The Student Punter

Writing this blog post from my hotel room in New York today, so I'm going to keep it fairly brief and again there won't be a write up for the bet I'm putting up for Friday's action. Before getting on to the first bet of September it's time to look back on how the blog has performed over the month of August. A couple of key stats below but I also have spreadsheets for each month with every bet detailed if anyone is interested in seeing the month in full. AUGUST P/L: +27.07 Points ROI: 38.7% It didn't take too long for the blog to get into profit for August, with MASTER THE WORLD (9/1) and MOUNTAIN RESCUE (10/1) getting the blog rolling on the 4th of the month. It's fair to say that following that the blog went through a bit of a dry spell, but we bounced back to winning ways with a 33/1 (20p R4)  winner in the shape of VIKING HOARD. Winners at 14/1, 12/1 and 5/2 also followed with other placed efforts throughout the month. Chuffed to be in a healthy...

Off to New York today for a few days so won't be posting regularly for a while, although I have one bet for Thursday below. I'll try and write a review of Augusts performance in terms of profit and ROI if I get the chance if not it'll be up next Tuesday. 15:30 Chelmsford - MAJOR CRISPIES 10/1 1 Point Win

Took the day off yesterday because I didn't have enough time to study the cards, found one for today though at double figure odds which looks set to go well. Good luck if you follow 14:30 Musselburgh -  LIL SOPHELLA 11/1 1 Point Win Lil Sophella is very well handicapped based on some of her old form and on her last start she hinted that she may be about to take advantage of her lower handicap mark. She caught the eye last time at Thirsk when she stayed on late and made ground in a race where it paid to be up with the pace. She was, perhaps generously, dropped two pounds for that performance so races off a mark of 67 here. Having won off marks as high as 78 in the past and a course and distance win to her name, she looks set to go well today at a nice price.

15:55 Ripon - ONE WORD MORE 12/1 1 Point Each-Way One Word More caught the eye in no uncertain terms when running on late at Goodwood in a top class handicap after meeting trouble in running. He was very generously dropped a pound after that performance but next time out at York he missed the break and never really got involved in what was also a very high quality handicap. Off a mark of 92 again which he has won off in the past, in what looks a weaker contest, he looks a cracking each way bet at double figure odds. 12:30 Southwell - GUNNER MOYNE 11/2 1 Point Win It is always vital at Southwell to have course form to your name and Gunner Moyne has just that, having won over a mile on his last start at the track back in April. The big question mark for him is whether he will stay the step back up to 1m4f. His only start over todays distance came at Kempton in August of last year, he finished a respectable fifth that day having raced nowhere near enough to the pace, left far...

Very frustrating yesterday, with the main bet of the day getting done on the line at 14/1. Just the one bet for Sunday down below, I have already looked at tomorrows cards so bets will be up as soon as prices are available. 15:10 Curragh - ST BRELADES BAY 12/1 1 Point Win It is worth putting a line through St Brelade's Bay's most recent run as the soft ground went against him that day. Instead, its worth paying attention to his second placed finish over 7f at the curragh, where despite being challenged for the lead he managed to stick on well and was only headed in the final furlong. Based on that, the drop back to 6f will suit and that is the only distance over which he has won. I find it strange that the money seems to be coming for Rattling Jewel, given that the selection is a massive 23lb better off with that rival for finishing 1 3/4 lengths behind him over course and distance back in June. Returning to ground that suits, St Brelades Bay looks overpriced here.

14:25 York - BIN BATTUTA 14/1 1.5 Points Each-Way On the face of it, going up up 5lb for winning by a head may seem on the harsh side, but if you had seen how Bin Battuta ate up the ground last time at Ascot you would agree that couldn't be further from the truth. He was last and had to switch very wide when turning for home, but he rattled home from the 2f pole and battled bravely in the closing stages to deny the hat trick seeking Cape Coast. The form of that Ascot contest looks strong with the fourth and fifth both coming out and winning since, also the sixth lost by just a nose next time out. Bin Battuta is a very well bred sort who is clearly well though of as he holds an entry for the St Ledger next month, he could take another step forward here and prove to be a group horse in time. 15:00 York - STAR STORM 16/1 0.5 Points Each-Way It's a long time since Star Storm won a race, nearly two years in fact, but he still looks a good each-way bet in the Ebor based ...

