Comments on: Cossack dance

By: staff

staff — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 15:41:38 +0000

Starluck is a 4 year old and won’t be running against the good Willie Mullins’s horses Hurricane Fly, Cousin Vinny etc.

By: Bert

Bert — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 19:06:27 +0000

Bellsboy,

I managed to find a good one yesterday but I may have posted it too late - I didn’t mean to but I was busy. Good luck for the year.

Gradys,

I don’t bet much ante-post these days - I used to but maybe I’ve grown impatient in my old age. I’ve been backing Diamond Harry in his recent runs, although there’s not much value to be had about him. I really hope Bouguereau makes it back to the track and if he does jumping will probably be his game.

Scott,

well done. I haven’t backed Starluck for Cheltenham but I almost certainly will. He wouldn’t want it too soft by the sound of it.

Equitrack,

management of customer accounts as I understand it (and I’m not an accountant) is the net profit from the client account. Interest less transaction costs with maybe a currency profit or loss thrown in. That’s just a best guess so don’t hold me to it - I’m sure our CFO could give a full explanation if you want it, but I can guarantee that we don’t speculate with customer funds…

I’m not sure how to rate Starluck now - I drew the conclusion in the early season that his stable believed he was a special animal but beyond that I’d be guessing. The Irish look good, but like Starluck they are winning without being extended. I suspect I’ll be basing my decision on the day on the ground.

By: Equitrack

Equitrack — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 23:11:48 +0000

Hi Bert,
I trust all is well with Park Acclaim’s foal. I can’t imagine how exciting it must be to be involved with such a project, but here’s hoping that she has inherited the promise of her dam and the unquestionable ability of her old man.
Betfair’s accounts for the year ended 30th April 2008 certainly made interesting reading, and I believe are currently being examined in the finest detail on a couple of racing forums. One point that has been raised is the company’s income from the ‘management of customer balances’ and what that actually consists of. Obviously people can speculate, especially in light of its magnitude in comparison to levy payments, but as an accountant myself (well, former really, private projects have tempted me away from an increasingly dull industry) I’m fascinated by the financial reports of any suitably large institution.
I suppose I should, like Scott, also offer thanks for bringing Starluck’s Triumph ambitions to my attention. I had dismissed his victory over Laterly without having seen the race, but invested as soon as I had reviewed a recording and couldn’t have been more impressed by him at Kempton. Do you think he ranks alongside the very best two-milers at the moment, or do the Irish (in particular Willie Mullins) have the drop on us this year (I’m of the opinion that the likes of Hurricane Fly have won races run at a dawdle and could be found out in ‘proper’ contests)?

By: scott

scott — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 16:01:44 +0000

Hi Bert,
the French breeding stats are off to a good start for month. 1st runner today wins at 13/2.
Re Chelt Ante-Post, - cheers for Starluck, on at 16s.

By: gradys

gradys — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 14:08:26 +0000

Bert have you placed any ante post bets for Cheltenham yet? I like the look of Gone to lunch in the RSA chase, i think he will be hard to pass as he just gallops all day and has been winning well. He’s certainly improved on his hurdle form as they seem to be making more use of him.
I think Diamond Harry is a certainty for the 2m 5 novice hurdle, all bloggers should get on now at 7/2 before he hacks up on the 24th Jan!!

Also is there any chance Bouguereau going over hurdles next season?

By: BELLSBOY

BELLSBOY — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 09:12:19 +0000

So you are a Chocoholic now Bert boy eh ? Well anything to see some 33-1 winners float in on the bridle to win me some nice dough and make the predicted annnus horriblus a bloody good year.

My 2009 firstbig win was recorded Saturday after smashing the crossbar for three months. I know you went thru a period like that Bert where you neginn to thiink you are cursed when beaten by the following ; NSE/SHD/NECK/CAUGHT ON LINE.

Anyway like London buses when one winner comes along udually in my case half a dozen come close to each other.

Yes lets 2009 route out all thse bloody fools in the City who are altering there figures in anticipacion of increasing their bonus so whatever happens after that they have banked their wedge way and left the oedinary man in the street to pay back the money. Because of those dick heads my premium bonds returns will be halfed as the government have had to bail out some of the guilty companies/individuals who have created this economic gloom.

Anyway Bert lets get some nice horses going for 2009, whatever the race or the prize money as a winner is a winner. I think its time you should start being a bit like Harry Fundlay and hurting those odds layers mate.

Good luck this year Bert.
Bellsboy