Star Each Way

The week so far has been well below normal. We don't look like we will gain a 50% top two strike rate for the handicap ratings and, though the (4) and (5) dutching races held their own for most of the week, Friday was almost a complete wash out. So, the (4) and (5) top rated have suffered as well.

A weird week in all.

Selections
Single: Master Medic (3-45 Ascot)
Double: Bollin Judith (2-15 Ayr)
Each Way: Star Wood (2-20 Wetherby)

SUMMARIES (weekly average in red in brackets)

FRIDAY

The Handicap Ratings and Speed Ratings combined top three strike rate was 70% (65.5%)

There was just one from six successful (4) and (5) UK graded races for dutching, giving a top two strike rate of 17% (54%)

The clear top rated winning strike rate of the (4) and (5) graded races was 0% (NO WINS) (18.6%)

The Select Pick dutching races provided a 0% (NO WINS) winning strike (67%)

The full top three summary (weekly average in red in brackets):

HANDICAPS
Clear top rated strike rate was 19% (20.5%). Best top rated SP was 7/2
Top two strike rate (incl joints) was 52% (44%). Best 2nd top SP was 16/1
Top three strike rate was 63% (61.3%). Best 3rd top SP was 8/1

SPEED RATINGS
Clear top rated strike rate was 15% (13.8%). Best top rated SP was 8/1
Top two strike rate (incl joints) was 41% (34.5%). Best 2nd top SP was 6/1
Top three strike rate was 48% (50.3%). Best 3rd top SP was 7/2
note: Unless there are overnight withdrawals there is always one clear top rated horse (in both services). There are never more than three horses (in either service) in the top two in any race where there are joint 2nd tops (one top rated two joint 2nd top). There are never more than four horses in the top three (in either service) in any race where there are either joint 2nd or joint third tops.

If a horse isn't in the top three rated of the handicaps or the speed ratings, then it is highly likely it won't win.

You can view our two main services (Handicap Ratings with the Speed Ratings and Select) free for seven days by registering HERE

You can see an explanation of the Handicap Ratings HERE and an explanation of the Speed Ratings HERE. The Speed Ratings are an addition to the handicaps at no extra cost and you can subscribe HERE. There has never been a better time to join us.

The Magic Dragon's Day

Fact of the Day: British Horse racing was worth more than £3.7bn to the British economy in 2008

The Bleedin' Obvious of the Day: That's peanuts...

Horse of the Day: Puff (1-50 Newmarket)

The Owl has spotted..... High Jack (3-55 Uttoxeter)

The strange week for the ratings got even stranger, Thursday. The strike rates of the top three combined were running at 95% and the strike rate of the handicap top two was running at 85% at the end of the afternoon meetings. Then along came the ridiculous all weather...

Also, the Select Pick Dutches were fully successful again and the (4) and (5) graded races did well again.

SUMMARIES (weekly average in red in brackets)

The Handicap Ratings and Speed Ratings combined top three strike rate for Thursday was 86% (64.6%)

There were ten from twelve successful (4) and (5) UK graded races for dutching, Thursday, giving a top two strike rate of 83% (61.4%)

The clear top rated winning strike rate of the (4) and (5) graded races Thursday was 50% (22.4%)

The Select Pick dutching races, Thursday, provided a 100% winning strike (80%)

The full top three summary for Thursday (weekly average in red in brackets):

HANDICAPS
Clear top rated strike rate was 32% (20.8%). Best top rated SP was 5/1
Top two strike rate (incl joints) was 68% (42.4%). Best 2nd top SP was 5/1
Top three strike rate was 82% (61%). Best 3rd top SP was 11/2

SPEED RATINGS
Clear top rated strike rate was 29% (19%). Best top rated SP was 3/1
Top two strike rate (incl joints) was 50% (33.2%). Best 2nd top SP was 16/1
Top three strike rate was 82% (50.8%). Best 3rd top SP was 11/2
note: Unless there are overnight withdrawals there is always one clear top rated horse (in both services). There are never more than three horses (in either service) in the top two in any race where there are joint 2nd tops (one top rated two joint 2nd top). There are never more than four horses in the top three (in either service) in any race where there are either joint 2nd or joint third tops.

If a horse isn't in the top three rated of the handicaps or the speed ratings, then it is highly likely it won't win.

You can view our two main services (Handicap Ratings with the Speed Ratings and Select) free for seven days by registering HERE

You can see an explanation of the Handicap Ratings HERE and an explanation of the Speed Ratings HERE. The Speed Ratings are an addition to the handicaps at no extra cost and you can subscribe HERE. There has never been a better time to join us.

"'Tis like the howling of Irish wolves against the moon."

Fact of the Day: After decades of supporting and watching horse racing, my opinion is that Kempton's All Weather is STILL the worst ever track built in Britain. I wonder why the attendences are comparable only to an unpopular grooms wedding party.....

