Knockeenonthedoor runs at Tramore on NYD

Those of you that know me well, will know that I am a part owner of a horse called Knockeenonthedoor. Myself and 64 other racing enthusiasts purchased the horse back in March 2011, with the help and guidance of Mr Henry de Bromhead. In fact the whole group syndicate was administered by Henry and his staff through social networking site Facebook. Until the first open day at the yard many of the group hadn't met Knockeenonthedoor let alone each other - all communication has been through Facebook and wall posts. This way all topics and discussions are done openly and fairly with everyone being able to voice their opinions.

So far, KOTD has had some harsh luck and we are hoping 2012 is his year to provide the Network Sixty-Five punters with some great chances to go racing.

His first race at Wexford was in tough maiden hurdle company and he was by no means disgraced coming in 7th to "Cash and Go" & "Scots Gaelic". The weather that day was pretty bad (but typical for Ireland in October!) due to the amount of rain etc the ground had more cut than we would have liked. For his first start under rules we were optimistic and took many positives from what we saw.

KOTD second start came at Navan and many of the horses from the Wexford race were opposing him again. This race was marred by Jim Feeney running out badly at the 2nd hurdle - thus leaving the 2nd placed KOTD to take up the running. This was not the plan and probably cost him the race, as we would have preferred him to be handy coming over the last - with the hope of nicking it. To his credit though he stuck at the task and was going well until falling at the 2nd last hurdle. I think I speak for all associated with KOTD when I say, we waited with bated breath for jockey Andrew Lynch and KOTD to rise from the turf. Again, the group as a whole were gutted to not finish and possibly nick a place. KOTD was not disgraced by almost making it all, and the form looks solid.

Tomorrow (NYD) will see the blue and white silks of Network Sixty-Five on course for the third time at Tramore. KOTD has had some much needed R&R following his excretions at Navan and Henry believes he is in fine form. If all goes well and he is handy coming over the last - he will receive the biggest cheer from all involved and will get the New Year off to a flyer!

No matter how bad your hangover maybe tomorrow - make sure you are up for the 12.05 @ Tramore - Sky Channel 415.

Come on Knockeenonthedoor and Happy New Year!

King Kauto goes for a Long Run - 3m in fact

Boxing Day see's the most anticipated renewal of the King George VI since................... well last year!!

This years most notable absentee from the betting is Denman, the big bull of a horse was put out to pastures new only a few weeks ago.  However, his stable-box neighbour Kauto Star has shown a new lease of life, winning the Betfair Chase at Haydock whilst putting current favourite Long Run to the sword.  Granted Long Run never goes well fresh and he will definitely come on for his second to Kauto, but if Kauto can jump as he did at Haydock surely there will be only one winner come 3.20 on the 26th.

The rest of the field are no mugs and merit a mention, Master Minded (who is owned by the same owner as Kauto and runs in the same silks) has potential but there are questions over the trip for him.  Somersby will try and reverse the form book on Masterminded who has beaten him on no less than four occasions!  Nacarat is surely too long in the tooth now and I can't see him improving on his 4th place he achieved last year.  Captain Chris is my pick of the rest and will be featuring in my tri-cast selection, he has been in the frame in some good races this year and could easily feature if one of the big two slip up.

The ante-post betting has changed over the past 12 hours and as usual the bookies have trimmed any sort of fat off their prices.  Long Run and Kauto Star have been slashed into 5/4 & 7/2 respectively whilst Master Minded has been pushed out to 11/2.

My selections for the King George VI are as follows:
1.  Long Run
2.  Kauto Star - available at 4/1 with Ladbrokes
3.  Captain Chris - available at 8/1 with Ladbrokes

My head says Long Run but my heart is saying Kauto Star - have a good Christmas.


FREE BETS TO BE AWARE OF - follow the links on the outside of the blog or at Freepunt

CORAL - will match 50% of your stake, up yo £100 - this bet is for new and customers already with them.  All you need to do is enter the code: RELOAD100 to qualify for this offer.  e.g. deposit & stake £200 - you receive a free bet for £100.

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Cheltenham or Christmas Shopping?

Well today throws up some of the stars of the jump racing world at the most prestigious racecourse in the British Isles. So I'm faced with the dilemma of starting the Christmas shopping or a day at the coalface robbing the bookies blind???
Many of the fields from last months meet return - with some new challengers from across the Irish sea.

Who will come out on top - will Nicholls assert his grip on the trainers championship or will Nicky bring his A game & repeat his 7 winner haul?
An interesting read is the below blog which points you in the right direction for a tidy profit.

Narrowing the Field - courtesy of @Ruairc

I will be heeding some of the advice and be backing the following selections:

12.00 - Solix 11/10
1.45 - Mostly Bob 6/1
2.55 - Oscargo 5/4

I know they are quite skinny in price but I think these are nailed on to win.

Happy punting and make sure to use the free bet links on the blog.