ADVERTISE ridden by Frankie Dettori beating Forever In Dreams (orange) in The Commonwealth Cup (Group 1) at Royal Ascot 21/6/19 Photo Ian Headington / Racingfotos.com

Royal Ascot 2020: Day 4 Preview, Tips

Royal Ascot 2020: Day 4 Preview, Trends, Tips

The fourth day of five at Royal Ascot, and the last for which I offer my tuppence worth; Friday's highlights include the Group 2 Norfolk Stakes, Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes and the headline Group 1 Commonwealth Cup. Yum!

Proceedings commence a little more humbly, however, with the...

1.15 Palace Of Holyroodhouse Handicap (5f, Class 2, 3yo)

Yet another special race this year to start us off is this five-furlong three-year-old handicap. Draw and pace could be material, the map of both looking like this:

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One of the features of this big field is the amount of forward-going types, even in the context of a sprint over the minimum. So, whilst early pace might normally be a key to winning, I'll be looking for a horse to finish off through tiring rivals: the race could change complexion markedly in the last half furlong.

The favourite, and a strong favourite at that, is Art Power. The Kingpower-owned, Tim Easterby-trained runner has won his last two in sensational style and might just be superior to handicap grade. But he's 2/1 or so in a field of a score and more.

Around about him in the high numbers are a couple that may be able to give us a thrill at a more working person's price. Keep Busy won one of those slightly sub-par French minor pattern events last backend and has already had two races since the resumption; as such, she's more match fit than most. She didn't seem to get home over Newcastle's straight six but ran well in second in the Listed Scurry Stakes over Sandown's five last time. She's 16/1.

And in the highest stall of all is Mighty Spirit, trained by Richard Fahey and ridden by Megan Nicholls. This Acclamation filly held her form really well in making the first two six times from nine runs, including the Listed Marygate Stakes, last season. She also ran fine races when sixth of 25 in the Queen Mary and third of 24 in the Weatherby's Super Sprint. She's tough and consistent and has a bit of class. She's also an 16/1 chance.

One other to throw into the pot at a big price is Flippa The Strippa. Trained by Charlie 'Battaash' Hills, her form tailed off towards the end of last season, but she was good enough early on to win the Listed National Stakes at Sandown. If she's benefited from the break she will be finishing on the far side better than many and is available at 28/1.

There are eighteen I haven't mentioned.

It's a good sprint handicap is this, with Art Power the obvious one who might just be too good for them. If he's not, I'll take a chance with two drawn high in Mighty Spirit and Keep Busy.

*

1.50 Albany Stakes (Group 3, 6f, 2yo fillies)

Six furlongs and two-year-old fillies, plenty of whom either won't get home or are not good enough. Wesley Ward's Flying Alaetha is the early favourite, but this turning five furlong dirt winner may not appreciate any rain. In any case it is impossible to quantify her form in the context of an Albany, though we know Ward is 0-for-10, just one placed, with seven of them sent off at single figure odds. Not for me.

Aidan O'Brien is only 1-for-15, though he has had four further placed runners. The winner, Brave Anna, was sent off at 16/1. APOB has had fillies beaten at 5/4, 11/8, 7/4, 2/1 twice and 5/2. Caution is therefore advised about Mother Earth, for all that the sins of her mothers should not necessarily be vested upon her.

Winners of this race have often come at prices, so it might pay to take a chance on something further down the lists. The one with form on the soft side is Golden Melody, trained by William Haggas and ridden by James Doyle. She won her sole start on Haydock's good to soft terrain, seeing off Star Of Emaraaty et al by more than two lengths. She is a natural for the shortlist having stretched away takingly there.

Mark Johnston won this two years ago with Main Edition, and he saddles Ventura Vision. Her sire, No Nay Never, has a fair record with soft ground two-year-olds running six furlongs; she can be expected to be a lot better under these conditions than a Chelmsford second might imply.

But perhaps the man to follow is Mick Channon. He of the windmill celebration of yesteryear has won three Albany Stakes and enjoyed another two placed runners from 16 sent to post. Thus, his entry Mahale commands respect. Only fourth on debut, she stayed on pretty well over five good to firm furlongs at Newmarket that day, a race which has already thrown three winners from four runners further back in the ruck. That great late work, allied to the extra furlong and her trainer's record makes 25/1 very interesting.