13:55 York - LONDINIUM 10/1 1 Point Each-Way Londinium has looked a progressive animal this term, seen clearly with his win in a valuable handicap at Goodwood. I think it would be silly to say he didn't perform to a similar, or even better level just two days later at the same venue. He finished second but I think theres a possibility he could have bumped into a good one there in Walton Street. Provided he has recovered fully from those two runs in quick succession on soft ground, theres a possibility he could continue his upward curve today. He gets a handy 9lb weight for age allowance in this contest and creeps near the bottom of the weights.

15:00 York - FLAMING SPEAR 14/1 0.5 Points Each-Way The impressive nature of Flaming Spear's win at Newcastle in January hasn't gone unnoticed, but he still looks potentially well handicapped. He was disappointing at Ascot at the end of last month, but given the six month absence prior to that, he may have needed the run. He won here at York on his debut so the course shouldn't pose a problem and he looks a decent each-way bet. BLAIR HOUSE 14/1 0.5 Points Each Way It is possible that it wasn't the rise in the weights that blunted Blair House last time out, but instead it was the soft conditions. Prior to that he ran a huge race in the Royal Hunt Cup Tom finish second, with ground conditions drying out there could be another big run on the cards from Charlie Appleby's charge. It's interesting there's a change of headgear today too, hopefully it has a positive effect.

Some cracking racing this week at York which kicks off today, the group races look top quality but they will be more of a watching brief to me, although there is a bet I fancy in the big handicap below. 16:15 York - EDGE OF SANITY 20/1 1 Point Each-Way Edge Of Sanity won this contest three years ago off a mark of 96 and comes into this off a mark 3lbs lower than that. He has only raced three times since that success so he must have had his fair share of problems, but returned to the track after two years off (and a gelding operation) to run a fine race over course and distance finishing third behind Theydon Grey last month. He reopposes his conqueror from that day on 3lb better terms and should come on for the run after a lengthy absence. Obviously, the main concern is the 'Bounce factor' but I'm willing to take a chance as it looks like he's been laid out for this race. 16:00 Bath - TARTE TROPEZIENNE 2/1 3 Points Win This is a horse I've been waiting ...

Frustrating to draw a blank on Saturday but we move on and theres just the one bet I fancy for Monday's action. 15:45 Thirsk - BOGART 9/1 1 Point Each-Way The one that jumps off the page in this contest is obviously the very unexposed African Friend, however odds of around 2/1 in a 19 runner field don't interest me at all. Instead, I'm siding with a very exposed eight year old, Bogart. He hasn't won since this time four years ago, but went very close over 6f at this track a couple of weeks ago. He showed enough that day to think he still retains enough ability to win a race like this, especially off a mark of 81 - having won off a mark as high of 97 when he was at his best. The one main negative looks to be his wide draw, but the drop back to 5f shouldn't be a problem at all and he looks a good each-way play against the short priced favourite. SkyBet are paying 5 places and are best price so makes sense to get on there if you can.

Not the highest quality stuff this Saturday but a quartet of selections down below. 15:20 Newmarket - REBEL STREAK 5/2 2  Points Win Rebel Streak is unlucky not to have shed his maiden tag already, he was denied a clear run at Ascot on his penultimate start and next time out lost by just a short head to a 100/1 shot at Goodwood. The form of that run has worked out nicely too, both the sixth and seventh placed runners came out and won their next start. Travelcard looks a nice horse but has a penalty to carry today so hopefully that will leave the door open to Rebel Streak to get his first win on the board. 15:40 Doncaster - BASHIBA 6/1 1 Point Each-Way Bashiba has been admirably consistent this year and I'm hoping today is the day he is rewarded for that consistency with a win in this race, which he won 12 months ago. Although he has never won off a mark this high, recent efforts suggest its within his capabilities. He gets his ideal conditions good ground ...

Another day of profit yesterday with the days sole selection placing at 16/1. Again not a huge amount taking my fancy just the one selection for now, will update the blog if I get a chance to take a thourough look at the evening cards. 14:30 Nottingham - AMBITOUS ICARUS 9/1 1 Point Each-Way As his form figures suggest, Ambitious Icarus has been in cracking form of late and he looks to have a chance of notching up his second win in four starts. He has finished a close third in his last two starts, both of which came in class 5 company, he steps down to class 6 here today. He has three wins at Nottingham to his name the last of which came off a mark of 75 so racing off 61 today he looks a solid each way selection. As usual at this time of year the three year olds look the likely dangers.

