant and secured victory well before the final furlong. His progress continues, ...

  Phoenix Stakes Weekend - Race Overview & Tips Bucanero Fuerte & Unquestionable The Phoenix Stakes: Railway Rematch 🚆 Saturday's main race on the card at Curragh is the 4:40pm Group 1 Phoenix Stakes over 6f. The market is topped by both Buncanero Fuerte for the AMO racing team & Questionable from the Ballydoyle Battalion.  The 7 stand their ground which doesn't leave much appeal for any each-way angles.  Let's take a look at when the 2 market leaders last did battle: What a start to Irish Derby Day! Bucanero Fuerte just edges out Unquestionable at the line. @Rossaryan1 taking the win for @AMurrayRacing pic.twitter.com/0Z3kzEwT7j — The Curragh Racecourse (@curraghrace) July 2, 2023   Okay so let's have a look at the rematch.  BUCANERO FUERTE has shown his prowess at this course, unbeaten in 2 with a C&D victory in the Railway Stakes. 1L behind RIVER TIBER at Ascot. He showcases the best form in this race. QUESTIONABLE's Railway Stake...

  National Hunt - Jumpers to Follow 23/24 National Hunt Fences  It's been hit & miss with my flat bets this season and I can’t deny it, I do prefer the jumps racing.  Here are 5 horses I think you should keep your eye on this upcoming season 🏇 Novice Hurdler to Follow  CAPTAIN TEAGUE  T: Paul Nicholls Nicholls, often associated with his talented chasers, surprised a few by entering CAPTAIN TEAGUE in last year's Champion Bumper, an uncommon move for him. A Dream To Share - Champion Bumper 2023 #CheltenhamFestival pic.twitter.com/mZObeNobXS — Cheltenham Festival Fans (@cheltfestfans) July 22, 2023 Despite being a 33/1 outsider, he impressed with a strong 3rd place finish, the only UK-trained horse in the top 10. With just two starts under his belt, his potential is evident. Considering he is trained by Paul Nicholls, having obstacles in his path should only enhance his performance. A 2m4f Point-to-Point win hints at his stamina, possibly leading to a targe...

Week Reflections - The Weather didn't help Mystical Power  The Weather didn't help matters this week, with Goodwood having to be called off halfway through the Saturday card. Having winners was a tough task but we managed a few.  Mystical Monday 🔮 The week started off nicely with 2/3 coming in on Monday. MYSTICAL POWER (Galileo x Annie Power) proved that he was bred to be a champ and disposed of his rivals smartly.  Under a top trainer in Willie Mullins, this lad could go right to the very top. Different class! Mystical Power - by Galileo out of Annie Power - bolts up in an exciting start to the 2023 Galway Festival and remains unbeaten for Mark Walsh, Willie Mullins and JP McManus 🏇 pic.twitter.com/Zs71BtEvVM — Racing TV (@RacingTV) July 31, 2023   MYTHOLOGY made it 2/2 to start the day off. As I've been suggesting the softer ground & 7f seem to suit this horse. He showed his class with no potential Ballydoyle superstar lurking, he won comfortably. Anoth...