Saturday 11th August 2012

Nice profits yesterday with For Life winning handy and it has been a profitable week.

Three bets today at our beloved Ascot, one on a horse and two on the specials markets.

Shergar Cup - Ladies Team to win 5pts @ 7/2 (Stan James, www.betpack.com, 3/1 with Corals, Independents)

Shergar Cup leading jockey - Hayley Turner 2pts @ 8/1 (Generally)

Our bets today are all related so I've had to be careful with staking. Having scanned the cards, I feel that the girls have by far the best book of rides in the Shergar Cup and the price of 7/2 is miles too big in my view - 9/4 is my idea of the correct price so we really must have a decent punt on that basis. If you shop around you should get 3/1 at least, ask your local independent bookmaker to give you 3/1 or 7/2 and they will probably accommodate you. 11/4 is still too big but 7/2 is ridiculous - fair play to Stan James and the others for taking a view but they may not have the last laugh. You can bet your bottom dollar none of the girls will be dropping their hands close home when riding for a place, places can decide the eventual winner and I can see their team being extremely competitive.

Hayley Turner has the most Ascot experience of the girls and I particularly like the look of her book of rides. 8/1 on her winning top jockey is too big and we'll have two points extra on Hayley.

2.05 Ascot Steps 5pts win @ 13/2 (VC Bet, guaranteed, 6/1 generally guaranteed)

Produced a stunning turn of foot on his last run to finally justify the faith the Varian team have had in him, and a first time hood appeared to make all the difference. I think he is the best handicapped horse in this race by far and the presence of Stone Of Folca, Zero Money and Judge 'N' Jury should ensure the strong pace he requires. Hayley Turner takes the ride and provided he handles the ground, I think he will win. Taajub is not easily passed over, but this isn't an emotional game and Steps looks really well handicapped. A rail draw will help him (made his challenge on the rail last time and it seemed to help him focus).

Profit & loss: day: -12.00 / month: +40.00 / year: -91.46