The Bleedin' Obvious of the Day: I sometimes repeat myself -- and embellish...

Horse of the Day: Hercules (6-45 UK Gold)

The Owl has spotted..... Dormouse (Animal Planet 5-30)

The top two rated of our main handicap ratings are decidedly struggling this week. They are without doubt the worst run of results I have ever recorded. It may have something to do with very low grade, inconsistent horses, running on dog track surfaces in the main, calling enough for the season. There can be no other reason in my eyes. Fair enough, the supposed form horses (favourites/2nd favourites) are still showing something like average returns, but I have to say there have been some surprising horses being backed and winning. But the latter is probably only a personal take on the results reflected by the poor top two returns this week.

It was noticeable that today's only NH meeting produced five from six top two wins while the tired turf and the ridiculous all weather tracks were very poor for the ratings.

.Conversely, the Select Picks and the Graded (4) and (5) races seem to be holding up very well. It's a very strange week....

SUMMARIES (weekly average in red in brackets)

The Handicap Ratings and Speed Ratings combined top three strike rate for Wednesday was 52% (59.25%)

There were five from eight successful (4) and (5) UK graded races for dutching, Wednesday, giving a top two strike rate of 63% (56%)

The clear top rated winning strike rate of the (4) and (5) graded races Wednesday was 13% (15.5%)

The Select Pick dutching races, Wednesday, provided a 100% winning strike (75%)

The full top three summary for Wednesday (weekly average in red in brackets):

HANDICAPS
Clear top rated strike rate was 14% (15.5%). Best top rated SP was 8/1
Top two strike rate (incl joints) was 45% (36%). Best 2nd top SP was 11/1
Top three strike rate was 52% (55.75%). Best 3rd top SP was 8/1

SPEED RATINGS
Clear top rated strike rate was 14% (9.75%). Best top rated SP was (8/1)
Top two strike rate (incl joints) was 28% (29%). Best 2nd top SP was 5/1
Top three strike rate was 48% (43%). Best 3rd top SP was 8/1
note: Unless there are overnight withdrawals there is always one clear top rated horse (in both services). There are never more than three horses (in either service) in the top two in any race where there are joint 2nd tops (one top rated two joint 2nd top). There are never more than four horses in the top three (in either service) in any race where there are either joint 2nd or joint third tops.

If a horse isn't in the top three rated of the handicaps or the speed ratings, then it is highly likely it won't win.

You can view our two main services (Handicap Ratings with the Speed Ratings and Select) free for seven days by registering HERE

You can see an explanation of the Handicap Ratings HERE and an explanation of the Speed Ratings HERE. The Speed Ratings are an addition to the handicaps at no extra cost and you can subscribe HERE. There has never been a better time to join us.

The Owl's Chances of Winning Are...

Fact of the Day: Bookmakers’ gross win on British Horse Racing in 2008 totalled £1.05 billion.

The Bleedin' Obvious of the Day: I wanna be a bookie...

Horse of the Day: Tafaool (3-50 Nottingham)

The Owl has spotted..... Astronomical (4-20 Nottingham) (John says, "I have no control over females!")

The top two rated of our main handicap ratings improved only slightly, Tuesday and we will do well to maintain a 50% plus strike rate this week. Conversely, the Select Picks continue to do well.

SUMMARIES (weekly average in red in brackets)

The Handicap Ratings and Speed Ratings combined top three strike rate for Tuesday was 65% (61.7%)

There were two from four successful (4) and (5) UK graded races for dutching, Tuesday, giving a top two strike rate of 50% (53.7%)

The clear top rated winning strike rate of the (4) and (5) graded races Tuesday was 0% (NO WINS) (16.3%)

The Select Pick dutching races, Monday, provided a 100% winning strike (66.7%)

The full top three summary for Tuesday (weekly average in red in brackets):

HANDICAPS
Clear top rated strike rate was 22% (16%). Best top rated SP was 8/1
Top two strike rate (incl joints) was 43% (33%). Best 2nd top SP was 11/1
Top three strike rate was 65% (57%). Best 3rd top SP was 8/1

SPEED RATINGS
Clear top rated strike rate was 8% (8.3%). Best top rated SP was (8/1)
Top two strike rate (incl joints) was 26% (29.3%). Best 2nd top SP was 5/1
Top three strike rate was 39% (41.3%). Best 3rd top SP was 8/1
note: Unless there are overnight withdrawals there is always one clear top rated horse (in both services). There are never more than three horses (in either service) in the top two in any race where there are joint 2nd tops (one top rated two joint 2nd top). There are never more than four horses in the top three (in either service) in any race where there are either joint 2nd or joint third tops.

If a horse isn't in the top three rated of the handicaps or the speed ratings, then it is highly likely it won't win.