There are lots of other interesting candidates in a race where only the outsider has run more than once. But, given that half of the 18 Albany winners to date returned 10/1 or bigger, including 16/1 three times, 20/1 and 50/1, I'm playing 25/1 Mahale each way with four places. 8/1 Golden Melody may be the best value from the top shelf.

*

2.25 Norfolk Stakes (Group 2, 5f, 2yo)

Another juvenile heat, this time the fast five of the Norfolk. If the Albany often goes to a price, this Group 2 has tended to be a top of the market affair, two-thirds of the winners since 1999 returning 6/1 or shorter. The race has been a platform for stallions such as Dutch Art, No Nay Never, Johannesburg and Approve, and perhaps another will promote his claims for the breeding sheds at this early career juncture.

This is a race in which Wes has gone well, with a pair of winners from seven starters. Likewise, Aidan, whose haul reads 3 from 20, 6 more placed, a run that started with the magnificent Johannesburg.

Favourite, and short enough at 6/4, is Eye Of Heaven. The Mark Johnston runner beat Get It - fourth in the Windsor Castle earlier in the week - on their respective debuts, and they had subsequent Windsor Castle winner Tactical behind them in third. It is fair to say that that was an above average novice. Eye Of Heaven did it comfortably enough there and probably deserves to be jolly in spite of ground conditions being potentially quite different here; whether you're excited by an offer close to evens is another question. I am not especially. It does mean that the rest are varying degrees of each way prices.

Wesley runs Golden Pal, a son of Uncle Mo who didn't get home over four-and-a-half furlongs on debut at Gulfstream; how he'll handle the straight five is up for grabs. Although Ward has a solid history in the race, his recent Royal Ascot record is less good: a seven-runner washout last year and just one from nine in 2018. He is eminently capable of delivering winners on this stage, but they're all plenty short enough against the recent macro.

Like Golden Pal, Aidan's runner, Lipizzaner is also an Uncle Mo child: he's found one too good on both starts to date, but has shown both ground versatility and the ability to deal with a big field. His trainer won the Norfolk in 2015 and 2017 and should be on the premises once more.

The Lir Jet looked very good when romping his debut at Yarmouth and has since been acquired by Qatar Racing. Still trained by Michael Bell, whose two previous Norfolk entries ran second and third, but as far back as 2003 and 2006, the Jet will have to cope with better opposition and softer turf; but he is very quick and he might just do it.

From a very small sample, the juvenile progeny of Due Diligence have done really well on softish ground and that is a nod to Jo Jo Rabbit, a four-length winner on his second and most recent start.

This is a race that revolves around Eye Of Heaven who could be very smart and may just win. But his price offers nothing to value players given how many unexposed and well-bred rivals square up. In that spirit, I'll take a chance that 6/1 The Lir Jet can handle these conditions, and will have a small each way stab at 14/1 Jo Jo Rabbit, whose trainer Archie Watson can ready a rapid juvie. Four places, more if you can find 'em!

*

3.00 Hardwicke Stakes (Group 2, 1m4f, 4yo+)

A mile and a half Group 2 for older horses, and a race in which Sir Michael Stoute has a stranglehold: he's won no fewer than eight since 2006! Of course, that would be too easy... he doesn't have a runner this year!!

Mark Johnston is a four-time winner, though the last of that quartet was in 2005. He's only saddled four runners since, including Universal who was third in 2013. Communique was last a year ago. That one lines up again this time but it is his stablemate Elarqam who appeals more. That one, a Frankel half-brother to Maydanny, who ran earlier in the week, amongst others, just failed to peg back Lord North on his seasonal debut.

Lord North was a clear-cut victor in the Prince Of Wales's Stakes on Wednesday, beating Addeybb, who Elarqam had behind him when winning the York Stakes. In between times, he was third in the Group 1 Juddmonte International and, while stamina has to be taken on trust, his form looks as good as any in the field.

Last year's Derby winner, Anthony Van Dyck, is an obvious alternative. However, in six post-Epsom runs he's yet to revisit the winner's enclosure; and the fact that there was a mere three-quarters of a length covering the first five casts a further fog of doubt over the form. If that wasn't enough, he was also thumped in the King George over course and distance, though in his defence that may have come soon enough after two Derby efforts - he was runner up in the Irish Derby between Epsom and Ascot.

Defoe won this race last year, looking like a progressive horse in the process. Things haven't really panned out that way in three races since, however, including a further run over track and trip so he, too, has a little prove.

