The Punter

  • Kingsgate Native to bounce back to form and land his second Nunthorpe
    Friday, 20th August 2010
    RACING TRADER BILL ESDAILE, OUR RACING EXPERT, TAKES A LOOK AT THE BEST BETS OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS…
    THE Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes is the feature race on the final day of York’s four day Ebor meeting and all eyes will be on eight-year-old Borderlescott in his bid to win the race for the third consecutive year. However, Robin Bastiman’s local hero injured himself when winning at Glorious Goodwood last time and connections immediately ruled him out of contention, before changing their minds last week. I’d love to see him land the hat-trick, but fear his interrupted preparation may sadly cost him. Aidan O’Brien’s Starspangledbanner comes here on the back of impressive victories in the Golden... [Read more]

  • the INSIDER
    Friday, 20th August 2010
    I hope you backed Dirar (14/1 winner of Wednesday’s Ebor) which I advised in this column last week... let's hope we can keep up the good work. Well, I’ve been to Amsterdam, Haarlem, Zwolle, Utrecht... [Read more]
  • Return to seven furlongs can give Ouqba the edge in the Hungerford
    Friday, 13th August 2010
    RETURN TO SEVEN FURLONGS CAN GIVE OUQBA THE EDGE IN THE HUNGERFORD
    IT may well be over a year since he last won a race, but Barry Hills’ OUQBA looks the one to beat in the Hungerford Stakes at Newbury this weekend. The four-year-old son of Red Ransom is ideally... [Read more]
  • the INSIDER
    Friday, 13th August 2010
    York takes centre stage next week and there’s nothing I like more than finding a few winners the weekend before a big meeting. Frankie Dettori is at Newbury tomorrow and I fancy him and KITE WOOD to... [Read more]

  • Dar Re Mi to be crowned Queen in tomorrow’s King George
    Friday, 23rd July 2010
    RACING TRADER BILL ESDAILE, OUR RACING EXPERT, TAKES A LOOK AT THE BEST BETS OVER THE WEEKEND…
    THE only place to start when looking at tomorrow’s King George and Queen Elizabeth Stakes is champion trainer Sir Michael Stoute. He trained the first three home in this race 12 months ago and looks... [Read more]
  • THE INSIDER
    Friday, 23rd July 2010
    It’s about time the Derby winner came out and took on his elders in the King George. Great horses like Shergar, Nashwan and Lammtarra completed the double and I think WORKFORCE can add his name to... [Read more]
  • Cecil’s Twice Over looks good to Eclipse his Sandown rivals at 2/1
    Friday, 2nd July 2010
    RACING TRADER BILL ESDAILE, OUR RACING EXPERT, TAKES A LOOK AT THIS WEEKEND’S RACING ACTION
    THERE is certainly no Sea The Stars in tomorrow’s Coral Eclipse field, but the £500,000 added Group 1 contest has still attracted last year’s Champion Stakes winner TWICE OVER and Dubai Sheema... [Read more]
  • the INSIDER
    Friday, 2nd July 2010
    Back in the day I used to visit one or two fashionable clubs, including some in Manchester. However, it’s not just the name that is drawing me to HACIENDA (5%) in the big Heritage Handicap over one... [Read more]
  • Tim Easterby’s Deauville Flyer can land Plate with no weight
    Friday, 25th June 2010
    RACING TRADER BILL ESDAILE, OUR RACING EXPERT, TAKES A LOOK AT THIS WEEKENDS RACING ACTION…
    Newcastle’s Northumberland Plate takes centre stage tomorrow at 3.05pm and David Pipe will be trying to pull off a big race double with Mamlook following his win in the Chester Cup. Pipe tasted... [Read more]
  • The INSIDER
    Friday, 25th June 2010
    Sun, Champagne and a winner is all you need at Chester tomorrow to have a fantastic day out. The winner should come in the form of CANSILI STAR (3.45pm, 5%) who will be on the pace coming out of... [Read more]
  • Lillie Langtry all set to be crowned Ascot Queen in Coronation Stakes
    Friday, 18th June 2010
    RACING TRADER BILL ESDAILE, OUR RACING EXPERT, TAKES A LOOK AT THIS AFTERNOON’S ROYAL ASCOT ACTION…
    YOU would have got a big price about Aidan O’Brien not training a single Royal Ascot winner, but the Ballydoyle maestro will arrive at the Berkshire course today without a winner on the board after... [Read more]
  • Moore can steal the Show
    Friday, 18th June 2010
    TIPS FROM THE TOP WITH PADDY POWER
    PADDY POWER
    I'M hoping that Ryan Moore can get a tune out of Music Show in today's Coronation Stakes as former England footballer turned trainer Mick Channon says it's his best chance of the week. She had no... [Read more]
  • the INSIDER
    Friday, 18th June 2010