You can view our two main services (Handicap Ratings with the Speed Ratings and Select) free for seven days by registering HERE

You can see an explanation of the Handicap Ratings HERE and an explanation of the Speed Ratings HERE. The Speed Ratings are an addition to the handicaps at no extra cost and you can subscribe HERE. There has never been a better time to join us.

Roll On The Jumps....

Fact of the Day: The Turf Flat season goes on a month too long.

The Bleedin' Obvious of the Day: See above.....

Horse of the Day: Turn On The Style (2-50 Southwell)

The Owl has spotted..... Covert Mission (4-00 Catterick)

The top two rated of our main handicap ratings have been struggling the past two days. The biggest shock of all is that the All Weather ratings were the most fruitful. The tired looking Leicester meeting was almost a complete wash out. Onwards and upwards

SUMMARIES (weekly average in red in brackets)

The Handicap Ratings and Speed Ratings combined top three strike rate for Monday was 59% (60%)

There were two from five successful (4) and (5) UK graded races for dutching, Monday, giving a top two strike rate of 40% (55.5%)

The clear top rated winning strike rate of the (4) and (5) graded races Monday was 40% (34.5%)

The Select Pick dutching races, Monday, provided a 50% winning strike (50%)

The full top three summary for Monday (weekly average in red in brackets):

HANDICAPS
Clear top rated strike rate was 9% (13%). Best top rated SP was 2/1
Top two strike rate (incl joints) was 23% (28%). Best 2nd top SP was 13/2
Top three strike rate was 50% (53%). Best 3rd top SP was 14/1

SPEED RATINGS
Clear top rated strike rate was a big fat 0% (8.5%). Best top rated SP was (NO WINS)
Top two strike rate (incl joints) was 23% (31%). Best 2nd top SP was 11/2
Top three strike rate was 41% (42.5%). Best 3rd top SP was 12/1
note: Unless there are overnight withdrawals there is always one clear top rated horse (in both services). There are never more than three horses (in either service) in the top two in any race where there are joint 2nd tops (one top rated two joint 2nd top). There are never more than four horses in the top three (in either service) in any race where there are either joint 2nd or joint third tops.

If a horse isn't in the top three rated of the handicaps or the speed ratings, then it is highly likely it won't win.

You can view our two main services (Handicap Ratings with the Speed Ratings and Select) free for seven days by registering HERE

You can see an explanation of the Handicap Ratings HERE and an explanation of the Speed Ratings HERE. The Speed Ratings are an addition to the handicaps at no extra cost and you can subscribe HERE. There has never been a better time to join us.

Fact of the Day: The recent eight race cards will become more regular in 2010 because the BHA want to increase their levy funding

The Bleedin' Obvious of the Day: The BHA are tilting at windmills....

Horse of the Day: Sovereign Remedy (3-30 Leicester)

The Owl has spotted..... Crushing (1-00 Leicester)

Sunday was a very poor day for the main handicap ratings with a very low strike rate for the top two rated.

SUMMARIES (weekly average in red in brackets)

The Handicap Ratings and Speed Ratings combined top three strike rate for Sunday was 61% (61%)

There were five from seven successful (4) and (5) UK graded races for dutching, Sunday, giving a top two strike rate of 71% (71%)

The clear top rated winning strike rate of the (4) and (5) graded races Sunday was 29% (29%)

The Select Pick dutching races, Sunday, provided a 50% winning strike (50%)

The full top three summary for Sunday (weekly average in red in brackets):

HANDICAPS
Clear top rated strike rate was 17% (17%). Best top rated SP was 3/1
Top two strike rate (incl joints) was 33% (33%). Best 2nd top SP was 13/2
Top three strike rate was 56% (56%). Best 3rd top SP was 9/1

SPEED RATINGS
Clear top rated strike rate was 17% (17%). Best top rated SP was 9/1
Top two strike rate (incl joints) was 39% (39%). Best 2nd top SP was 13/2
Top three strike rate was 44% (44%). Best 3rd top SP was 9/4
note: Unless there are overnight withdrawals there is always one clear top rated horse (in both services). There are never more than three horses (in either service) in the top two in any race where there are joint 2nd tops (one top rated two joint 2nd top). There are never more than four horses in the top three (in either service) in any race where there are either joint 2nd or joint third tops.

If a horse isn't in the top three rated of the handicaps or the speed ratings, then it is highly likely it won't win.

You can view our two main services (Handicap Ratings with the Speed Ratings and Select) free for seven days by registering HERE

You can see an explanation of the Handicap Ratings HERE and an explanation of the Speed Ratings HERE. The Speed Ratings are an addition to the handicaps at no extra cost and you can subscribe HERE. There has never been a better time to join us.

Cappa Sunday Lunch

Fact of the Day: We failed to keep up the 100% win strike rate of the Select Picks. There were no wins from two dutches.