A winner over course and distance last October was Morando, and by six lengths, too, in a Group 3. This is a step up in grade with the ground likely to be a little less testing and he has a bit to find with an 'A game' Defoe on last year's Hardwicke form. That said, if it was very wet, he'd come into play.

Hamish steps into Group company for the first time, the William Haggas-trained four-year-old progressing through the handicap ranks last season. He needs to find nearly a stone with Elarqam.

Talking of progressive four-year-olds, Fanny Logan won a trio of Listed races last term, and then a Group 3 before running an excellent three-length fourth in the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf at Santa Anita. She was patently given too much to do on her seasonal bow at Haydock and, bred for the trip, is more interesting than many in receipt of her gender allowance.

Of the monster prices, Alounak's overseas form - in any of Germany, Canada or America - would give him an outside chance of making the first four. Remember, the Hungarian Nagano Gold nearly took the whole enchilada in last year's race, failing by only a half length at whopper prices.

At the risk of egg on face for a second time this week, I'm against a Ballydoyle favourite. I much prefer 3/1 ELARQAM to Anthony Van Dyck and have backed him accordingly. 17/2 Fanny Logan is playable each way and the big swingers might try 50/1 Alounak.

*

3.35 Commonwealth Cup (Group 1, 6f, 3yo)

This newish race, now in its sixth year, has been a hit from the get go. Winners like Muhaarar, Caravaggio and Advertise (pictured, top) have scorched the Ascot turf in dazzling victories.

Top rated this year is the filly Millisle on 115. She was sent off 4/1 for the 1000 Guineas but clearly didn't stay the trip and this looks much more appropriate. She raced exclusively at five and six furlongs last term, winning the Group 1 Cheveley Park amongst others. Sprinting is her game and, if the exertions of two trips across the Irish Sea for two races in a fortnight don't fatigue her, she is the one to beat. Her profile mimics that of last year's winner, Advertise, who put a non-staying Guineas run to bed in this.

Favoured is Pierre Lapin, unbeaten in two including a Group 2 at Newbury last September. He's been off for nine months, though most of Roger Varian's have been forward enough on their first run of the year. He has a few pounds to find with Millisle on form though clearly has scope to progress after just two spins.

Golden Horde had a few goes as a juvenile, winning the Group 2 Richmond Stakes at Goodwood and running close up behind Earthlight twice, including in the G1 Middle Park last backend. Again, fitness must be taken on trust.

Wesley Ward has brought the rapid filly Kimari across. She was a head second to Raffle Prize in the Queen Mary here last June and a staying on fourth in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint in November. She opened her account over six furlongs in April and certainly has credentials to get involved: unlike many of Wesley's she settles well so Frankie will have every chance.

Lope Y Fernandez is another who comes from an abortive Guineas bid, this time in the Irish 2000 where he was a trouble-making third to Siskin. His sprint form was good last year though not quite at the level of a couple of these.

France is represented by Wooded, a six-furlong Group 3 winner last month. As you'll know if you've been reading these previews all week, I'm not a big fan of the French flat form just now, and am carpet opposing this colt on that basis. His form is at lower Group level anyway.

Remember when Mum's Tipple blitzkrieged his field by eleven lengths at York last year? He's been whacked twice since, most recently when not at all at the races in the 2000 Guineas, but a repeat of that effort on the Knavesmire would likely be just about enough.

This is another cracking serving of the Commonwealth Cup with lashings of speed and more than a little spice. I think it might go the way of the fillies and, to that end, I like both 7/1 Kimari and 11/1 Millisle to show the boys the way home.

*

4.10 Queen's Vase (Group 2, 1m6f, 3yo)

A recognised St Leger trial these days but it arrives ahead of the Derby in this topsy-turvy 2020. In point of fact, the Queen's Vase has actually become a top class rehearsal for future Cup horses, with all of Estimate, Stradivarius, Leading Light and Kew Gardens prevailing since 2012. What a National Hunt stallion Stradivarius is going to make! 😉

Since 1998, three trainers have operated a near cartel on the Vase: Mark Johnston has recorded seven scores, Aidan O'Brien six, and Sir Michael Stoute four. SMS is unrepresented this season as, remarkably, is 'Always Trying' (to win the Queen's Vase). Thankfully, APOB runs a pair.

Santiago is the choice of Ryan Moore, the son of Authorized stepping up from a mile and looking bred to appreciate it. He'll need to, though, as his form to date is only average.