    Henry Cecil had a winner on Wednesday, but his Bullet Train ran terribly in the Derby. He may come back today and run a blinder but I can’t put my money on him until he proves it was a one off. Green... [Read more]
  • Spanish raider Bannaby can cause Gold Cup upset at a massive 25/1
    Thursday, 17th June 2010
    RACING TRADER BILL ESDAILE, OUR RACING EXPERT, TAKES A LOOK AT THIS AFTERNOON’S ROYAL ASCOT ACTION…
    SADLY there is no Yeats in this afternoon’s Ascot Gold Cup which means that there will be a new name engraved on the base of the trophy for the first time in five years. Aidan O’Brien will be hoping... [Read more]
  • For a top Royal Ascot tip, just Ask
    Thursday, 17th June 2010
    TIPS FROM THE TOP WITH PADDY POWER
    PADDY POWER
    ASK is a horse that won at the highest level over a mile and a half and when connections stepped him up to two miles last time in France, he was simply devastating. With Yeats no longer in the... [Read more]
  • the INSIDER
    Thursday, 17th June 2010
    ANIFEST (10%) is something we have all heard plenty about over the last five months but in a political sense rather than the horse. Really it wasn’t until the demolition of a quality field in the... [Read more]
  • Byword to maintain France’s strong record in the Prince of Wales’ Stakes
    Wednesday, 16th June 2010
    RACING TRADER BILL ESDAILE, OUR RACING EXPERT, TAKES A LOOK AT TODAY’S ROYAL ASCOT ACTION…
    BILL ESDAILE
    FRENCH trained horses have won two of the last three renewals of the Prince of Wales’ Stakes (3.50pm), the feature race on the second day of Royal Ascot, and BYWORD can maintain their hot streak.... [Read more]
  • the INSIDER
    Wednesday, 16th June 2010
    The forecast for today looks fine, but I’m hoping that RAINFALL (3%) pours it on in the Jersey Stakes this afternoon. Mark Johnston has champion jockey Ryan Moore booked to ride this son of Oasis... [Read more]
  • IN-RUNNING TRADING HINTS
    Wednesday, 16th June 2010
    Market leaders Antara and Strawberrydaiquiri were both given extremely positive rides last time out and I’d be surprised if Frankie Dettori and Ryan Moore weren’t equally as positive in the Windsor... [Read more]
  • International raiders set to steal the show on Ascot’s opening day
    Tuesday, 15th June 2010
    RACING TRADER BILL ESDAILE, OUR RACING EXPERT, TAKES A LOOK AT TODAY’S ROYAL ASCOT ACTION…
    FIVE days of quality racing gets underway this afternoon with arguably the race of the week, the Queen Anne Stakes. Last year’s winner Paco Boy meets multiple Group One winners GOLDIKOVA and Rip Van... [Read more]
  • the INSIDER
    Tuesday, 15th June 2010
    If you followed this column at Cheltenham, which was extremely profitable, you would understand that precautions need to be taken when you face five days of racing. The main requirement is not to go... [Read more]
  • Cosgrave can maintain 100% record on gutsy Invincible Lad
    Friday, 11th June 2010
    RACING TRADER BILL ESDAILE, OUR RACING EXPERT, TAKES A LOOK AT THIS WEEKEND’S RACING ACTION
    WITH just a handful of days to go until the start of this year’s Royal Ascot meeting, this weekend's racing is definitely the calm before the storm. That said, a 2/1 winner at Southwell on a wet... [Read more]
  • the INSIDER
    Friday, 11th June 2010
    OLE, Ole, Ole, Ole, Ole, Ole, the World Cup starts today. I’ve been growing my nails getting ready for the penalty shoot outs and red cards. It’s time for a lot of beer and a huge amount of highs and... [Read more]
  • Bolger can land his second Oaks with Akdarena
    Friday, 4th June 2010
    RACING TRADER | BILL ESDAILE, OUR RACING EXPERT, TAKES A LOOK AT THIS WEEKEND’S ACTION FROM EPSOM
    THERE is only one place to start when looking for a potential winner of the Investec Oaks; the master of Warren Place, Henry Cecil. He has won this race eight times in the past and has two live... [Read more]
  • Midas Touch the golden Derby bet for O’Brien
    Friday, 4th June 2010
    Who do I think is the most likely winner of the Investec Derby? It has to be Jan Vermeer. Who do I think is the best betting proposition? It has to be MIDAS TOUCH. Aidan O’Brien hasn’t won English... [Read more]
  • the INSIDER
    Friday, 4th June 2010
    On 1st June I normally have two things on my mind, firstly, “Where is my top hat?” and secondly, “So-and-so will be my Derby bet”. This year was different. Worryingly I have already found the hat and... [Read more]
  • Canford Cliffs can hand Hannon his third Irish Guineas
    Friday, 21st May 2010
    RACING TRADER | BILL ESDAILE, OUR RACING EXPERT, TAKES A LOOK AT THIS WEEKEND’S RACING ACTION...