The Bleedin' Obvious of the Day: You can't win all the time.

Horse of the Day: Cappa Bleu (2-10 Aintree)

The Owl has spotted..... a nice dress and is going shopping

SUMMARIES (weekly average in red in brackets)

The Handicap Ratings and Speed Ratings combined top three strike rate for Saturday was 67% giving a final weekly average of 72.%

There were four from seven successful (4) and (5) UK graded races for dutching, Saturday, giving a top two strike rate of 57% a final weekly average of 84.3%

The clear top rated winning strike rate of the (4) and (5) graded races Saturday was 30% a final weekly average of 47.9%

The Select Pick dutching races, Saturday, provided a 0% (NO WINS from 2 dutches) winning strike rate giving a final weekly average of 85.7%

The full top three summary for Saturday (weekly average in red in brackets):

HANDICAPS
Clear top rated strike rate was 20% (26.9%). Best top rated SP was 10/1
Top two strike rate (incl joints) was 47% (52%). Best 2nd top SP was 7/1
Top three strike rate was 60% (66%). Best 3rd top SP was 8/1

SPEED RATINGS
Clear top rated strike rate was 13% (22%). Best top rated SP was 15/2
Top two strike rate (incl joints) was 31% (39.9%). Best 2nd top SP was 11/2
Top three strike rate was 47% (54.5%). Best 3rd top SP was 12/1
note: Unless there are overnight withdrawals there is always one clear top rated horse (in both services). There are never more than three horses (in either service) in the top two in any race where there are joint 2nd tops (one top rated two joint 2nd top). There are never more than four horses in the top three (in either service) in any race where there are either joint 2nd or joint third tops.

If a horse isn't in the top three rated of the handicaps or the speed ratings, then it is highly likely it won't win.

You can view our two main services (Handicap Ratings with the Speed Ratings and Select) free for seven days by registering HERE

You can see an explanation of the Handicap Ratings HERE and an explanation of the Speed Ratings HERE. The Speed Ratings are an addition to the handicaps at no extra cost and you can subscribe HERE. There has never been a better time to join us.

The Owl is Hooting....

Fact of the Day: Betting the same horses as the majority doesn't increase your chances of winning

The Bleedin' Obvious of the Day: You already knew that.... didn't you?

Horse of the Day: Tastahil (2-35 Newbury)

The Owl has spotted..... Tartak (2-15 Aintree)

SUMMARIES (weekly average in red in brackets)

The Handicap Ratings and Speed Ratings combined top three strike rate for Friday was 60% (72.8%)

There were five from six successful (4) and (5) UK graded races for dutching, Friday, giving a top two strike rate of 83% (88.8%)

The clear top rated winning strike rate of the (4) and (5) graded races Thursday was 50% (50.8%)

The Select Pick dutching races, Friday, provided a 100% winning strike rate (100%) (one day to create a new record)

The full top three summary for Friday (weekly average in red in brackets):

HANDICAPS
Clear top rated strike rate was 33% (28.6%). Best top rated SP was 16/1
Top two strike rate (incl joints) was 47% (52.8%). Best 2nd top SP was 8/1
Top three strike rate was 53% (67%). Best 3rd top SP was 20/1

SPEED RATINGS
Clear top rated strike rate was 27% (23.5%). Best top rated SP was 16/1
Top two strike rate (incl joints) was 47% (41.3%). Best 2nd top SP was 15/2
Top three strike rate was 53% (55.8%). Best 3rd top SP was 16/1
note: Unless there are overnight withdrawals there is always one clear top rated horse (in both services). There are never more than three horses (in either service) in the top two in any race where there are joint 2nd tops (one top rated two joint 2nd top). There are never more than four horses in the top three (in either service) in any race where there are either joint 2nd or joint third tops.

If a horse isn't in the top three rated of the handicaps or the speed ratings, then it is highly likely it won't win.

You can view our two main services (Handicap Ratings with the Speed Ratings and Select) free for seven days by registering HERE

You can see an explanation of the Handicap Ratings HERE and an explanation of the Speed Ratings HERE. The Speed Ratings are an addition to the handicaps at no extra cost and you can subscribe HERE. There has never been a better time to join us.

Donny Dessert

Personal Opinion of the Day: The Kempton Park All Weather is the worst course ever to be built....

Fact (ish) of the Day: Lord Derby should forget Newmarket and build on Kempton Park racecourse.....

Question of the Day: Am I being too harsh?

