Another top tip keeps Salmon firing!

My good Salmons, what more can you ask for?! After something of a hiatus, the Salmon bounces back over the weekend with 2 winning tips out 3 and a 7.75 point profit.
With this in mind and no desperate rush for a punt this week, we are going to have a quick look at my antepost Premier League suggestions. A quarter of the way through the season, we are looking at a mixed situation.
Unfortunately, our most ambitious investment (Frank Lampard to be top scorer) looks to have already ran it's race, particularly with three of his teammates having scored 5 or more already.
Meanwhile Blues (to be relegated) could still be a runner. I've not been particularly impressed with them thus far and considering they're only 1 point above the drop zone and facing almost certain defeat when travelling to the mighty Villa this weekend(!), we have no need to be overly concerned at present.
By far the most interesting of our runners at this stage is Arsenal to win the league. Investing 4 points each way is the biggest punting suggestion so far and in spite of the fact that the Gooners are still available at 6-1, bear in mind that, backed each way antepost with Paddy Power, we have the luxury of scoring if they finish in the top 3. They seem to be improving, and after a great win at Eastlands yesterday, it would be foolish to write them out of the equation.

Monet lands Salmon a pick-me-up!

Well, a grand day of racing sees Monet's Garden retain the Old Roan and net Salmon followers a tasty 4.75 point profit. A little mention for Native Khan here, as I thought he was rather unlucky in the Racing Post Trophy. True, he may not have had the class to win, but was hampered and bumped and I felt possibly deserved a place. Oh well - onwards!
Moving away from racing for a moment, tomorrow sees a fascinating days football in the Prem, with Manchester United, Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool all in action. I shall leave the Stoke v Man Utd alone as the hosts are reliable at home and Utd don't seem to be quite the force they once were. I fancy a small double on Liverpool and Arsenal to win. I'm sure that now is the time to back the Reds and the general 4-6 is too big even taking into account their problems. Having said that I'm not keen to lump on, so looking at the days other fixture we have to make a choice. I know Man City have beaten other high quality rivals at Eastlands, but I just have a feeling Arsenal may put in a performance and nick a 1-0 victory. Get on the double and come on you Gunners!!

Liverpool & Arsenal (0.75 point double) 4-1 Bet365

Mixed TV Card Whets Salmon's Appetite!

Bonjour fellow fish.
Another interesting card Racing wise this weekend, perhaps not with the class of last weekend, but certainly the intrigue.
It would seem logical to start with Racing Post Trophy and so we will. A case could be made for almost all the runners. Form would suggest Casamento, potential might suggest Dunboyne Express, jockey wise you could take Master Of Hounds, while Brian Meehan has an excellent training record in this race and saddles the highly respected Titus Mills. However, I am going to side with highly thought of Native Khan. Ok, he may not have been as concincing as others in the field up until now, but has the ever winner-hungry Paul Hanagan in the driver's seat and could be a huge price at 10-1 with Bet365.
Elsewhere, we'll look at the Old Roan Chase at Aintree. A good quality field this with some old adversaries re-acquainting themselves. It is always difficult to be sure which of these will need the run, and in Tartak, Poquelin and Alberta's Run, we have a trio of strong contenders. Once again though I am going against the grain and with one of my old favourites - the 12 year old Monet's Garden. Always a game animal and winner of this race in 2007 & 2009, he could well take some beating in spite of his advancing years. \only 6 runners, so difficult to make a case for an each way bet. 9-2 with Bet365 seems about right so take the price online and let's hope we have a little drift to 11-2/6s.

Native Khan (2.55 Doncaster) 1 point each way [10-1 Bet365]
Monet's Garden (3.25 Aintree) 1.5 points win [9-2 Bet365]

Salmon cooling off after run of theft

Salmon fans, it is with regret that I share with you the theft of a large sum of money 10 days that has put the Salmon's betting boots firmly away recently. You will know if you are a regular follower that we stand +0.5 points since the debut post and as such i am going to offer a little Ante-post flutter for you.
Try a small each way double on Saamid in the Dewhurst and Debussy in the Champion Stakes. Saamid is better value than the two market leaders in the Dewhurst (although a small e/w case could be made for Native Khan) while Debussy is huge in an open Champion Stakes.

