The Steeple Times

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  • Runners & Riders – Day 3, Royal Ascot 2021

    Runners & Riders – Day 3, Royal Ascot 2021

    Matthew Steeples analyses the top tipsters’ selections for Day 3 of Royal Ascot 2021 and offers some longshot choices at huge odds in 5 of the 7 races

    Today, after being saved from a wipeout with a 5th place paying out on Beat Le Bon at 33/1, a 2nd for Twilight Gleaming at 23/10 and a 3rd for Queen Power at 17/4 yesterday, on Day Three of Royal Ascot 2021, I am avoiding the clash of Stradivarius and Subjectivist at 4.15pm and looking at EACH WAY BETS on:

     

    3.05pm Hampton Court at Royal Ascot (10 runners, 3 places)

    Ryan Moore – AP O’Brien combo Roman Empire at 7/1 from 8/1 earlier (Radio 4)

    Racing Post remarks: “Perhaps flattered by front-running Dante fourth but still respected for O’Brien/Moore team.”

     

    At The Races adds: “Completing the shortlist is Roman Empire, who ran a gallant race from the front in the Dante and could go close if being allowed an easy lead.”

     

    Also in the same race, William Buick – Charlie Appleby combo One Ruler at 19/4 from 9/2 earlier (Guardian NB, At The Races ‘Watch Out For’, Daily Mail ’Sam Turner’ and ‘Robin Goodfellow’, TOPSPEED, Daily Telegraph)

    Greg Wood for Guardian remarks: “Mohaafeth remains an unknown quantity having been scratched from the Derby when the ground eased earlier this month, and overnight rain could put a dampener on his chance again. Even if the surface remains quick, however, One Ruler has plenty of form that makes him a serious contender and 10 furlongs could well be his ideal trip.”

     

    Sam Turner for Daily Mail says: “ONE RULER is one horse which won’t mind a deluge and this interim trip of 10 furlongs could prove to be his optimum after he looked to fail to get home in the Derby on a soft surface. The selection had previously acquitted himself well in the 2t,000 Guineas considering it was his comeback and can hold off the likes of Movin Time, who himself looked a classy colt in the making at Newmarket last time.”

     

    Racing Post adds: “Sixth in the Guineas and the Derby, and the drop back in grade is a positive.”

     

    At The Races concludes: “One Ruler. The aforementioned Charlie Appleby-trained candidate has been highly tried this campaign, with his only two outings being in Classics, and is entitled to give a good account in calmer waters.”

     

    3.40pm Ribblesdale at Royal Ascot (13 runners, 4 places with Ladbrokes ’The Grid’)

    Jamie Spencer on Ad Infinitum at 20/1 from 18/1 earlier (Radio 4)

    Racing Post remarks: “Won Goodwood Listed race on just her second run; further progress necessary, but possible.”

     

    Also in the same race, Dubai Fountain at 19/2 from 9/1 earlier (Daily Mail ‘Formcast’, The Sun ‘Each Way Thief’, Guardian, RP Ratings, TOPSPEED, POSTDATA, Daily Telegraph)

    The Sun suggests: “She looked a hot prospect for Epsom when winning the Cheshire Oaks but she seemed to hate the track. Put a line through that one and she has every chance for Mark Johnston who has plenty of Ascot winners.”

     

    Greg Wood for Guardian observes: “Fillies coming on to the Ribblesdale after being beaten in the Oaks have a mixed record overall, but two of the last four winners were unplaced at Epsom and Dubai Fountain is a big price to be a third. She was third-last in the Classic after looking all at sea on the track, but a close fourth in the Fillies’ Mile last year is eye-catching form and 12-1 is a very fair price if the track proves more to her liking.”

     

    Racing Post less sure: “Flopped in the Oaks but won the Cheshire Oaks previously; in the mix if bouncing back.”

     

    At The Races finishes: “Dubai Fountain, whom failed to fire in the Classic 13 days ago, holds every chance of going close if bouncing back to the level of form she produced in the Cheshire Oaks.”