Horse of the Day: Tanfidh (4-40 Doncaster)

The Owl has spotted..... Sundae (3-30 Doncaster)

SUMMARIES (weekly average in red in brackets)

The Handicap Ratings and Speed Ratings combined top three strike rate for Thursday was 70% (75.4%)

There were four from five successful (4) and (5) UK graded races for dutching, Thursday, giving a top two strike rate of 80% (90%)

The clear top rated winning strike rate of the (4) and (5) graded races Thursday was 60% (51%)

The Select Pick dutching races, Thursday, provided a 100% winning strike rate (100%)

The full top three summary for Thursday (weekly average in red in brackets):

HANDICAPS
Clear top rated strike rate was 23% (27%). Best top rated SP was 4/1
Top two strike rate (incl joints) was 47% (54%). Best 2nd top SP was 7/1
Top three strike rate was 63% (69.8%). Best 3rd top SP was 8/1

SPEED RATINGS
Clear top rated strike rate was 17% (22.8%). Best top rated SP was 6/1
Top two strike rate (incl joints) was 27% (40.2%). Best 2nd top SP was 11/4
Top three strike rate was 53% (56.4%). Best 3rd top SP was 7/1
note: Unless there are overnight withdrawals there is always one clear top rated horse (in both services). There are never more than three horses (in either service) in the top two in any race where there are joint 2nd tops (one top rated two joint 2nd top). There are never more than four horses in the top three (in either service) in any race where there are either joint 2nd or joint third tops.

If a horse isn't in the top three rated of the handicaps or the speed ratings, then it is highly likely it won't win.

You can view our two main services (Handicap Ratings with the Speed Ratings and Select) free for seven days by registering HERE

You can see an explanation of the Handicap Ratings HERE and an explanation of the Speed Ratings HERE. The Speed Ratings are an addition to the handicaps at no extra cost and you can subscribe HERE. There has never been a better time to join us.

Don Diego's Day

Fact of the Day: Approximately 4, 000 horses (over 25%) leave horse racing every year.

Question of the Day: Where do all the horses go?

Horse of the Day: Zorro De La Vega (5-00 Ludlow)

The Owl has spotted..... High Bird Humphrey (3-15 Carlisle)

SUMMARIES (weekly average in red in brackets)

The Handicap Ratings and Speed Ratings combined top three strike rate for Wednesday was 80% (76.5%)

There were nine from nine successful (4) and (5) UK graded races for dutching, Wednesday, giving a top two strike rate of 100% (92.5%)

The clear top rated winning strike rate of the (4) and (5) graded races Wednesday was 89% (48.75%)

The Select Pick dutching races, Wednesday provided a 100% winning strike rate (100%)

The full top three summary for Wednesday (weekly average in red in brackets):

HANDICAPS
Clear top rated strike rate was 40% (28%). Best top rated SP was 4/1
Top two strike rate (incl joints) was 53% (55.75%). Best 2nd top SP was 20/1
Top three strike rate was 67% (71.5%). Best 3rd top SP was 9/1

SPEED RATINGS
Clear top rated strike rate was 40% (24.25%). Best top rated SP was 11/1
Top two strike rate (incl joints) was 48% (45.75%). Best 2nd top SP was 12/1
Top three strike rate was 67% (57.25%). Best 3rd top SP was 11/1
note: Unless there are overnight withdrawals there is always one clear top rated horse (in both services). There are never more than three horses (in either service) in the top two in any race where there are joint 2nd tops (one top rated two joint 2nd top). There are never more than four horses in the top three (in either service) in any race where there are either joint 2nd or joint third tops.

If a horse isn't in the top three rated of the handicaps or the speed ratings, then it is highly likely it won't win.

You can view our two main services (Handicap Ratings with the Speed Ratings and Select) free for seven days by registering HERE

You can see an explanation of the Handicap Ratings HERE and an explanation of the Speed Ratings HERE. The Speed Ratings are an addition to the handicaps at no extra cost and you can subscribe HERE. There has never been a better time to join us.

Emperor Should Reign

Fact of the day: Some dogs are a bit weird


Horse of the Day: Emperor Concerto (3-20 Worcester)

The Owl has spotted..... Sir Ian (4-20 Worcester)

SUMMARIES (weekly average in red in brackets)

The Handicap Ratings and Speed Ratings combined top three strike rate for Tuesday was 87% (75.7%)

There were five from five successful (4) and (5) UK graded races for dutching, Tuesday giving a top two strike rate of 100% (90%)

The clear top rated winning strike rate of the (4) and (5) graded races Tuesday was 60% (35.3%)

The Select Pick dutching races, Tuesday provided a 100% winning strike rate
(100%)

The full top three summary for Tuesday (weekly average in red in brackets):

HANDICAPS
Clear top rated strike rate was 22% (24%). Best top rated SP was 11/4
Top two strike rate (incl joints) was 52% (56.7%). Best 2nd top SP was 9/1
Top three strike rate was 83% (71.7%). Best 3rd top SP was 5/1

SPEED RATINGS
Clear top rated strike rate was 17% (21.7%). Best top rated SP was 11/4
Top two strike rate (incl joints) was 48% (42%). Best 2nd top SP was 12/1
Top three strike rate was 48% (54%). Best 3rd top SP was NO 3rd top wins
note: Unless there are overnight withdrawals there is always one clear top rated horse (in both services). There are never more than three horses (in either service) in the top two in any race where there are joint 2nd tops (one top rated two joint 2nd top). There are never more than four horses in the top three (in either service) in any race where there are either joint 2nd or joint third tops.