Frankie Dettori is enjoying plenty of Ballydoyle partnerships as a result of the Irish/overseas riders having to go through quarantine, and he's on Nobel Prize, a brother to Highland Reel, Idaho and Cape Of Good Hope. He, too, steps up from a mile and he, too, has a pedigree that screams improvement. Those siblings really catch the eye and I expect this fellow to be a player.

Born With Pride is the favourite, trained by William Haggas. He won a Listed race over a mile on heavy ground on his career debut, testament to the esteem within which he is presumed to be held. It must have been a little disappointing, then, that he could only trail home seventh of nine on his next and most recent run 16 days ago; though that lifetime bow augurs talent, he's not much of a price on the recovery trail.

Godolphin's Al Dabaran was beaten in two back end runs in France so, while my casual dismissal of such form lines is going to go bad at some point, he's readily overlooked for all that he is the highest rated in the field and has a nice staying pedigree. He's had more tries than many of his rivals and my guess is that some will improve past him for this far greater test of stamina.

Berkshire Rocco is really interesting. Trained by last year's winning handler, Andrew Balding, he comes here from the Lingfield Derby Trial, a route trodden by four Queen's Vase winners since 2002. None of that quartet ran better than second at Lingfield, the position Berkshire Rocco occupied behind English King, himself favourite in most lists for the Derby. Rocco was seven lengths and more ahead of the rest of the Derby Trial field.

The remainder make limited appeal.

A fascinating race as always, and one in which the top three in the market have won 19 of the last 23 renewals. There are five horses vying for favouritism, the best backed being Born With Pride, Santiago and Nobel Prize. The weakness of Berkshire Rocco does put me off and, because of that, I'm siding with Nobel Prize, who comes from an excellent family, looks certain to stay well, handles give, and gets Mr Ascot, Frankie Dettori, on top. He's 11/2 in a few places.

*

4.40 Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes (Class 2 Handicap, 1m4f, 3yo+)

Friday ends with a big field mile and a half handicap. Keep in mind the weird draw bias against the low numbers. This PRB3 chart illustrates things clearly, with the dark blue line representing big fields, actual draw, and ground between good and soft.

Three trainers have impeccable records: Mark Johnston, Sir Michael Stoute and Hughie Morrison.

Now't from Stoute once more, and just a single arrow for Mark Johnston, the poorly-drawn (stall three) West End Charmer. A four-time winner last season, all in smallish fields, this is a different task from a tough post.

Durston also has an ostensibly poor draw in four, though he too has form credentials. He actually won over nearly two miles last year and that leads me to wonder whether he'll quite have the boot for this, especially if needing to thread a passage on the inside.

Hughie, whose Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes record is three winners from six runners - wow - saddles Le Don De Vie. Exiting from stall ten - plum - he has Ryan Moore booked for the steering job, not that I'm saying it will be a steering job, you understand! Don was a three-time winner last season on the undulations of Epsom (twice) and Goodwood. This more conventional track shouldn't pose a problem, nor should a nearer-front-than-back run style.

Hereby, a misser of the cut earlier in the week, gets in this time and bids to extend her winning sequence to five. Again this is a much bigger field but she had the speed to win around Chester and the stamina to score in Listed company over 1m6f on soft ground during that victory roll so she's not underestimated. Trap nine is workable, though the last single digit stall winner was in 2008.

Frankie and Johnny partner with El Misk, ideally housed in 15 and with a prominent racing style. He has, however, done all his winning - three of them - on all weather surfaces, and has earned joint top weight in that process. He won't shock if he wins but he's not for me at the price.

At a much bigger quote, Indianapolis can outrun his odds. A course and distance winner off 95 last summer, he is just four pounds higher here; he has a wide draw in 19 - last five winners drawn 12, 14, 19, 19, 21 - and represents a trainer, James Given, with a fine record in staying races in the past two years (five wins from 25 runs, four more placed, A/E 2.34, IV 1.85). Jockey Ben Curtis is hardly a negative.

Sixteen more with chances!

Obviously a head-scratcher of a chin-stroker of a brow-furrower of a puzzle. At the prices, always at the prices, I'm settling on 12/1 Le Don De Vie for Le Don de D(ukeofedinburghstakes), Hughie Morrison; and 33/1 Indianapolis for another shrewd outfit, extra places aforethought.