0.25 points each way double - Saamid & Debussy (5-1 & 20-1 Coral)

Salmon Ready To Leap!

Good morning fishy fiends!
After a three week absence the Salmon returns to look at a bumper 13 race terrestrial TV card today!
The temptation is to look for a small profit with some cross-card doubles, but simply because of the amount of races today, I am going to take a relaxed approach to punting this weekend.
The obvious place to start is the QEII at Ascot where Makfi and Rip Van Winkle head the market. Whilst disappointing that Canford Cliffs has not scoped well and doesn't run, I actually think this makes the race a more interesting betting prospect. I can't back Makfi at odds on and would need 11-8 before I got on board. As for Rip, there is no value backing him at 11-4. I do believe it will be a straight shootout between the two, but we have to keep in mind that successful betting is about value and neither of these tick boxes with question marks over both. Thus, I am siding with Poet's Voice, who is easily the third best horse in the race and at 15-2 with Ladbrokes (1/4 odds) offers serious value. If there is to be a shock, this is it!
Elsewhere, I am offering up an interesting treble. Not much to say about the two horses involved - Frankel will win easily and White Moonstone has only to hold off Theysken's Theory surely. In addition I will throw in Chelsea to beat Man City. I can't believe that a shade of odds against is available. City have been average at best this season, whilst the blues have been imperious in the Prem so far. True, this is there first real test, but I think they'll sail through with minmum fuss.

Poet's Voice (4.15 Ascot) 1.5 point each way [15-2 Ladbrokes 1/4 1,2,3]
Frankel (2.30 Ascot) White Moonstone (3.05 Ascot) Chelsea 2point treble [4.3-1 Paddy Power]


PACO'S LONGSHOT - Acrostic 3.40 Ascot (25-1 Paddy Power)

Now to a new regular Saturday feature from my gilled nephew Paco the goldfish. After much deliberation over today's Racing Post, Paco has settled on Acrostic in the 3.40 at Ascot live on BBC 2. He is firm in the belief that anything could win this race and that Redford won't be following last week's Ayr victory. Acrostic, he says, has the form and class (in spite of being on a career high mark) and is preferred to stablemate Axiom.

Salmon Returns!

A great day's racing today and due to a late rise from the Salmon, today's suggestions are prefaced with only a short indication as to reasoning.
We start with a bet that, whilst sentimental, is in my opinion bet of the day and that is Borderlescott. In spite of finishing 6th last time out in the Nunthorpe, Robin Bastiman believes him to be in better shape than ever before and considering the muddling nature of that race (and the shocking result), I think we can overlook that form. Prior to that Border has been in imperious form and I will be getting on at 12s with Bet 365.
Another interesting race is over in Ireland at 3:45. Thankfully Channel 4 are showing the Irish Champion Stakes, which looks to be a shootout between the re-opposing Rip Van Winkle and Twice Over. At the prices only Twice Over can make any appeal, so a small win bet is probably worthwhile.

Borderlescott (3:35 Haydock) 2 points each-way 12-1 Bet 365 [1/4 1,2,3]
Twice Over (3:45 Leopardstown) 1 point win 7-2 Bet 365

York - Day Four

A huge apology to Salmons after Martyr's tank emptied a furlong from home, when looking the likely winner of the Ebor. With our profit since the first post standing at +6 points, today we are going for broke with one of my old favourites Borderlescott. Rarely out of the money, we were told a few weeks ago that an injury had ruled him out of a Nunthorpe hat-trick attempt. He races today and the Knavesmire will erupt if he can produce the goods. Get on Border at 14s!!!

Borderlescott (3.25 York) 14-1 Ladbrokes [3 points each-way 1/4 1,2,3]

York Day Two

1 out of 2 aint bad! Successful followers will have been on Rewilding at 2s and he easily won at an SP of 6-4.

In the feature race, a slightly disappointing run from Dick Turpin meant our each way bet failed to score. However, for the day and week we are +2 points.