If a horse isn't in the top three rated of the handicaps or the speed ratings, then it is highly likely it won't win.

You can view our two main services (Handicap Ratings with the Speed Ratings and Select) free for seven days by registering HERE

You can see an explanation of the Handicap Ratings HERE and an explanation of the Speed Ratings HERE. The Speed Ratings are an addition to the handicaps at no extra cost and you can subscribe HERE. There has never been a better time to join us.

A Winning Nature

Fact of the day: The BHA needs punters to lose.... but if punters win the BHA wants 1.25% of the profit...

Horse of the Day: Rule Of Nature (3-20 Yarmouth)

The Owl has spotted..... Line Artic (3-40 Exeter)

The Handicap Ratings and Speed Ratings combined top three strike rate for Sunday and Monday was 70%

There were eleven from thirteen (4) and (5) successful UK graded races for dutching, Sunday and Monday giving a top two strike rate of 85%

The clear top rated winning strike rate of the (4) and (5) graded races Sunday and Monday was a low 23%

The Select Pick dutching races provided a 100% strike rate Sunday and Monday

The full top three summary for Sunday and Monday:

HANDICAPS
Clear top rated strike rate was 25%. Best top rated SP was 9/2
Top two strike rate (incl joints) was 59%. Best 2nd top SP was 17/2
Top three strike rate was 68%. Best 3rd top SP was 12/1

SPEED RATINGS
Clear top rated strike rate was 20%. Best top rated SP was 14/1
Top two strike rate (incl joints) was 39%. Best 2nd top SP was 9/2
Top three strike rate was 57%. Best 3rd top SP was 12/1
note: Unless there are overnight withdrawals there is always one clear top rated horse (in both services). There are never more than three horses (in either service) in the top two in any race where there are joint 2nd tops (one top rated two joint 2nd top). There are never more than four horses in the top three (in either service) in any race where there are either joint 2nd or joint third tops.

If a horse isn't in the top three rated of the handicaps or the speed ratings, then it is highly likely it won't win.

You can view our two main services (Handicap Ratings with the Speed Ratings and Select) free for seven days by registering HERE

You can see an explanation of the Handicap Ratings HERE and an explanation of the Speed Ratings HERE. The Speed Ratings are an addition to the handicaps at no extra cost and you can subscribe HERE. There has never been a better time to join us.

Update for W/E Saturday October 17 2009

We are back to daily updates after this posting.

Below are the quick weekly stats for the ratings, the (4) and (5) graded races, and the Select Pick dutches for the week ending Saturday October 17 2009 which showed a dip in the performances of the varying services -- except for the Select Pick dutches which slightly improved.

Just a quick note in reply to emails: the results compilation is for UK racing only.

The Handicap Ratings and Speed Ratings combined top three strike rate produced a final weekly average of 64%

The main handicap ratings performed only averagely:
Clear top rated wins were 24%
Top 2 rated wins were 47%
Top 3 rated wins were 59%

The (4) and (5) UK graded races final weekly average was 64%

The Select Pick dutching races provided a successful weekly average of 58%

The clear top rated winning strike rate of the (4) and (5) graded races finished with a final weekly average of 34%

note: Unless there are overnight withdrawals there is always one clear top rated horse (in both services). There are never more than three horses (in either service) in the top two in any race where there are joint 2nd tops (one top rated two joint 2nd top). There are never more than four horses in the top three (in either service) in any race where there are either joint 2nd or joint third tops.

If a horse isn't in the top three rated of the handicaps or the speed ratings, then it is highly likely it won't win.

You can view our two main services (Handicap Ratings with the Speed Ratings and Select) free for seven days by registering HERE

You can see an explanation of the Handicap Ratings HERE and an explanation of the Speed Ratings HERE. The Speed Ratings are an addition to the handicaps at no extra cost and you can subscribe HERE. There has never been a better time to join us

W/E Saturday October 11 Results Update

Due to varying circumstance, there were no daily updates for the week ending Saturday October 10 2009. Daily updates will resume later tonight.

In the meantime, below are the quick weekly stats for the ratings, the (4) and (5) graded races, and the Select Pick dutches.

Just a quick note in reply to emails: the results compilation is for UK racing only.