    BILL ESDAILE
    PACO BOY landed the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury last Saturday for Richard Hannon and CANFORD CLIFFS can bag another Group One for his in-form stable at the Curragh tomorrow. The son of Tagula proved... [Read more]
  • the INSIDER
    Friday, 21st May 2010
    It’s only three weeks until the 2010 Football World Cup and if you are quick and use oddschecker.com you might just be able to get a few pounds on England to win at 7/1. Or is that the right thing to... [Read more]
  • The Cheka is the call at 14/1 against Paco Boy in the Lockinge
    Friday, 14th May 2010
    RACING TRADER | BILL ESDAILE, OUR RACING EXPERT, TAKES A LOOK AT THIS WEEKEND’S RACING ACTION...
    BILL ESDAILE
    PACO BOY couldn’t have been more impressive at Sandown on his reappearance over a mile last month and Richard Hannon’s five-year-old will take plenty of beating in the Lockinge tomorrow. However, he... [Read more]
  • the INSIDER
    Friday, 14th May 2010
    IF YOU'RE a gambler then the bet or should I say 'lay' of the weekend is PACO BOY (10%). I have a feeling that tomorrow in the Group One Lockinge Stakes at 3.05pm the value lies with the field. Okay... [Read more]
  • Timepiece to land trial before going on to bigger things
    Friday, 7th May 2010
    RACING TRADER | BILL ESDAILE, OUR RACING EXPERT, TAKES A LOOK AT THIS WEEKEND’S RACING ACTION...
    BILL ESDAILE
    THERE is no better trainer of a filly than Henry Cecil. The master of Warren Place showed off his skills in preparing a member of the equine fairer sex for a Classic last week when only the Stewards... [Read more]
  • the INSIDER
    Friday, 7th May 2010
    The Dee Stakes looks like a watching race rather than a betting one. Desert Myth has reportedly been going great guns at home and on his sole start broke his maiden well. Some tipsters have suggested... [Read more]
  • Hobbs can end season on high with Lacdoudal
    Friday, 23rd April 2010
    RACING TRADER | BILL ESDAILE, OUR RACING EXPERT, TAKES A LOOK AT THIS WEEKEND’S RACING ACTION...
    PHILIP Hobbs has had a fantastic end to the jumps season and he can cap things off in perfect style by taking tomorrow’s Bet365 Gold Cup with LACDOUDAL. The 11-year-old grey won this race four years... [Read more]
  • the INSIDER
    Friday, 23rd April 2010
    Last weekend I ignored my No1 rule and paid the price. It is essential to make sure a stable is in form before backing any horse. You may miss a few big priced winners but overall, in my opinion, it... [Read more]
  • Canford can land Newbury Guineas Trial
    Friday, 16th April 2010
    RACING TRADER | BILL ESDAILE, OUR RACING EXPERT, TAKES A LOOK AT THIS WEEKEND’S RACING ACTION...
    ONLY five runners go to post for the Greenham Stakes at Newbury, but they include leading 2000 Guineas candidates CANFORD CLIFFS and Arcano. The pair met in the Group One Prix Morny last August when... [Read more]
  • the INSIDER
    Friday, 16th April 2010
    Deirdre runs in the Dubai Duty Free Stakes at Newbury (3.05pm) tomorrow. I don’t want to upset any readers or owners of the horse but I can’t back her because of her name. It doesn’t give me that ‘... [Read more]
  • Irish raiders hold key to the Grand National
    Friday, 9th April 2010
    RACING TRADER | BILL ESDAILE, OUR RACING EXPERT, TAKES A LOOK AT TOMORROW’S GRAND NATIONAL...