     

    Also in the same race, Aidan O’Brien trained Nicest at 45/1 from 40/1 earlier (Racing Post ‘Ace Tipster’)

    Graeme Rodway for Racing Post comments: “Shaped as though she was in need of the run when third behind Dubai Fountain in the Cheshire Oaks on her reappearance and built on that at the Curragh last time, making eyecatching late headway to finish fourth. The return to a longer trip should suit and she is still lightly raced and open to plenty of further improvement.”

     

    Racing Post adds: “Respectable Group 3 and Listed form but needs to take a big step forward today.”

     

    5pm Britannia Stakes at Royal Ascot (30 runners, 4 places)

    Jim Crowley – Mark Johnston combo Qaader at 25/1 (The Sun ‘Each Way Thief’)

    The Sun says: “He didn’t have many rivals to beat at Goodwood last time but he managed to get the job done off a muddling pace. There will be no issues on that front today and he has a chance in a wide-open contest.”

     

    Racing Post muses: “Coventry second who returned to winning ways last time in small-field conditions race.”

     

    At The Races concludes: “Qaader looks likely to try to take them along under Jim Crowley and battled back once headed to win last time out at Goodwood, and with just 1lb more from the handicapper, he will take some passing.”

     

    Also in the same race, Luke Morris – Sir Mark Prescott combo Royal Pleasure at 22/1 (Daily Mail ‘Captain Heath’ NAP, Racing Post ‘Eyecatcher’)

    Ron Wood for Racing Post remarks: “Too headstrong in a muddling all-weather race last time but a potential improver now in this big-field handicap.”

     

    Racing Post adds: “Better than latest bare result and trainer doesn’t have runners here for the fun of it.”

     

    Also in the same race, Oisin Murphy on Peretto at 22/1 (Guardian)

    Greg Wood for Guardian observes: “Perotto can be no more than a hopeful selection in a ferociously hot heat, but he looked sure to be suited by another step up in trip when winning over seven furlongs at Goodwood last time. Oisin Murphy’s booking – for just his seventh ride for Marcus Tregoning – could be seen as a positive, too.”

     

    Racing Post adds: “Penalised for winning a weaker handicap at Goodwood; stamina to prove at 1m.”

     

    Also in the same race, Jack Mitchell – Roger Varian combo Raadobarg at 8/1 from 7/1 earlier (Mirror, Daily Mail ’Sam Turner’)

    Ben Linfoot for Sporting Life offers: “Who knows which side will be the right one to be on with the thundery showers potentially having an impact but there looks to be pace on both wings. Stands’ side Quintillus, Big Narstie, Akmaam and Siam Fox look likely to tow the group along and that could be perfect for Roger Varian’s RAADOBARG who looks a highly progressive Night Of Thunder colt.”

     

    “He won a high-quality handicap with embarrassing ease at Haydock last time out and fully deserved his 11lb hike in the weights. He pulled clear with Seasett with the heavy conditions proving no hindrance and, while he won his second start on Good to Firm, he’d very much appreciate the forecast showers. Air To Air looks the rapid improver to add to the shortlist from the far side, while Ataser and Grid are others to consider at bigger prices.”

     

    Racing Post adds: “Impressive winner of his handicap debut, beating a bunch of in-form horses; up 11lb.”

     

    5.35pm King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot (19 runners, 5 places with Ladbrokes ’The Grid’)

    Richard Kingscote – Sir Michael Stoute combo Just Fine at 33/1 (Racing Post ’Speed Figures’, TOPSPEED, Daily Express)

    Dave Edwards for Racing Post observes: “Finished last of eight on his Newmarket return in April but is tons better than that, a point he can underline in this ultra-competitive handicap.”

     

    Racing Post less enthusiastic: “Disappointed in handicap at Newmarket (1m2f, good) two months ago on reappearance.”

     

    Also in the same race, Ben Curtis – Mark Johnston combo Kondo Isami at 12/1 (Racing Post ‘Handicappers’ NAP’, RP Ratings)

    Paul Curtis for Racing Post offers: “Just held on from today’s rival and subsequent winner Tashkan when winning at York on his penultimate start, where the first three pulled well clear in a good time. Appeals as still well treated and can add to his yard’s good record in this race.”

     

    Racing Post adds: “Nearly 2-2 this term; well handicapped and his trainer has won this race six times.”