Well what a belting way to bounce back to form, a 33/1 (20pR4) winner with what turned out to be the only bet of the day yesterday! Puts us back in a nice profit, showing how this game is long term not short term. I took a few days off to reassess what I was doing and upon looking back I realised I may have been guilty of trying to force a few short priced winners which didn't work out. Back with a big priced winner yesterday and hopefully kick on with more today. Good luck if you follow. 19:00 Yarmouth - NELLIE'S DANCER 16/1 1 Point Each-Way  Nellie's Dancer looks a big price here in what is obviously a very competitive race. This filly disappointed last time when well beaten at Catterick but I'm willing to forgive that run given the soft ground and cheekpieces were left off that day. One of her best starts to date came over course and distance two starts back on good to firm ground, so conditions today look ideal and cheekpieces return which could be key. Obvio...

Difficult start to the month but hoping to be back with a bang today after a few days off 16:20 Salisbury - Milky Way 4/1 1 Point Each-Way This lightly race five year old returned to the track recently with a very encouraging run, even given he looks open to improvement being by Galileo. Also Ryan Moore takes over from a less experienced jockey in the saddle and it is very hard to see him out the frame with a repeat performance of last time let alone if he shows expected improvement. Viking Hoard 33/1 0.5 Points Each-Way In the same race as above I'm having a saver on Viking Hoard. Even though he has disappointed recently his best two runs to date have come at this course, also Jim Crowley is on board today which is interesting. Worth a small bet each way at a big price. Betfred paying 4 places if you can get on there. 20:40 Kempton - DUTIFUL SON 20/1 0.5 Points Each-Way There was a few in this contest that interested me and I expect Plant Pot Power and Zeffer...

We were unlucky yesterday with the only runner of the day, the winner stole the race from the front and Critical Thinking got caught on the back foot when the winner kicked for home off the bend. Critical Thinking stayed on well towards the end of the race and managed to get us place money as SkyBet were paying 4 places. Not a massive fan of the Shergar Cup so decided to swerve Ascot altogether when looking at the cards. Not very original bets up I know as they're both favourites but a winner is a winner and lets how we get one on the board. 20:20 Ayr - ROYAL DUCHESS 3/1 1 Point Win Royal Duchess ran with promise off this mark in a class 5 contest last time when staying on to finish third. She drops into a class 6 for the first time since June 2015, when she was seen completing a double over track and trip. She comes into this off a handicap mark 2lb lower than her last winning mark. She also has Jamie Gormley on board taking off 7lbs off and heading to Ayr today fresh off...

Going through a tough run at the moment, just got one for the day. If this one doesn't at least hit the frame I think I'll have to take a step back for a couple days and reassess. 15:50 Wolverhampton - CRITICAL THINKING 10/1 1 Point Each-Way Critical Thinking looks to have slipped to a very workable mark. In recent starts he has not figured, although all of his last six starts have come on turf on which he is yet to win. His last start on the all-weather came on a Tapeta surface at Wolverhampton where he finished third beaten two lengths off a mark of 66, he is 6lbs lower today. His last start on Polytrack came at Lingfield when he won a claimer with todays pilot on board. Hopefully the return to polytrack can help him to return to winning ways, with his 8lb weight for age and Finley Marsh's 7lb claim also helping his cause. Skybet are paying 4 places.

19:35 Wolverhampton - TRANQUIL SOUL 13/8 2 Points Win Tranquil Soul improved to finish second on his second start, behind a  progressive sort of Archie Watson's who has since gone on to finish second in a class 4 contest and is rated 81 now. The form of that most recent run has also been franked by the third placed horse, Sancerre who came out and won very impressively at Bath yesterday. With further improvement expected upped to 7 furlongs (he was staying on late last time), Tranquil Soul looks to have a good chance here. The main danger is obviously Oswald, who made an encouraging debut when finishing second behind another of Archie Watsons, although the form of Tranquil Souls recent start looks slightly stronger on the face of it, Oswald disappointed next time out but will appreciate the return to a synthetic surface. 20:30 Newcastle - AD VITAM 22/1 0.5 Points Each-Way Ad Vitam looks a massive price here, despite not running up to form on the turf the last twice. P...