    THOSE of you that follow trends will think I’m mad tipping BLACK APALACHI to win the John Smith’s Grand National. All bar one of the last 25 winners have shouldered 11 stone or less to victory and... [Read more]
  • the INSIDER
    Friday, 9th April 2010
    I have already tipped THE PACKAGE and ARBOUR SUPREME in tomorrow’s National and I’m still happy with both selections. In fact, I’m going to recommend you put an additional 2% win on the latter as I’m... [Read more]
  • IN-RUNNING TRADING HINTS
    Friday, 9th April 2010
    Betdaq are only charging 2% commission on all winning bets placed in-running during all UK and Irish races, so make sure you log on and trade your positions at Aintree this afternoon and tomorrow.... [Read more]
  • HANNON’S SHAMWARI LODGE CAN PAY FOR ALL THE EASTER EGGS
    Thursday, 1st April 2010
    RACING TRADER | BILL ESDAILE, OUR RACING EXPERT, TAKES A LOOK AT THIS EASTER WEEKEND’S RACING ACTION…
    THE weather is threatening to cause problems with racing over the Easter period with this afternoon’s Wincanton card an early waterlogged casualty. However, Kempton Park stages the Listed Snowdrop... [Read more]
  • the INSIDER
    Thursday, 1st April 2010
    WITH no racing on Good Friday we had three small cards to look at today. However, Wincanton was abandoned yesterday and it’s possible that Folkestone may go as well, so keep an eye on oddschecker.com... [Read more]
  • Taking one from each side of draw looks Lincoln call
    Friday, 26th March 2010
    RACING TRADER | BILL ESDAILE, OUR RACING EXPERT, TAKES A LOOK AT THIS WEEKEND’S RACING ACTION…
    CHELTENHAM is over for another year and hopefully you might have made a few quid following us last week. Regular readers of this column should have been on RSA Chase winner Weapon’s Amnesty ante-post... [Read more]
  • the INSIDER
    Friday, 26th March 2010
    I’m so excited that the Flat season is back; let’s hope it is a special and profitable year. Sea The Stars has been retired to stud and there is now room for a new superstar. Will it be St Nicholas... [Read more]
  • Don’t risk Big Buck’s on World Champion
    Thursday, 18th March 2010
    RACING TRADER | BILL ESDAILE, OUR RACING EXPERT, TAKES A LOOK AT THIS AFTERNOON’S WORLD HURDLE...
    RUBY Walsh and Big Buck’s are a brilliant partnership – they have won eight of their nine races together and all six over hurdles. Andy Stewart’s seven-year-old has been a revelation since reverting... [Read more]
  • IN-RUNNING TRADING HINTS
    Thursday, 18th March 2010
    Betdaq are only charging 2% commission on all winning bets placed in-running during all UK and Irish races, so make sure you log on and trade your positions during this week’s Cheltenham Festival. A... [Read more]
  • Nicholls to land double with Alfie and Poquelin
    Thursday, 18th March 2010
    RACING TRADER | BILL ESDAILE, OUR RACING EXPERT, TAKES A LOOK AT THIS AFTERNOON’S OTHER RACES…
    PHILIP Hobbs has his string in rude health and I’ll be taking a chance on his COPPER BLEU in the opener at 16/1 with William Hill. The eight-year-old was only narrowly touched off at Aintree last... [Read more]
  • Barbers Shop is no match for Nicholls’ Poquelin in Ryanair
    Thursday, 18th March 2010
    AGAIN, it’s certainly worth taking advantage of one of Sporting Index’s numerous match bets this afternoon. By challenging their prediction of the distance between a chosen pair of horses as they... [Read more]
  • the INSIDER
    Thursday, 18th March 2010
    I hope you drank plenty of Guinness yesterday and you are feeling ready to take on the bookies once more today. It’s World Hurdle day at Cheltenham plus there are plenty of large fields on the... [Read more]
  • Kalahari King all set to shake up Master Minded
    Wednesday, 17th March 2010
    RACING TRADER | BILL ESDAILE, OUR RACING EXPERT, TAKES A LOOK AT THIS AFTERNOON’S CHAMPION CHASE
    THERE have been plenty of dual winners of this prestigious jewel in the crown for two-milers, but only Michael Dickinson’s Badsworth Boy managed to win three on the spin, so Master Minded will be... [Read more]
  • IN-RUNNING TRADING HINTS
    Wednesday, 17th March 2010
    Betdaq are only charging 2% commission on all winning bets placed in-running during all UK and Irish races, so make sure you log on and trade your positions during this week’s Cheltenham Festival.... [Read more]
  • 8/1 Weapon's Amnesty may be RSA Chase value
    Wednesday, 17th March 2010
    RACING TRADER | BILL ESDAILE, OUR RACING EXPERT, TAKES A LOOK AT THIS AFTERNOON’S OTHER RACES…