     

    Also in the same race, Frankie Dettori – John and Thady Gosden combo First Light at 19/4 from 9/2 earlier (At The Races ’Top Tip’, NEWMARKET)

    Racing Post says: “Won maiden by a street; hard to pin on handicap debut, over new trip he looks sure to stay.”

     

    At The Races adds: “It might pay to side with handicap debutant FIRST LIGHT representing top connections. The Dubawi colt stepped up on a couple of solid placed efforts when winning easily over 1m2f at Ripon and this extra couple of furlongs could potentially unlock another gear.”

     

    6.10pm Buckingham Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot (29 runners, 6 places with Ladbrokes ’The Grid’)

    William Buick – Charlie Appleby combo On The Warpath at 35/1 (The Sun ‘Longshot’)

    The Sun states: “A Listed performer and looks a huge price for the boys in blue with William Buick on board.”

     

    Racing Post adds: “Effective at 6f-1m on turf but needs to show a thorough test at 7f is ideal; off 173 days.”

     

    Also in the same race, David Allan – Tim Easterby combo Boardman at 17/2 from 8/1 earlier (Daily Mail ‘Captain Heath’, The Star)

    Racing Post says: “Effective at 6f-1m on turf but needs to show a thorough test at 7f is ideal; off 173 days.”

     

    Also in the same race, Mark Crehan on Corvair at 33/1 from 25/1 earlier (Sporting Life)

    Ben Linfoot for Sporting Life shares: “Another huge field in the rightly-reintroduced Buckingham Palace Stakes and there’s bags of pace middle to stands’ side. A hold-up horse drawn in a high number could be the way to go and I’d take a chance on CORVAIR from stall 26 under excellent 3lb claimer Mark Crehan.”

     

    “This horse loves the all-weather but he’s unexposed on turf and was unlucky not to win on his first start on grass since last August when he was just pipped by Ametist at Newmarket. Up just 2lb for that superb run, Simon & Ed Crisford have negated that with the booking of Crehan who will likely ride this fellow cold in the early exchanges. Highfield Princess becomes even more interesting if the forecast showers instigate a ground change with John Quinn’s in-form Night Of Thunder filly breaking from stall 31, while Boardman is of obvious interest with Tim Easterby’s rapid improver going for a four-timer from stall nine.”

     

    Racing Post adds: “Just lost out in only his 3rd turf start (7f, good); needs more to show up in better race.”

     

    Also in the same race, James Doyle – Charlie Hills combo Persuasion at 12/1 (Daily Mail ‘Formcast’, Racing Post ‘Dark Horse’, The Sun, LAMBOURN, Daily Express, Daily Record, TOPSPEED)

    Stuart Langley for Racing Post muses: “Lightly raced four-year-old who was second in a Group 3 as a juvenile. Was well beaten in the 2,000 Guineas before contesting handicaps and ended last season with a good second on heavy ground at Leicester. Reappeared with a win at Haydock on good to firm ground, 7f looks to be his trip and there could be more to come.”

     

    The Sun adds: “Dug deep to win at Haydock and chance from 3lb higher.”

     

    Racing Post concludes: “Cosy 7f win on return; the best may not have been seen of him yet; handles most ground.”

     

    To join our racing followers – who receive a FREE tipping email six days per week, email [email protected].

     

    Happy racing.

     

    Stradivarius
    Will Stradivarius see of Subjectivist at 4.15pm in the Gold Cup? Greg Wood for the ‘Guardian’ suggests: “Stradivarius attempts to equal Yeats’s record by winning a fourth Gold Cup but this looks his toughest test yet.”
  • Runners & Riders – Day 2, Royal Ascot 2021

    Runners & Riders – Day 2, Royal Ascot 2021

    Matthew Steeples analyses the top tipsters’ selections for Day 2 of Royal Ascot 2021 after scoring a 33/1 winner yesterday

    Yesterday, our racing followers romped home up +177% courtesy of amongst other successes a 33/1 first for Hollie Doyle on Amtiyaz in the Copper Horse Stakes (£2.50 each way returned £108.13) and a 12/1 first for Oisin Murphy on Berkshire Shadow (£2.50 each way returned £41) in the Coventry Stakes.

