Bit of a pointless exercise wasn't it? Perhaps there's only a c/f horse in some races.
Calcutta gets a lot of pluses tomorrow, and the small field and firm ground should be ideal.

Barney,
If you get the chance, have a look at Stretton, (2.30y), and try and figure out if he's at the races tomorrow.
Good luck

Did you all see surprise encounters race at goodwood if he`d got a clear run that day he`d gave them the cold worth an e/w today maybe in that class?.

[This message was edited by walter pigeon on October 11, 2002 at 12:15 AM.]

I've had a look at today's card at York, and there doesn't seem to be anything that stands out. The 5f handicap at 4.00 looks a bit of a 'whose turn is it today?' contest, and the 5.00 looks tight, with recent winning form not in abundance.

2.30 Eton is a short price, but doesn't show up particularly well on class. Northside Lodge and Stretton are possibilities, but neither strikes me as strong enough to warrant a bet. Northside Lodge won in class 84 last time(this is 94), but his chance would be based on that run, as his other runs aren't of the same class. Stretton runs in a decent class on a regular basis but his recent form doesn't inspire enough to make him a selection.

3.00 I've got this between Calcutta, Nashaab and Passing Glance. The form lines between the first two are contradictory, although the class is no problem, and Passing Glance did no more than he should have done in a lower class last time. I can't really go for one above the others.

4.30 Nursery handicap, which is out of the normal VDW territory, but where most of the form is exposed. That being said, Arcalis seems well favoured although his maiden form looks moderate to me. B A Highflyer, Gaelic Princess and Secret Formula all have form which looks a little better than this level, but once again it's a job to split them. If pressed I'd go for B A Highflyer who still seems progressive, even though he has a quite a few races. However on balance I'd say no selection.

A rather negatib=ve spell of form evaluation, but on some days not coming up with a selection is as good as finiding a good bet.

Rob

I've had a good look at 330, and although I think the fav is one to oppose. There could be, in my view, three or four "at the races" namely yours, trouble mountain and style dancer.

There`s another one, the $hit shoveller.

BArney/John,

I don't have much of an opinion about the 2.30, but I prefer Calcutta in the 3.30. and Secret formula/BA Highfligher in the 4.30. Not the best of days though.

I can see where you are coming from with calcutta but with passing glance ahead on initial numerical class rating and by my reckoning slightly better than calcutta at the same age do you not consider this a danger?

Hi Barney,

In the 3.30 I had Passing Glance top rated on my ratings and Calcutta 2nd too last; preferring Calcutta purely a basis of price. Londoner I had joint 2nd along with Palanzo, and Nashaab 3rd. I don't bet outside the top 3 rated but had an opinion that calcutta was better value, if someone was to twist my arm. The result confirming why I don't bet outside my top 3!! Nowadays I play the percentage game, and don't back at odds-on - I prefer now to take them on where possible.

I do take notice of a horses career but take most notice of how they are performing now.

In the 4.30 I'd make a book between the two mentioned previously if I can get 2/1, which is pretty unlikely. I have secret formula 2nd rated and BA Highflyer 3rd rated. Top is Tangled up in blue, Gaelic princess 4th.

Thanks for clearing that point up for me!

well done two in the photo cant lose eh?

Thanks for that.... eventually backed the unlucky 2nd, nice to see two form horses fight it out though.
Didn't have a look at the 5.00 until after the race, but the winner was definitely placed to win.
Goog luck

bloody hell johnd i never looked at that race I am sure that was there to be found, that kempton race has threw up some good winners.


getting nearer!

The word is Thrown Barney

I notice our friend Mtoto is continually lurking in the strangers gallery. Would anyone care to give me odds that he will soon come in from out in the cold?

It wasn`t very VDW of him to pull his kamikaze stunt yesterday and it was even more ridiculous 10 minutes later to see Mtoto the phoenix posting.

It does however surprise that no one has encouraged him to return to the nest. I wonder why that is, more to the point, so is he probably. Do none of you care, were his posts that bad?

Will any of you take the initiative, or would you like me to do it for you?

The fact is, I take no pleasure actually dispite whats been said at not having him on the board.

For me, it can be bygones are bygones, or not as the case may be.

It`s up to you chaps.

111
.

Jimmy,

I thought about that one I must admit but then I remembered that last week when I was pissed and I told my mates later I did not tell tell them I throwed up. IT must be a context thing.

111,

you are right of course I personally think it would be better coming from you. I have been so wrapped up in my own little world that when I saw him about and the subsequent post you mention I did not consider it an issue.

YOU are of course right, civility costs nothing whether certain indviduals get on or not.

Never mind Barney, we'll make allowances for you, we know you can't help it.

That Kempton race threw up some good winners.
That Kempton race has thrown up some good winners.

Did not think it possible you had any mates. But, talking about vomit, (normal I know for you), I THREW, I HAVE THROWN.. Keep at it and I will civilise you yet.

very kind of you to put in the time and effort I was thinking that I was a lost cause.

Pieman,

You`ve let me down terribly, you`ve taken the wind right out of my sails, pulled the rug from under my feet, you`ve ruined my night. I`ve cancelled a night out up the pub so we can continue our chats, or there`s an imposter posting on your behalf.

Well dispite you or whatever mental aberation you`re having, when you read this Mtoto I`ll make you a deal, you feed me with the odd lettuce leaf and I`ll try to behave......it`s your call.

111
.

OH my!!! the sun is shining the skies are blue.

long may it continue.

After an exclamation mark you should use a capital.

The sun is shining the skies are blue.

Also after the full stop

Long may it continue