    TWENTY runners go to post for the opening contest of the second day of the Cheltenham Festival and I’m backing two at massive prices to cause an upset. Firstly, legendary Irish trainer Mouse Morris... [Read more]
  • It has to be ForPady on St Patrick’s Day
    Wednesday, 17th March 2010
    Sporting Index have priced up a host of match bets on this afternoon’s racing and there are not many better ways of opposing horses you don’t fancy. Basically, they pick two horses in any race and... [Read more]
  • the INSIDER
    Wednesday, 17th March 2010
    My two bankers of the meeting are both running this afternoon. I’m also going to be backing my first Paul Nicholls trained runner of the Festival! Let’s get the bankers out of the way and then... [Read more]
  • Henderson’s Punjabi is Champion pick at 8/1
    Tuesday, 16th March 2010
    BILL ESDAILE, OUR RACING EXPERT, TAKES A LOOK AT THIS AFTERNOON'S CHAMPION HURDLE...¶
    THERE may only be 12 runners in this afternoon’s Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle, but the feature race on the opening day of the Festival looks one of the most open of the week. Irish raiders Go Native... [Read more]
  • Get Me Out Of Here can get Festival off to a flyer
    Tuesday, 16th March 2010
    BILL ESDAILE, OUR RACING EXPERT, TAKES A LOOK AT THIS AFTERNOON’S OTHER RACES
    WILLIAM Hill are as short as 4/6 about Irish raider Dunguib in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, the opening contest of the four day meeting. Last year’s Champion Bumper winner could well be something... [Read more]
  • IN-RUNNING TRADING HINTS
    Tuesday, 16th March 2010
    Betdaq are only charging 2% commission on all winning bets placed in-running during all UK and Irish races, so make sure you log on and trade your positions during this week’s Cheltenham Festival.... [Read more]
  • the INSIDER
    Tuesday, 16th March 2010
    Take a leaf out of poker legend Chris Ferguson’s book and make sure you bet within your bankroll at Cheltenham this week. It is very easy to get carried away in all the excitement but it is worth... [Read more]
  • Championship races may be tighter fought affairs than Sporting predict
    Tuesday, 16th March 2010
    Sporting Index have produced a host of special bets for this year’s Festival and are predicting that the aggregate winning distances for the 26 races over the next four days will be between 96 and... [Read more]
  • Battlecry can answer Twiston’s call for another Saturday to remember
    Friday, 5th March 2010
    RACING TRADER | BILL ESDAILE, OUR RACING EXPERT, TAKES A LOOK AT THIS WEEKEND’S RACING ACTION…
    WITH less than two weeks to go until the start of the Cheltenham Festival, there is a distinct lack of quality racing on offer this weekend. The Raymond Mould Supporting Greatwood Gold Cup at Newbury... [Read more]
  • the INSIDER
    Friday, 5th March 2010
    With no all-weather tomorrow and only one poor betting race declared over the jumps, I will be backing just the one horse over the next couple of days. FREDDIE’S GIRL runs in Lingfield’s 4.10pm this... [Read more]
  • Flat track bully Madison can give Pipe his first Racing Post Chase
    Friday, 26th February 2010
    RACING TRADER | BILL ESDAILE, OUR RACING EXPERT, HAS IDENTIFIED A NUMBER OF HORSES TO BACK THIS WEEKEND
    IN THE past 11 years only two horses have won Kempton’s Racing Post Chase (3.05pm, tomorrow) carrying less than 11stone and four have shouldered at least 11st10lbs. In short, this race goes to the... [Read more]
  • the INSIDE
    Friday, 26th February 2010
    The Betdaq.co.uk Cleves Stakes at Lingfield (3.50pm) is an intriguing contest and my eye is taken by three runners. I backed Mullionmileanhour in the 2008 Windsor Castle at Royal Ascot when he was... [Read more]
  • Miko De Beauchene looks pure Gold to add to tremendous Haydock record
    Friday, 19th February 2010
    RACING TRADER | BILL ESDAILE, OUR RACING EXPERT, TAKES A LOOK AT THIS WEEKEND’S RACING ACTION
    THE expression ‘horses for courses’ could not be more appropriate when it comes to weighing up the chances of MIKO DE BEAUCHENE in bottomless ground at Haydock. Venetia Williams’ 10-year-old is... [Read more]
  • the INSIDER
    Friday, 19th February 2010
    It's that time of year when the two-year-olds face the stalls for the first time. The outcome is polarised. They are either indifferent to the starting stalls and walk in, or they have to be man-... [Read more]