    Whilst today things get more challenging with some very crowded fields, for Day 2, Royal Ascot 2021, I suggest EACH WAY BETS on:

    2.30pm Queen Mary Stakes, Royal Ascot (21 runners, 4 places with Ladbrokes ’The Grid’)

    John Velazquez – Wesley Ward combo Twilight Gleaming at 23/10 from 9/4 earlier (Radio 4, At The Races ’Top Tip’, The Sun, GG.co.uk, Daily Mail Sam Hardy ‘Danger’, Sporting Life, NEWMARKET, The Times, Daily Telegraph, Daily Express, Daily Record)

    Sam Turner for Daily Mail comments: “Twilight Gleaming bids to give her handler a fifth win in this race in 13 runnings and she was mightily impressive at Belmont last time.”

     

    Ben Linfoot for Sporting Life observes: “Wesley Ward has a terrific record in the Queen Mary having won it three times in the last six years and that helps sway thinking towards his TWILIGHT GLEAMING this time around. The daughter of National Defense looked awesome when blasting to a seven and a half length success at Belmont Park on May 9 and with her stands’ rail draw in 20 giving John Velazquez the nod to keep things simple it will take a brave man to bet against her bouncing out and making all.”

     

    Racing Post remarks: “US raider, impressive winner at Belmont; represents trainer with fine record in this race.”

     

    At The Races offers: “TWILIGHT GLEAMING learnt plenty from her debut at Keeneland when running out an impressive winner at Belmont and the daughter of National Defense bids to give Wesley Ward his fourth winner in this contest since 2015.”

     

    The Sun finishes: “Easy win in America last time and has too much speed.”

     

    Twilight Gleaming Day 2, Royal Ascot 2021
    Will Twilight Gleaming give trainer Wesley Ward a fifth victory in the Queen Mary Stakes?

    Also in the same race on Day 2 of Royal Ascot 2021, Aidan O’Brien trained Yet at 19/2 from 10/1 earlier (Daily Mail ‘Robin Goodfellow’ and Sam Hardy ‘Best Bet’, Racing Post, SPOTLIGHT, POSTDATA, Mirror)

    Racing Post remarks: “Aidan O’Brien has yet to train a Queen Mary winner, but in the very promising YET he has an opportunity to put that right… Made striking impression when winning at Dundalk; imposing type; strong candidate.”

    At The Races muses: ” Yet got the better of Orinoco River in a Dundalk maiden last month and the pair both warrant a fair amount of respect with the likelihood of improvement to come.”

    Sam Hardy for Daily Mail adds: “Connections equip the beautifully-bred Yet with a first-time tongue tie and she looks the type to relish a stiff 5f given the way she rallied when challenged at Dundalk.”

    Also in the same race, Oisin Murphy on Desert Dreamer at 13/1 from 9/1 earlier (The Star)

    Racing Post remarks: “2-2 at Newmarket; dropping back to 5f should be fine; one for the shortlist.”

    3.05pm Queen’s Vase, Royal Ascot (14 runners, 4 places with Ladbrokes ’The Grid)

    Silvestre De Sousa – Mark Johnston combo Dancing King at 7/1 from 13/2 earlier (The Sun ‘Each Way Thief’, Racing Post ‘Ace Tipster’, Daily Mail ’Northerner’ NAP, RP Ratings, The Star)

    The Sun suggests: “He isn’t the flashiest but just keeps on winning, making it four in a row with another gutsy display at Doncaster last time.He is a proven stayer who likes the ground so should be right there again.”

    Paul Kealy for Racing Post muses: “Aidan O’Brien and Mark Johnston have won 14 of the last 21 Queen’s Vases between them, and while the market favours O’Brien, Dancing King is just the tough sort of stayer Johnston excels with. He’s 4-4 in handicaps this season and did well to get up off a slow gallop last time.”

    Keith Melrose for Racing Post comments: “This three-year-old keeps improving and can better his effort in a warm handicap last time granted a greater test.”

    Racing Post adds: “4-4 in handicaps as 3yo, over 14.5f latest; form is up there with the best in this field.”

    At The Races concludes: “Dancing King has kept on improving since being stepped up in trip and his recent handicap success at Doncaster entitles him to his place in this.”