York day two looks tricky. I can't get too excited about anything in the Gimcrack, so will stick to my fancy in the Ebor. I was mightily impressed with Martyr at Goodwood last time out and think the 6-1 available with Sportingbet is a solid bet with four places paid. I wouldn't put anyone off backing Elyaadi, Overturn or Dangerous Midge, but at 6-4 for the place I can't leave Martyr. Get on!

Martyr (3.25 Goodwood) 1 point each-way [6-1 Sportingbet 1/4 1,2,3,4]

York Ebor Meeting - Day One

Hello Salmon supporters.

Tuesday is day one of the York Ebor Meeting and we're going to get stuck into a couple of the best races of the meeting. First up let's look at the Great Voltigeur (2.50 York). It looks like a fairly strong renewal and should give some clear indications of St Leger expectations. Whilst a case can be made for Monterosso and Midas Touch, I will be backing Frankie onboard Rewilding who I fancy can bounce back from his Derby third on a more suitable track.

Rewilding [2.50 Goodwood] 2 points (2-1 Ladbrokes)

Moving on to the Juddmonte International Stakes (3.25 York) and what a race we have in store. I simply cannot wait for it. What a shame that Harbinger doesn't race, to add even more class to the field. The first for horses in the betting are all Group One winners and represent some of the finest creatures around at present.
Rip Van Winkle is rightly favourite, but seems to offer little value at anything less than 3-1 while Byword and Twice Over best priced at 3s and 5s respectively still seem a bit skinny. Of the two, I'd be more interested in the Cecil horse at 5-1, but I'm going to side with Dick Turpin at 6-1, who each-way, should give us a good run considering a form line through Canford Cliffs.

Dick Turpin [3.25 Goodwood] 1 point each-way (6-1 Ladbrokes 1/4 odds 1,2,3)

Holiday gives Salmon time to consider Prem

Hello Salmon followers. No post for some time after a short holiday, so we return with gusto to attack the bookies. Followers will know that after a particularly successful Goodwood festival, Salmon followers have found themselves 18 points in profit.

This is a super return from only a handful of tips and gives us plenty of ammunition for the forthcoming Premiership season.

It looks to be the most open Premiership season for years and it is possible to make a case for any of the big 5. However, before the Charity Shield (I refuse to use it's new moniker) I fancied Arsenal were the value at a massive 7-1, and I haven't changed my mind. Obviously the fact that Fabregas remains at the Emirates is a huge plus and I think Wenger's shrewd signings could be enough to see them challenge Chelsea and United. Manchester City will win the Premiership within 5 years, but I can't have them at the moment.

Paddy Power offer each way places 1,2,3 at a fifth the odds, which means their quote of 6-1 lands you a small profit even if Arsenal finish third. With this in mind, lets have 4 points each way, with the leading Irish bookie.

Turning our thoughts to other markets, I am leaving alone the race for European places. There are so many teams that could fight these places out (and I can't get excited about the mighty Villa after O'Neill's departure), so I think it's a group of markets to avoid. A small interest for me comes in the relegation market, where all the obvious selections are ridiculously short. I will be backing Birmingham City to a small stake.

Blues scored very few goals last term (amazingly all their victories came by a single goal) and have lost Joe Harte between the sticks. I believe they were a little lucky and although I admire Alex McLeish, I think they could be in for a hard time.

I always think that top-goalscorer betting should be dominated by penalty takers and am amazed that Frank Lampard is available at 28-1 (1/4 odds 1,2,3,4 Sportingbet).

Get on fatty to a small stake.

Arsenal (Premiership Title) 6-1 Paddy Power [4points each-way 1/5 1,2,3]

Birmingham City (Prem Relegation) 6-1 Ladbrokes [2points]

Frank Lampard (Top Scorer) 28-1 Sportingbet [1point each-way 1/4 1,2,3,4]

Another pinch for the Salmon!