The Handicap Ratings and Speed Ratings combined top three strike rate produced a final weekly average of 68%

The (4) and (5) UK graded races final weekly average was 69%

The Select Pick dutching races provided a successful weekly average of 54%

The clear top rated winning strike rate of the (4) and (5) graded races finished with a final weekly average of 45%

note: Unless there are overnight withdrawals there is always one clear top rated horse (in both services). There are never more than three horses (in either service) in the top two in any race where there are joint 2nd tops (one top rated two joint 2nd top). There are never more than four horses in the top three (in either service) in any race where there are either joint 2nd or joint third tops.

If a horse isn't in the top three rated of the handicaps or the speed ratings, then it is highly likely it won't win.

You can view our two main services (Handicap Ratings with the Speed Ratings and Select) free for seven days by registering HERE

You can see an explanation of the Handicap Ratings HERE and an explanation of the Speed Ratings HERE. The Speed Ratings are an addition to the handicaps at no extra cost and you can subscribe HERE. There has never been a better time to join us

Cynics Will Never Rule. OK!

The modern world is replete with cynicism and the cynics were out in their droves before Mick Kinane weighed in. Those who crib Sea The Stars using Youmzain as a marker are woefully lacking even basic nous. Youmzain is a good horse on his day but to use his previous runs to compare Sea The Star to Youmzain's previous conquerors shows a distinct lack of horse racing knowledge.

Handicapping, as they say, is an art not a science. Mathematically, Sea the Stars is no better than last years winner, Zarkava. But I always, and I mean always, stress that a literal reading of form is the sure way to the poor house and a significant sign that those who actually do read form literally should stop betting: they'll never win anything and could lose everything.

Absolutely everything went wrong for Sea The Stars, Sunday (warm in the preliminaries, headstrong early, knocked back mid-race, wall of horses in front of him in the straight). Yet such is his talent that it didn't matter. His on-tap finishing speed was simply too much for his rivals and he won easily even though he was pulling himself up near the line.

I have seen many great horses, Sea Bird, Nijinsky, Mill Reef, Brigadier Gerard, Shergar, Secretariat and Seattle Slew among many. And in history I have seen and read about the likes of Ribot, Man O'War and Phar Lap. Take it from me, Sea the Stars is up there with the lot of them. Whether he is the absolute best is currently open to question. But if he wins at the Breeders Cup, it will be hard to argue against.

Let's just enjoy the fact that we have seen a truly great horse. The modern day cynicism of all things talented from horses to footballers to musicians to, well, to every other talent, is very unattractive. Never be tempted to join in. And if you happen to meet a cynic, don't say anything back to them. Just shake your head and walk away. They hate that....

Monday's Best at Each Meeting:
Pontefract: 3-10 My Verse
Warwick: 3-50 Dice
Windsor: 5-00 Hajmah

The Owl:
4-00 Windsor: Felsham

Just a quick note in reply to emails: the results compilation is for UK racing only.

The Handicap Ratings and Speed Ratings combined top three strike rate for Sunday was 76% -- an in running weekly average of 76%

There were five from six successful (4) and (5) UK graded races, Sunday giving a top two strike rate of 83% (all clear top rated) -- an in running weekly average of 83%

The Select Pick dutching races provided a 100% strike rate Sunday -- an in running weekly average of 100.%

The full top three summary for Sunday:

The clear top rated winning strike rate of the (4) and (5) graded races Sunday was 83% -- an in running weekly average of 83.%

HANDICAPS
Clear top rated strike rate was 43%. Best top rated SP was 11/2
Top two strike rate (incl joints) was 62%. Best 2nd top SP was 9/1
Top three strike rate was 76%. Best 3rd top SP was 16/1

SPEED RATINGS
Clear top rated strike rate was 33%. Best top rated SP was 7/4
Top two strike rate (incl joints) was 43%. Best 2nd top SP was 9/1
Top three strike rate was 54%. Best 3rd top SP was 11/2
note: Unless there are overnight withdrawals there is always one clear top rated horse (in both services). There are never more than three horses (in either service) in the top two in any race where there are joint 2nd tops (one top rated two joint 2nd top). There are never more than four horses in the top three (in either service) in any race where there are either joint 2nd or joint third tops.

If a horse isn't in the top three rated of the handicaps or the speed ratings, then it is highly likely it won't win.

You can view our two main services (Handicap Ratings with the Speed Ratings and Select) free for seven days by registering HERE

You can see an explanation of the Handicap Ratings HERE and an explanation of the Speed Ratings HERE. The Speed Ratings are an addition to the handicaps at no extra cost and you can subscribe HERE. There has never been a better time to join us

Saturday Update

An underwhelming end to a rather lacklustre week

The Handicap Ratings and Speed Ratings combined top three strike rate for Saturday was 64% following Thursday and Friday's 68% following Wednesday's 74%, Tuesday's 45%, Sunday and Monday's 72% -- a final weekly average of 66.1%