    Also in the same race, Oisin Murphy on Ruling at 13/1

    Racing Post says: “Big improvement over 1m4f, latterly when staying on well for close third in Listed race.”

    3.40pm Duke of Cambridge Stakes, Royal Ascot (12 runners, 3 places)

    Silvestre De Sousa – Sir Michael Stoute combo Queen Power at 17/4 (Guardian, The Sun ‘Each Way Thief’, At The Races ‘Watch Out For’)

    The Sun says: “She was third in this race 12 months ago and held her own in Group 1 company at Glorious Goodwood. This season started with an easy success at York last time and she can figure again.”

    At The Races observes: “Queen Power won’t be far behind if their May Newmarket form is upheld when there was just a head between them, and the pair can fight out the finish again here. Sir Michael Stoute’s mare strolled home by eight lengths on her only start since at York in this grade and seems to be improving, making her a very serious challenger to the likely favourite.”

    Racing Post adds: “Third in this last year and bolted up in 1m2f Group 2 at York last month; this is hotter.”

    Also in the same race, Jim Crowley on Lavender’s Blue at 13/1 (Racing Post ‘Dark Horse’)

    Jake Aldrich for Racing Post observes: “Form of her Dahlia Stakes third has worked out well and she is better off at the weights with the first and second. Her best form has come on fast ground and the drop back to a mile should suit.”

    Racing Post less enthusiastic: “Form of Newmarket 3rd has worked out well but she seemingly has limitations at this level.”

    Also in the same race, Hollie Doyle on Parent’s Prayer at 11/1 (POSTDATA, TOPSPEED, LAMBOURN)

    Racing Post remarks: “Capitalised on easy lead at Epsom; possible she’ll again have run of race but not definite.”

    5pm Royal Hunt Handicap, Royal Ascot (30 runners, 6 places with Ladbrokes ’The Grid)

    Oisin Murphy on Matthew Flinders at 8/1 from 15/2 earlier (The Sun ‘Longshot’, Racing Post NAP, LAMBOURN, SPOTLIGHT)

    The Sun states: “He has shown promise in big fields and started this season with a good third at Newbury. He was forced out wide at York last time and has the champion jockey back on board today.”

    Racing Post concludes: “The vote goes to MATTHEW FLINDERS (nap), who remains the type to win a race of this nature… It remains to be seen how the draw will pan out but Matthew Flinders gets the verdict and Oisin Murphy has options from stall 15. The selection should settle better than last time and remains the type to win a race of this nature.”

    Also in the same race, Hollie Doyle – Richard Hannon combo Beat Le Bon at 33/1 from 18/1 earlier (Mirror)

    Racing Post observes: “Strong finisher at Doncaster 12 days ago; due to go up 2lb in future; not ruled out.”

    Also in the same race, Frankie Dettori – John and Thady Gosden combo Magical Morning at 6/1 (Racing Post ‘Eyecatcher’)

    Mark Brown for Racing Post muses: “Absent since last year but there’s almost certainly more to come from him after being gelded and these conditions will suit.”

    Racing Post adds: “Second to Matthew Flinders at Doncaster when last seen; open to further improvement.”

    Also in the same race is our longshot for Day 2 of Royal Ascot 2021, Pat Hobbs – Richard Hughes combo Bugle Major at 160/1 from 100/1 earlier (Sporting Life)

    Ben Linfoot for Sporting Life suggests; “Cases can be made for plenty in the Royal Hunt Cup, as always, with Magical Morning, Grove Ferry and Matthew Flinders forming just part of the shortlist. However, at a huge price BUGLE MAJOR makes each-way appeal for Richard Hughes.”

    “The ex-Juddmonte horse had some good form in France for Pascal Bary, particularly on the all-weather tracks at Deauville and Chantilly, with his second to Magny Cours at the latter course in March well advertised by the winner who was third in the Dubai World Cup 25 days later. Bugle Major struggled on his British debut, but that was in a small field over 10 furlongs on soft ground and he should be much better suited by this test. His all-weather form is encouraging at sand-based Ascot and his sire, Mizzen Mast, has had a couple of Ascot winners in Silver Lime and Sea Defence from just 20 goes.”

