Equinties - Sherwood calls it a day

Gm Equinauts

We had another winner for the newsletter yesterday as Balding’s little rocket filly REMINDER landed the evening gamble.

There was strong whispers a while ago that she was good and after her more than quiet debut at Wolverhampton, we took our chance at 8’s and the anxiety was set in for the day.

When late money poured in the yard intentions were clear and you may as well slapped the W next to her name before the race as even off.

That’s 4 bets landed since Saturday now, we go for 5 in a row today.

Chimp management: Now don’t give it back to the bookies. The Fantasy numbers have been down recently - are you betting less and not playing the game at all or is the chimp out of control with the bigger pot?

Read below and understand the importance of using something like the TOTE Fantasy league to be enjoy horse racing more and be a better punter.

Let’s dive in.

MERCH

We’ve got merch coming and yes, Finndog themed tee’s will be available …and of course, very limited edition.

Stay tuned.

BGP FANTASY LEAGUE COMP

We’ve been hyping up the TOTE’s new Fantasy game since we found it. Why? Simply because there is nothing else out there now which can help people cage the betting chimp while maintaining an emotional interest in the big races of the day.

People bet way too much and the Fantasy allows you to get limited risk on, fill your brain up with the dope it craves and still be in the mix for a big win.

It’s bad racing today - perfect time to play it. If we hit 250 stables, top of the BGP private league get’s a new ‘GM’ cap.

HEADLINE ROUND UP

Oliver out

One of the ‘good guys’ in the national hunt game call time on his illustrious training career yesterday as Oliver Sherwood officially retired with immediate effect.

Having trained his final winner in what turned out to be his final every run on Sunday thanks to MYSTIC MAN at Fakenham on Sunday, the man who has won the Grand National, Cleeve Hurdle, Hatton’s Grace Hurdle, Long Walk Hurdle, Challow Hurdle, and Cotswold Chase (to name just a few) will now head off to be assistant trainer to Harry Derham - what a brilliant move for both Oliver and Harry.

A horse synonymous with the Sherwood yard and one you’ll all recognise is MANY CLOUDS.

The post-Grand National celebrations at his yard and at the proceeding Lambourn Open Day were epic. With crowds five people deep at Oliver’s Lambourn HQ, they were all there to catch a glimpse of the Grand National star.

Known for his braveness, MANY CLOUDS simply did not know when to throw in the towel and sadly, it was ultimately that ‘never give up’ attitude which tragically killed him in 2017.

That Cotswold Chase will be etched in NH fans’ memories forever. MANY CLOUDS vs THISTLECRACK. Toe to toe over three hard miles at the home of jumps racing, they both pulled 20 lengths clear of the field and battled all the way through the line. MANY CLOUDS won, by half a length. One of the best races you’ll see.

And then the news came. Released by ITV Racing, MANY CLOUDS had collapsed and died after the line. He had left everything out there.

I cried that day.

Oliver Sherwood was a great trainer and his legacy in the training game will be one that is remembered for a while.

Happy retirement, Oliver.

What a comeback

Wolverhampton played host to a brilliant comeback story yesterday as Mollie Wonnacott, two years after breaking her neck at Cheltenham, rode her first winner back from injury onboard Tony Carroll’s STORM ASSET.

The 16/1 shot was ridden nicely by the jockey who suffered two fractures in her C1 vertebrae having been unseated from KANSAS CITY CHIEF in the 2021 Pertemps.

On her 15th ride back, she was very thankful post-race, as she said: "I thought this wasn't going to happen at one point.

"I've been waiting for this for so long. I decided to give it a go on the Flat when I came back as I was plenty light enough and had a good few spins. I'm absolutely delighted and I can't thank Tony enough."

Congrats Millie - a brilliant story.

Singapore no more

To end in a rather sombre note, it was confirmed yesterday that horse racing in the jurisdiction of Singapore will cease operations in late 2024 following a government ruling.

This is a sad story. People have built their livelihoods around this game in Singapore and they have less than 16 months to up and leave to continue in the industry, if they do wish.

Some of the game’s greatest competitors have graced the track, including a certain Frankie Dettori, and you can only feel sorry for the people closely associated to the Singapore racing community.

NEW FEATURE - YOUNG BLOOD

Notes on pedigree, attractive crosses and sales trends

18.00 Lingfield 

PACKARD is bred on the same cross as exciting 2yo winner ASADNA (Bougheys) by Mehmas o/o a New Approach mare. A half brother to Dukebox (r96) who was a good 2yo for Hannons winning his first two before going on to be listed placed. Cost 150,000 at the breeze up sales.

POINT OF ATTACK is by Darley’s young stallion BLUE POINT A 125k guineas yearling whose mother is a full sister to What A Style who won 1 race as a 2yo. The dam of POINT OF ATTACK has produced 3 runners and 3 winners.

STARLUST is by ZOUSTAR. A late April foal who is out of an Invincible Spirit mare who was second in the Lowther Stakes as a 2yo. Much further down the page is MASTERCRAFTSMAN. Maybe needs a little time, but could surprise us.

TWO TRIBES by RAJASINGHE, and a 6k foal purchase. An emphasis on 2yo speed in his pedigree. He had the reopposing DARK BEFORE DAWN behind him last time out (lto), he’s one for nurseries potentially.

ARRAN BAY is by the Highclere Stud cast off CABLE BAY. This chap has a nice page, his mother has produced 2 two year old winners and is a sister to the dam of DDREAM AHEAD who was JT Champion 2yo. A 26,000gns buy, watch the market.

Verdict: With experience on his side, PACKARD should pack a punch.

TODAYS RACING

Today’s best stats

20.45 GLENISTER - SMP has a 50% strike rate booking the Hammer at course.

21.00 THANK THE LORD - Hodgson maintains a 40% strike rate when travelling this far for a race.

These stats do not constitute financial advice. Use to either play the Fantasy league or create a ‘chimp acca’ to allow you to practice good habits and play singles with conviction.

RISK ON

Four bets, four winners since Saturday. Let’s push on.

16.00 TO CATCH A THIEF

Shaggas likes this horse. Was underwhelming at Newbury lto but, like yesterday’s filly, we’ll continue to follow. Full bet at 3/1.

SHAZAM in the 15.00 should be good leverage today. Love the way she bolted up on fast the other day and despite yards record when running them again so quickly, she’ll be hard to beat.