Can McCain Overturn the odds?

Final preparations are always crucial especially if you are on the road to the festival. Donald McCain was pleased with workout that his Champion Hurdle hopeful had earlier today after racing at Bangor-On-Dee. Last year Overturn finished down the field behind McCain's other charge Peddler's Cross and the Irish Maestro Hurricane Fly - this year Peddler's Cross will be heading elsewhere at the festival leaving the yard's hopes with the spirited dual purpose front runner. Overturn has had a break and comes into the race of better form this year than last - today's work out will only make him more competitive again along with what appears to be ever drying ground. There is no doubt that he likes the spring and summer (especially after a rest) - with the weather being positively Spring-like at 33/1 it is worthwhile considering him overturning his odds and squeaking a place. If he can get out in front and dominant he may run the finish out of  many of the others. Hurricane Fly will be crowned Champion again and Overturn's place competition I should guess will come from Binocular, Thousand Stars and Zarkander.  

thedeadcert is dedicated to the memory of William Crockford

In 1844 William Crockford's horse Ratan was due to run in the Derby. Unfortunately for Crockford his prized horse was poisoned before the race. On receiving the news Crockford suffered a seizure and died too. His friends were appalled not only because of the sad news of William's demise but also due to the fact this would disqualify Crockford's entry in the Oaks, who they had all bet on (as under rules an owner had to be alive for their horse to run). To avoid loosing their fortunes on this racing certainty they arranged for Crockford's body to be positioned in a window in sight of the course. Crockford's filly duely obliged and they all collected their winnings well before anyone realised that the familiar figure watching over the Epsom course was actually a corpse.

thedeadcert (thedeadcert.blogspot.com) in the memory of Crockford's love of the turf and gambles will provide you with the modern day dead certs and each way whispers

Will we be singing home Queen's jubilee festival hope or will just be another close shave?

Will it be in this the Diamond Jubilee year that Her Majesty has a festival winner? Ex-top class Henderson  trained Barbers Shop runs later today at Fontwell on his way to the Foxhunters on Gold Cup day. Today he is 8/15 to brush aside his rivals but his longer odds for the festival (14/1 with the magic sign and Hills) might tumble if he impresses in the Whitelaw Challenge Cup later. A small each way investment was made earlier at that attractive price of 14/1 - even if there is Chapoturgeon to worry about when they come up the Cheltenham hill. It could be a poorly placed sentiment or we could all be singing home a royal winner in March - it will look obvious if it happens.

Minsk stuck in the mud of his hype?


If you had even listened to half the hype coming out of the Emerald Isle you would have put your house and even your neighbours too on the novice. Touted as favourite for the Triumph hurdle and best we seen for a while Minsk bottomed out and couldn't find that extra gear from the last at Fairyhouse. However, 16-1 for the Triumph could be value.