Taunton - 29th March 2005

As I was reminded by a punter friend yesterday, April is a transitional month.

The end of the Jumps/All Weather season. The beginning of the flat season, April showers, soft going, tired horses, unfit horses. This a dangerous time of the year for us punters (as summarised in the following flatstats article http://www.flatstats.co.uk/articles/turf/soft_going.html). All in all minimal stakes advised until ground conditions improve.

Having analysed a couple of today’s races there’s nothing that stands out as a good thing so another day of virtual bets (I’ve been using these bets as a defensive tactic to monitor my progress using the tweaked strategy and new selection process). My record thus far can be found at http://www.online-betting-guide.co.uk/tips/tipster.php?id=6278

I’ve posted my tissues for reference purposes.

3:10 2m 3f - Summer Time Handicap Hurdle (Class 3) 4yo+

7/1 Le Volfoni, Nanga Parbat, 9/1 Silencio, Bongo Fury, 10/1 Mcbain, 14/1 New Entic, Marrel 20/1 bar

A competitive handicap with 7 horses making my shortlist. The front two on my book have obvious chances but the bookies are being very very stingy. Even with virtual money, I’m going to leave this race alone.

3:40 2m - Margaret Izaby-White 60th Birthday Novices' Limited Handicap Chase (Class 3) 5yo+

7/4 Give Me Love, 2/1 Roznic, 13/2 Priors Dale, 8/1 Medison, 20/1 Misty Dancer, 25/1 Lord Lington

Rozinc, was well backed to complete hat-trick last time out and is fast improving but needs to improve again to defy a 10lbs increase by the handicapper. Poor trainer form at this track is also worrying. The virtual bet goes to Give Me Love who is frustrating type, but appeals most at the prices.