    Racing Post far from enthusiastic: “Ex-French gelding; only fifth of six at Newmarket on British debut.”

    To join our racing followers – who receive a FREE tipping email six days per week, email [email protected].

    Happy racing.

     

    Pictured top: Hollie Doyle and Amtiyaz after their win yesterday.

     

  • Runners & Riders – Day 1, Royal Ascot 2021

    Runners & Riders – Day 1, Royal Ascot 2021

    Matthew Steeples analyses the top tipsters’ selections for Day 1 of Royal Ascot 2021 and offers selections in 5 of the 7 races

    Whilst Royal Ascot turned into an ‘At Home’ version with racing behind closed doors in 2020, 12,000 guests will be allowed to be attend on each of the five days of racing this week from today, Tuesday 15th, until Saturday, 19th June this year.

    Forming part of the government’s events research programme with all present forced to complete two Covid-19 PCR tests and evidence of a negative lateral flow test on arrival on each day of attendance, the brilliant BATTAASH – sadly no longer cared for our since retired ‘Hero of the Hour’ groom Bob Grace – will be one of Day 1’s highlights to watch in the King’s Stand at 3.40pm. We hope to cheer him on to a second win, but though Winter Power looks the obvious threat, we’ve selected two others, Oinsin Murphy on King’s Lynn at 15/1 and Jason Hart on Liberty Beach at 13/1 in this 16-runner field.

    Battaash Bob Grace
    Much loved by the public Bob Grace with also much loved by the public Battaash. In December 2020, ‘The Steeple Times’ made humble Mr Grace our ‘Hero of the Year’ for raising the spirits of the nation with his positivity. As one user concluded on Twitter: “Bob is wonderful, be like Bob.”

    For the opening Day 1, Royal Ascot 2021, I am looking at EACH WAY BETS on:

    3.05pm Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot (17 runners, 4 places)

    Ryan Moore – AP O’Brien combo The Acropolis at 7/1 from 9/1 earlier (Radio 4, At The Races ’Top Tip’, Daily Record)

    At The Races states: “THE ACROPOLIS fancied to give Aidan O’Brien his 10th win in the race after breaking through at Listowel.”

    Racing Post adds: “Looked potentially smart at Listowel; trainer seeks a tenth win in this race; respected.”

    Also in the same race, Oisin Murphy – Andrew Balding combo Berkshire Shadow at 12/1 from 16/1 earlier (Guardian, At The Races ‘Watch Out For’)

    Greg Wood for Guardian observes: “It is two months since Berkshire Shadow made a winning debut at Newbury despite missing the break badly and running green for much of the race. Gisburn, who finished fourth, there, has since franked the form in style (and is a much shorter price to win for this contest) while Wesley Ward’s Kaufymaker gets the fillies’ allowance but the market seems to have forgotten about Berkshire Shadow, who can be backed at around 16-1.”

    Racing Post less enthusiastic: “Did well to win after starting slowly at Newbury but the form hasn’t worked out that well.”

    3.40pm – King’s Stand at Royal Ascot (16 runners, 4 places with Ladbrokes ’The Grid’)

    Jim Crowley – Charles Hills combo Battaash at 19/10 from 2/1 earlier (The Sun NB, GG.co.uk, Daily Mail ’Sam Turner’ and ‘Robin Goodfellow’, TOPSPEED, RP Ratings, LAMBOURN, Daily Express, At The Races ‘Watch Out For’)

    Greg Wood for Guardian observes: “Battaash does not start at odds-against too often and won this first time up last season, so many punters will find 9-4 irresistible. His preparation has hardly been smooth, though, and in Winter Power he faces a fast-improving rival with both an age and sex allowance in her favour. The form of her easy success at York last month was franked by Atalis Bay, the runner-up, on Saturday.”

     

    Sam Turner for Daily Mail adds: “Battaash is currently unbeatable on his first start of the season and looks to boast major claims of defending his crown. The return of crowds may not be ideal for a horse which can sometimes be excitable, however the selection’s trainer believes his star sprinter is maturing.”

     

    The Sun enthuses: “Won this last year and sets the standard again.”

     

    Racing Post adds: “Battaash is the form horse but things have not gone smoothly in the run-up and preference is for OXTED ahead of Winter Power… Memorable sprinter, the form horse; won this in 2020; off since August; interrupted prep.”