**

And that's that for this week. Saturday's eight race jamboree will be a case of every many and woman for themselves. It might well be the case that such news is a merciful outcome after four days of reading through my losers. Regardless of win or lose, the effort and thought poured in is always the same: sometimes we are made to look good, more often to look somewhere between daft and imbecilic. Such is the folly of publicly nominating gambling outcomes. Happily, you, dear reader, are cut from the kind of considered cloth that takes the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune as part and parcel of racing's wagering fabric. Or, in plain English, you get it.

I very much hope you've got it - or at least got some of it - this week.

Good luck!

Matt

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38 replies
  1. shell62
    shell62 says:

    Another good read this ground is going to cause havoc so there could be some big price winners. Ive had a little on Santiago 4/1 the ground is going to suit and a big step up in distance caught my interest. Will be interesting if there is any money for him. The one i like is Deja 12/1 in the last race the trainer likes to set up is horses and i hope this is one of them, was taken out of a race last week. Good luck to everyone.

  2. sinkov
    sinkov says:

    Many, many thanks for your efforts this week Matt, entertaining, informative and profitable as usual. Saturday won’t be the same without your input, but it will do me no harm having to stand on my own two feet one day out of the five. Thanks again, very much appreciated.

  3. Janves
    Janves says:

    Once I had my shortlisted horses and went to check the prices, I was very much surprised of price which is Indianapolis now available…unfortunately for me not the right price now at 14/1 🙁

  4. sondrio2
    sondrio2 says:

    Thanks Matt for producing your daily take on Royal Ascot, i dont follow all the suggestions but love reading your thoughts on each race, cross checking with my own, all a brilliant part of Geegeez. Much appreciated.

  5. gilly 666
    gilly 666 says:

    It’s always a pleasure reading these Matt. Saturday preview will be missed. In life there will always be moaners like Dave on day 1,people like that are best ignored and hopefully they go !!! The wife and I like many were due to attend Ascot today and tomorrow,so will make do with some beer and pimms on the couch at home. Stay safe everyone,and look forward to the next previews.

  6. mrplow
    mrplow says:

    Really enjoyed these Matt and had a good week with some good wins and some small violins.

  7. Nick Foulkes
    Nick Foulkes says:

    I’m much more of a data, than form man. But always appreciate these Matt. Many thanks!

  8. cadbar123
    cadbar123 says:

    I just wanted to say a massive massive thanks Matt for pulling together such an interesting and informative guide. I love it. Any one who thinks they can criticise any of your pointers just really doesn’t get racing and in particular Royal Ascot. I read that this might be your last big review and understand that it must take a huge amount of your time and a lot of your soul to put everyhting together for all to see. I personally would miss it hugely but understand. Perhaps you might consider just doing one or two of the big handicaps.. I can’t imagine Glorious Goodwood without it!

  9. Westy2
    Westy2 says:

    I’ve enjoyed reading these this week, thanks Matt. I’ve landed on a couple of yours myself today so, fingers crossed.

  10. DAVID DICKINSON
    DAVID DICKINSON says:

    As you said Matt it’s the taking part that counts and you’ve done yourself and geegeez proud.
    Always a good read and written in a way that gets your point across but doesn’t have the reader scrolling on to get to your fancies. A balance that is hard to maintain.
    Thank you very much and I for one get it.

  11. BenHargreaves
    BenHargreaves says:

    Excellent reads as ever Matt. You are always my starting / intro point on these big days. Please keep it up.

  12. Jayqueue
    Jayqueue says:

    Hi Matt, Many thanks for an informative read. I always enjoy your Pre-Views – please do try and keep them going! You sound a little down, and were clearly irked by the “know it all” (using retrospection!) after Tuesdays racing.
    Royal Ascot is always a minefield and 2020 has been made more difficult than most by the truncated Co-Vid Season and then the “Mid Meeting” change in the ground conditions.
    I am just holding my own helped out by “Extra Place” Offers!
    Please keep the Pre-Views going if you possibly can.
    Many thanks and best wishes.

    • Matt Bisogno
      Matt Bisogno says:

      Hi John, and everyone,

      Many thanks for your kind comments. I am not down, though thank you for your concern. On the contrary, I am looking forward and excited about where geegeez.co.uk is headed.