Salmon backers got a great run out of Jonny Mudball in the Steward's Cup, bringing in a small profit. (2.4 points staked - 2.7 returned) At the furlong pole I thought we were rejoicing in another Salmon success! Still, it's all about staying ahead, and that's precisely what we're doing.
Profit for the week stands at +19.7 points, so I am looking to tonight's Athletics for a small filip.
Try a small patriotic double on Michael Rimmer (Men's 800m) and David Greene (Men's 400m hurdles)

Michael Rimmer (Men's 800m) & David Greene (Men's 400m Hurdles)
1.7 points double @11-10 Bet365

Wot no Salmon?!

Hello fellow salmons. I can only apologise for no Goodwood tips for a couple of days. Yesterday was not a betting prospect for me and today, whilst hampered by last night's heady combination of various viscous liquors, a slow internet connection disallowed me from tipping Midday for the Nassau. In direct response to this, we're gonna plunge a bit into the very tricky Stewards Cup. I'm not going to go into huge detail as to why to back my selections, as a case could be made for nearly every horse in the race, however here we go.
I shall have a little on Johnny Mudball (very impressive latest effort) and a bit on Ancien Regime who may be a massive price.

Johnny Mudball 340 Goodwood (0.6 points each way) 14-1 Bet365
Ancien Regime 340 Goodwood (0.6points each way) 28-1 Bet365

Salmon in Seventh Heaven!!!!

Kappow! After the disappointment of yesterday, the Salmon strikes back with Borderlescott and Illustrious Blue both winning at fancy odds and yielding a +19.4 point return for Salmon followers. Sadly Rosika (advised at 20-1) just missed out on a place finishing 4th.

Booze leads to deliberate mistakes

Quick update for eagle-eyed Salmons who may have believed that I had lost my marbles. Today's outlay was, of course, 6 points (not 5 as written at the end of the post) and the shameful use of 'their' rather than 'there' is simply unforgivable. I blame polish lager and non-sparkling perry.

Goodwood Day Three

Hello Salmon fans. First I must apologise for yesterday's tip. Dwain Chambers seemed to have it in the bag at halfway but was inexplicably thrashed in the closing 40 metres. At least we can find solace in the fact that the Salmon acknowledged Lemaitre as Chambers' rival. Perhaps in future posts I'll offer a 'tip' and a 'danger', giving all you young salmons the opportunity to make the choice yourselves.
So, on to todays racing. Another puzzling card at Goodwood, but one that I shall be glued to. After yesterday's obliteration of the fund, I am changing tack and going for a few speculative suggestions rather than one biggy.
In the 245, their is only one horse to backing, the irrepressible Borderlescott. Admittedly, take the each way option to be safe, but I guarantee this horse won't let you down.
In the Gold Cup, I was convinced that Kite Wood was the bet, but having seen him confirmed as a non runner, have switched allegiance to Illustrious Blue. Again, take the each way 9-1 with Sportingbet.
Finally let's have a little bit on Rosika in the 400. Take the 20-1 with Bet365 and make a mockery of the bookies (Ladbrokes go 12s).
So, we're investing 5 points today, (payday tomorrow) hoping to snatch a bit for the weekend. Come on the Border!!!

Borderlescott (2.45 Goodwood) 2 points each way [6-1 Bet365]
Illustrious Blue (3.25 Goodwood) 0.5 points each way [9-1 Sportingbet]
Rosika (4.00 Goodwood) 0.5 points each way [20-1 Bet365]

Experienced Chambers to boost bank for Salmon

OK, a disappointing result earlier today (particularly when a furlong out Rip looked as if he might have got away) but let's not get down in the mouth!

Turning attentions to the European Athletics Championship which started yesterday, let's try to get on top of the bookies. There look to be plenty of British "good things", not least Michael Rimmer in the 800m and David Greene in the 400m hurdles. Tonight though, it's the turn of the sprinters. The men's 100m final takes place at 8.45pm and looks to be a straight shoot-out between our own Dwain Chambers and France's Christophe Lemaitre (the first white man to break the 10 second barrier).

It promises to be a cracking final, and I will be backing Chambers with all of this weeks profit, firm in the belief that his experience will come through on the big stage. As I've said in previous posts, I don't like to back odds on, but Chambers at 4/6 is a fair reflection of his chances.