There were two from four successful (4) and (5) UK graded races, Saturday, giving a top two strike rate of 50% following Thursday and Friday's 53%, Wednesday's 70%, Tuesday's 0% and Sunday and Monday's 73% -- a final weekly average of 53.1%

The Select Pick dutching races provided a 50% strike rate Saturday following Thursday and Friday's 50%, Wednesday and Tuesday's 0% (no wins from three dutches) following Sunday and Monday's 67% -- a disappointing final weekly average of 40.5%

The full top three summary for Saturday:

The clear top rated winning strike rate of the (4) and (5) graded races Saturday was 50% following Thursday and Friday's disappointingly low 24%, Wednesday's 50% following Tuesday's 0% (no top 2 wins from 5) following Sunday and Monday's 45% -- a low final weekly average of just 34%

HANDICAPS
Clear top rated strike rate was 16%. Best top rated SP was 15/2
Top two strike rate (incl joints) was 39%. Best 2nd top SP was 9/2
Top three strike rate was 56%. Best 3rd top SP was 10/1

SPEED RATINGS
Clear top rated strike rate was 16%. Best top rated SP was 15/2
Top two strike rate (incl joints) was 39%. Best 2nd top SP was 10/1
Top three strike rate was 50%. Best 3rd top SP was 8/1
note: Unless there are overnight withdrawals there is always one clear top rated horse (in both services). There are never more than three horses (in either service) in the top two in any race where there are joint 2nd tops (one top rated two joint 2nd top). There are never more than four horses in the top three (in either service) in any race where there are either joint 2nd or joint third tops.

If a horse isn't in the top three rated of the handicaps or the speed ratings, then it is highly likely it won't win.

You can view our two main services (Handicap Ratings with the Speed Ratings and Select) free for seven days by registering HERE

You can see an explanation of the Handicap Ratings HERE and an explanation of the Speed Ratings HERE. The Speed Ratings are an addition to the handicaps at no extra cost and you can subscribe HERE. There has never been a better time to join us.

Cambridgeshire Wannabe

A double dose of averageness, Thursday and Friday. The top three combined holding their own and the main handicap ratings breaking the 50% top two barrier. The Pick dutches seem to be stuck in a ditch unable to claw themselves out and the top rated of the (4) and (5) graded races dipped in performance.

Saturday's Best at Each Meeting:
Newmarket: 1-50 Lillie Langtry
Fontwell: 4-05 Truly Fruitful
Epsom: 4-20 Sovereign Remedy
Redcar: 4-3o Traphalgar
Wolverhampton: 7-45 Orpenindeed

Cambridgeshire Selections:
Win Wannabe King
Each Way Kaolak


The Owl:
(Lujano W 8/1 Wednesday)
2-40 Redcar: Arizona John

The Handicap Ratings and Speed Ratings combined top three strike rate for Thursday and Friday was 68% following Wednesday's 74%, Tuesday's 45%, Sunday and Monday's 72% -- an in running weekly average of 66.5%

There were nine from seventeen successful (4) and (5) UK graded races, Thursday and Friday, giving a top two strike rate of 53% following Wednesday's 70%, Tuesday's 0% and Sunday and Monday's 73% -- an in running weekly average of 53.7%

The Select Pick dutching races provided a 50% strike rate Thursday and Friday following Wednesday and Tuesday's 0% (no wins from three dutches) following Sunday and Monday's 67% -- a disappointing in running weekly average of 39%

The full top three summary for Thursday and Friday:

The clear top rated winning strike rate of the (4) and (5) graded races Thursday and Friday was a disappointingly low 24% following Wednesday's 50% following Tuesday's 0% (no top 2 wins from 5) following Sunday and Monday's 45% -- an in running weekly average of 31.3%

HANDICAPS
Clear top rated strike rate was 28%. Best top rated SP was 7/1
Top two strike rate (incl joints) was 52%. Best 2nd top SP was 8/1
Top three strike rate was 63%. Best 3rd top SP was 8/1

SPEED RATINGS
Clear top rated strike rate was 23%. Best top rated SP was 7/1
Top two strike rate (incl joints) was 48%. Best 2nd top SP was 8/1
Top three strike rate was 57%. Best 3rd top SP was 10/1
note: Unless there are overnight withdrawals there is always one clear top rated horse (in both services). There are never more than three horses (in either service) in the top two in any race where there are joint 2nd tops (one top rated two joint 2nd top). There are never more than four horses in the top three (in either service) in any race where there are either joint 2nd or joint third tops.

If a horse isn't in the top three rated of the handicaps or the speed ratings, then it is highly likely it won't win.

You can view our two main services (Handicap Ratings with the Speed Ratings and Select) free for seven days by registering HERE

You can see an explanation of the Handicap Ratings HERE and an explanation of the Speed Ratings HERE. The Speed Ratings are an addition to the handicaps at no extra cost and you can subscribe HERE. There has never been a better time to join us.