When finding these bets I didn't think conditions would turn quite as desperate as they have become, which has resulted in one of ours being a non runner and most of the field in the other bet also pulling out. I won't be doing a write up for the only remaining bet, as most of the field are non runners, instead I'll get looking at the cards for tomorrow. 16:40 Pontefract - ROCKWOOD 9/1 1 Point Each-Way NON RUNNER. 14:00 Bath - LUCKY CLOVER 11/4 2 Points Win

It was a disappointing Saturday following another fantastic Friday this week, but we're still in good profit for the month and hopefully get some more pennies in the bank today. 16:30 Salisbury - SMART MOVER 16/1 0.5 Points Each-Way Smart Mover has tumbled down the weights in recent months, her last win came last April, just over a year ago. Since her last win off an official rating of 70 she has fallen to a handicap mark of 53 for todays contest. It is hoped that she hasn't fallen completely out of love with the game, the first time cheekpieces go on and hopefully they can revive her and capitalise on this falling mark. Couple of firms offering 4 places here so get on at those. 15:45 Ripon - SIR BILLY WRIGHT 13/2 1 Point Each-Way After looking over this race and then seeing the prices I was shocked to see the difference in price between Sir Billy Wright and Bossipop, with the latter as short as 2/1. Bossipop is the only last time out winner in the field but h...

14:25 Goodwood - SAIGON CITY 10/1 1 Point Each-Way Saigon City comes into this off a couple months break, but when he was last seen he beat Oriental Fox (The eventual Queen Alexandra winner at Royal Ascot) by over two lengths. That win showed his liking for soft ground which he looks set to encounter tomorrow. Prior to that success he also finished in front of Muntahaa and Frontiersman at Doncaster when second behind Chemical Charge, that looks strong form especially in the context of this race and he should give us a good run for our money. Sky bet are paying 4 places and as I write this are offering best price, so would advise getting on there. 15:35 Goodwood - SIR DANCEALOT 12/1 1 Point Each-Way David Elsworth and Ryan Moore did us a solid one yesterday with Master The World and they team up again here with another decent chance in Sir Dancealot. He comes here off the back of a fine second in the Bunbury Cup and prior to that wasn't disgraced in the Jersey Stakes at...

Disappointing to see Diamonds Pour Moi fade in the closing stages but the strong winds made it tough to make the running, those who managed to get cover benefitted. The winner was highlighted in the write up as a strong contender and she was very impressive in the manor of her victory. She looked short of room on the run in but the way she ate up the ground in the closing stages was very impressive, especially given the testing conditions. I'm confident that Friday could give us the first winner of the month with a few each-way selections at decent prices. 15:00 Goodwood - MASTER THE WORLD 9/1 1 Point Each-Way Master The World is proven on soft ground most notably when second off this mark of 103 at Newmarket last time out. He finished second by a head in this contest a year ago off a mark 1lb higher than todays and the booking of Ryan Moore shows he is clearly expected to go well today at Goodwood. Would recommend getting the six places at SkyBet if you can. 15:35 Goo...

Unfortunately yesterdays bet was a non-runner, but looking at the conditions that seems like it was a sensible decision. Given the horrendous conditions and deteriorating ground I think it is definitely advised to tread carefully at Goodwood today. 14:25 Goodwood - DIAMONDS POUR MOI 14/1 1 Point Each-Way As I have mentioned conditions have been terrible down at Goodwood, as I write this the clerk of the course has said the ground is verging on Heavy. Therefore, Diamond Pour Moi's ability to handle extremely soft ground is valuable in the Lillie Langtry. If you can forgive her reappearance run, she looks to have a good each way chance in this. Two starts back she ran on heavy ground in France in a listed contest ove r  1m4½f   and won by 2 lengths, she stayed on strongly in the closing stages that day so this step up to 1m6f looks like it'll suit. She's one of few in this race who look like they'll handle the ground, and only Harlequeen and Endless Time are rated ...

It was frustrating to see that Oasis Fantasy finished just a neck outside the places yesterday. Not a huge amount I fancy for tomorrow at the moment, may just be the one bet below. 16:25 Goodwood - EBBESBOURNE 13/2 1 Point Each-Way I was was keen to be with a 3 year old in this contest and Sir Michael Stoutes likely improver fits the bill perfectly. Last time out at Newbury she was very unlucky when being denied a clear run behind Ela's Ruby, who went on to finish placed in a group 2 over in France. This is only her fifth start so she is very likely to improve further and getting a nice weight for age allowance from the older horses, she looks a rock solid Each Way bet. Sky bet paying 5 places so reccomend getting on there.