      The reality is that it is not the little blog site it once was. We changed to be a data provider, in the form of Geegeez Gold, in 2014.
      That took significant investment in cash terms, but also in time and energy terms. To build a product, from complete scratch, to be perhaps the finest racecard in Britain doesn’t happen overnight or by accident. It takes planning, some good ideas about data presentation, great developers, much tinkering with algorithms and data, and then testing.
      Then there is the technology infrastructure – servers and the like – which usually work but don’t always. A website business is a 24/7 business.

      And, of course, with greater costs comes a need to cover those costs and, therefore, to tell more people about Geegeez Gold. So now we have marketing guys coming on board who need direction. Then there are bills to pay. So many bills to pay. Chief Finance Officer is, you guessed it.

      And there is an editorial team, all of whose content is extremely well researched, and all of which needs polishing by an editor. That editor is, you get the idea.

      And there is the questions from you, dear reader, which require answers. If Chris doesn’t know – and, mercifully, he normally does – they come to me. By definition, they are never the straightforward ones!

      And there are relationships in the industry, mainly from my time as Chair of Horseracing Bettors Forum, where I try to help as an informal consultant when I am asked and when I can.

      Then there are the up to ten racehorses (‘only’ six just now) I syndicate, which require communications and updates as well as arranging tickets on race days and stable visits when we’re not in lockdown.

      And then there are the jockeys and the yard we sponsor, which require various bobbins to go smoothly.

      And I haven’t even mentioned my partner and our seven-year-old son who is, like everyone else’s, home schooling right now.

      Let me be clear: I LOVE ALL OF THIS! 🙂

      It is simply time. Nothing else. I love writing. The writing is my pleasure. I wrote most of a book in lockdown when no racing meant many of the things above were not on my ‘to do’ list each day. I LoVe writing. But writing, and researching the writing, takes hours and hours and hours. I don’t write 500 words. This week alone in the four previews I have scribbled 16,000 words. That’s a fifth of a book right there.

      The key is that, whilst writing this week, I have not been working on commercial relationships; I have not been moving the recruitment of a marketing helper forward; I have not been planning the next campaign; I have not been sorting various infrastructure elements; I have not been working with my developers to build new bells and whistles for Gold. And so on. They are all outstanding and will be on the ‘to do’ list next week. Along with editing, publishing, customer support, development, marketing, recruitment, team management, finances, and on.

      So, no violins, no dramas, just a big opportunity cost that can’t easily be justified in the 2020 world of managing geegeez.co.uk. Which, as I’ve said, remains great fun, thanks to the people who build it and the people who use it!

      Matt

  13. leightonr
    leightonr says:

    I too always enjoy the previews. It doesn’t mean I necessarily follow the tips but reading the reviews often informs what I do back. I love the insight and keep up the good work

  14. michaelcft
    michaelcft says:

    A tinge of sadness that you are hanging up your previewers boots. These have been a staple of big meetings and much appreciated but understandable that time demands make it impossible to continue. I’m going to have a bit EW on Alounak as a wild outsider punt and if it comes in will raise a glass!

  15. chazzer66
    chazzer66 says:

    Thanks for all the recent blogs and videos as well as the daily Ascot write up. Report Angles has been a real revelation for me and I really all enjoy the material. Completely understand about the time commitment and the need to make some decisions and prioritise! Best of luck with the next steps!

    Charles

  16. Graham Willetts
    Graham Willetts says:

    Time, expertise and entertaining prose all week much appreciated Matt. Encouraged by your warm words for Mighty Spirit in the first. I backed her last night, the claim of Megan Nicholls a real steal IMO.

  17. TonyMac11
    TonyMac11 says:

    Great shame mate, but needs must.

    The last bastion of detailed race previews, well done and thanks for all the previews down the years.

    Top man!

  18. Miss Novice
    Miss Novice says:

    Hi Matt
    Thank you for all the work you put in giving us your insight. I personally enjoy reading them..even tho some of the tech info is above me 🙂 I’ve always wondered how you find time! I like to have a few small bets sometimes and your Geegeez site has been my go to site for years, it’s clear and good to navigate around ..especially for results. I always feel a little guilty that I use your site but haven’t subscribed to Gold…yet 🙂
    Thank you.
    B

  19. russsmithgg
    russsmithgg says:

    Matt is a really hard act to follow (correction – impossible!) but maybe there are members who fancy writing a few paragraphs about forthcoming races within the members Forum (My GeeGeez -> Forum -> Today’s Racing)? It’s really under-used which is a shame but people could derive huge enjoyment from either writing up a few words or joining in the resultant discussion (I plan to submit some stuff to the Gold Users Laboratory section soon to try to suggest some ideas to members on use of the Gold tools). We might have some hidden budding talent out there!