Thus, we go 3.25 points on Dwain to boost the coffers for a very open day's racing at Goodwood tomorrow.

Dwain Chambers (Men's 100m) 3.25 points [4/6 Bet365]

Goodwood Day Two - Reaction

I stand corrected! A facile victory for Canford Cliffs in the Sussex means that sadly, Salmon followers lose 0.75 of a point today. Still, we remain 3.25 points up for the week.

-0.75 points

Goodwood Day Two

More great racing live on Channel 4 today, with the Group One Sussex Stakes the highlight (325 Goodwood). It promises to be a great race with Irish Guineas and St James's Palace Stakes winner Canford Cliffs taking on Aiden O'Brien's Rip Van Winkle, one of last season's top 3 year olds, who attempts to defend his Sussex crown.
I must preface my betting suggestion, by saying that I am a big fan of Canford Cliffs and believe him to be the best 3 year old miler around. I also think he should and probably will win this race. However, at a price of 4/6 I can't see him as a betting proposition.
Rip Van Winkle attempts to win this for the second year running and although only managing a disappointing 6th in the Queen Anne last time out at Ascot, is still a class horse. True, no animal has ever won back to back Sussex Stakes, but I think Canford Cliffs may struggle a little against older rivals, particularly if not settling well.
Bet 365 offer best odds guaranteed and each way terms of 1/4 the odds 1,2,3 and for me the bet will be Rip Van Winkle each way. This may seem an unusual bet at the current price of 5-2, but look at this way....
I can't see any way that 3 of these horses will finish ahead of Rip, so that is the place part of the bet, at odds of 5-8. You then get a cracking shout at winning, particularly if he drifts to 3-1 on the day.
So, if placed (which seems all but nailed on) you lose only 0.75 of a point and if he wins you profit by 6.25 points.
For this reason let's play up yesterday's winnings and have 2 points each way. Go on the Winkle!!!

Rip Van Winkle (3.25 Goodwood) 2 points each way [5-2 Bet365]

Goodwood Day One - Reaction

Well, a great start to Goodwood with Lord Shanakill well backed and obliging at good odds. Unfortunately only second for Stone Of Folca and a bit of an oversight on my part not suggesting an each way bet.
Still a return for the day of +4 points which can't be sniffed at.

Goodwood Day One

Focusing on the days live terrestrial races, and a hard 4 races they are to call! I dare say I shall have a few quid here and there, but for my opening blog suggestion I am going with Lord Shanakill in the 3.25.
He is a Group 1 winner and was comfortable under today's jockey Tom Queally at Chester last time. There are 5 or 6 that could be made a case for in this race, particularly Red Jazz and Balthazar's Gift. However, at the prices (all 3 are around the 8-1/9-1 mark) I think Henry Cecil's horse is the one to be backing

Lord Shanakill (3.25 Goodwood) 0.5 points each way [8-1 Bet365]


As it's my first post, I'm going to have a cheeky second suggestion in the 4.00. I can't believe that Stone Of Folca isn't favourite for the Molecomb Stakes, so suggest a small interest at the very tempting 7-2 offered by Bet365

Stone Of Folca (4.00 Goodwood) 1 point win [7-2 Bet365]

Welcome!

Hello, and welcome to my new blog for small time punters. I shall put up betting suggestions on anything from horses to football to politics. I do not wish to encourage gambling and am not a tipster, this is simply for fun. Each betting suggestion will be posted using a points system. I am a small bettor so would usually equate 1 point to a £5 stake. Yours may be £1, £10 or £100, but the points system indicates how strong I feel the bet is. So, a 2 point bet, for me, would be a £10 bet.
I always bet online using reputable bookmakers. Whilst you can bet in high street shops, there is much better value in betting online with a bookmaker that offers best odds guaranteed. My favourites are Paddy Power and Bet365 who have a number of extra offers too. Remember when betting on horses on these websites to always take the price, as whichever is bigger (SP or board price you've taken) will be the odds you are paid out at.
Don't hesitate to post questions up here