    Russ

    • powderform
      powderform says:

      Hi Matt
      Thanks for all your previews. The blog a-z is a mine of knowledge. Several articles there
      I have read and reread many times and printed out. I will send in some site suggestions
      to you soon

      cheers

      Michael

  20. Richard
    Richard says:

    Hey Matt

    Can I ask if you have any clear idea about the draw for the two 6 furlong handicaps on Saturday?
    Thursday made me think the middle to far was better after the rain

    But then the first race on Friday loks like high again.

    Flummoxed really

    • Matt Bisogno
      Matt Bisogno says:

      Hi Richard

      Draw Analyser suggests quite strongly that there is not a draw bias. However, in any give race, one side may be favoured because of a prevailing amount of the pace being that side. This is probably why you – and, in fairness, most people who are actually paid to speak about racing – might be a bit flummoxed.

      My advice would be to look at the pace maps and use those to project where the winner might emerge from.

      Matt

      p.s. they’re all coming up the middle at the moment!

  21. Jane
    Jane says:

    Incredible work to write previews of all these races. I for one fully understand why it isn’t humanly possible to keep doing this for one person. I am sure ultimately it would harm health and lead to burnout to do this much on a continued basis. I subscribe to lots of services from the small to the large and few of us will forget the integrity of this site in particular during the pandemic. I enjoy racing both on TV and attending. I am rarely profitable but that isn’t my aim. I like the puzzles and the people and the joy the horses bring. I don’t bet what I can’t afford to lose and treat it as a pleasure.This site is part of that pleasure and enriches the whole experience, so sending a big thanks.. X

  22. DAVE
    DAVE says:

    After three days from hell for punters who followed the tips at last a break from loser after loser with a 6/1 and 17/2 ew winners and i wonder how many of you have given up or run out of doh and he tips a winner in his last race

    • Matt Bisogno
      Matt Bisogno says:

      Presume you missed the THREE winners on Wednesday, Dave; and the two winners yesterday.

      Do us all a favour and go somewhere else. I won’t be publishing any more of your comments as they’re neither constructive nor friendly.

      Matt

      • shell62
        shell62 says:

        well said its all about opinions and there is no need to be rude keep up the good work Matt.

  23. whiston01
    whiston01 says:

    I have always enjoyed the race previews as part of the best service anywhere to be found.Matt does an amazing job and has guided me to many a winner. I have an idea as to a way forward. That boy Dave seems to know a thing or two.Please do not remove him Matt,he gives me some of the best laughs i have had for a long while. Perhaps he could do the write ups and we could call it ‘Tips from the Golden Tool Dave’.

  24. Rob Pacitto
    Rob Pacitto says:

    Hi Matt, I hope you and your loved ones are all well. Someone once said to me that the best jockey is not the one with the best hands, or the strongest shove, it’s the one that makes the least mistakes. So it is with your great work. As a friend rather than a client, I have attended many, many race meetings with you, from Goodwood to Santa Anita, and I’ve seen hundreds and hundreds of alleged experts. Without doubt you are the best judge I have ever met, and you rarely make a mistake. It is all down to hard work. All your views are backed up by solid research, statistical analysis and most importantly the ability to read a race, not just judging what went wrong or right with a horse’s run last time, but much more importantly what is likely to happen this time. I have lost count of the number of times you have correctly predicted how a race will pan out. And I can safely say that on the many occasions we have punted together, you almost always have the upper hand. Not that it’s a competition, and our merry band always high-five each other when someone has a good winner. It’s a pleasure to know one of the true judges, and whilst it might seem like I’m not listening to you and just punting randomly, I am always listening, and then punting randomly anyway!! Keep it up Matt.

    • Matt Bisogno
      Matt Bisogno says:

      Hi Rob

      Good to hear from you. Family all well, thanks, and I hope yours – and you – are, too.

      You comment is too kind. Much appreciated, of course.

      Really looking forward to the next time we catch up. Is it too much to ask that we’ll get to Goodwood this year? It’s another five weeks away so hope springs eternal.

      Thanks again for the very generous words.
      Matt

  25. PaulJo $
    PaulJo $ says:

    Thanx Matt…
    …for All Your efforts on our Behalf;
    & AllTheBest to You and Yours ~
    PaulJo $

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