     

    At The Races concludes: “All eyes will be on Battaash, who has been king of the speedsters for the last few years and finally put his Royal Ascot hoodoo to bed with a dominant display in this 12 months ago. He has had an interrupted preparation, though, so can be taken on with WINTER POWER.”

     

    Also in the same race, Oisin Murphy – Andrew Balding combo King’s Lynn at 15/1 from 16/1 earlier

    Racing Post remarks: “Lightly raced; latest 5f Listed win was an improvement; may well be capable of better yet.”

     

    Also in the same race, Jason Hart – John Quinn combo Liberty Beach at 13/1 (The Sun ‘Each Way Thief’)

    The Sun states: “She was a good third in this race 12 months ago and has held her form well since. She battled well in muddy ground to score at Haydock on comeback and has more to offer as a four-year-old.”

     

    4.20pm St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot (13 runners, 4 places with Ladbrokes ’The Grid’)

    Ryan Moore – AP O’Brien combo Battleground at 13/2 from 6/1 earlier (Radio 4)

    Racing Post says: “An open St James’s Palace Stakes. Narrow preference is for LUCKY VEGA, with Battleground second choice ahead of Mostahdaf… Smart last year; unsuited by the Newmarket track in the 2,000 Guineas; remains of interest.”

    Also in the same race, Lucky Vega at 7/1 (The Sun ‘Each Way Thief’, Sporting Life, SPOTLIGHT, Daily Telegraph, Guardian, Daily Mail ‘Gimcrack’ NAP)

    The Sun suggests: “He was a Group 1 winner over 6f last season but has stepped up to a mile well twice this season with good runs in two Guineas. This quick ground will be ideal and he’s hard to keep out of the frame.”

    Greg Wood for Guardian offers: “Poetic Flare is the marginal favourite overnight after a battling performance to win the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket and then a return to form in the Irish equivalent last time. He was just half-a-length in front of Lucky Vega (4.20) at Newmarket, however, and Jessica Harrington’s colt, who is likely to head to stud in Australia after the race on Tuesday, is the pick of the prices at around 7-1 to retire as a dual Group One winner.”

    Matt Brocklebank for Sporting Life muses: “The money for Battleground is eyebrow-raising considering his ill-at-ease performance in the 2000 Guineas. Well backed that day when he looked a picture in the paddock, this good-looking son of Found has untapped potential and he won at this meeting last year in the Chesham.”

    “However, all of the juice has been squeezed out of his odds now and it could be worth concentrating on the two horses that fought out the Guineas ahead of him at Newmarket – Poetic Flare and LUCKY VEGA. Preference is for the latter who is easily forgiven his subsequent Irish 2,000 Guineas fourth in heavy ground. He proved he got the mile well in the Guineas and running on better ground going round a bend should very much play to his strengths.”

    Racing Post adds: “Close third in the 2,000 Guineas; the Irish version panned out less favourably; big player.”

    5pm Ascot Stakes at Royal Ascot (20 runners, 5 places with Ladbrokes ’The Grid’)

    Ben Curtis – Michael and David Easterby combo Elysian Flame at 15/1 (The Sun ‘Longshot’, Guardian, Daily Mail “Robin Goodfellow’ and ‘Gimcrack’)

    The Sun states: “He stays this marathon trip well and got no luck when fifth in a fair race at Chester last time out.”

    Greg Wood for Guardian suggests: “It feels like Cheltenham again with Willie Mullins and Rachael Blackmore both prominent in the betting but good-to-firm ground is a question mark for several of the Irish-trained runners. A similar query about Elysian Flame was largely dismissed by a win at Newbury in April and he stayed on strongly at Chester last time, suggesting this marathon trip could be just what he needs.”

    Racing Post remarks: “Badly hampered at start in Chester Plate and ran on well for fifth, so still in fine form.”

    Also in the same race, Franny Norton – Mark Johnston combo Trumpet Man at 18/1 (SPOTLIGHT, TOPSPEED)

    Matt Brocklebank for Sporting Life shares: “Last year’s winner Coeur De Lion should be considered off just a 3lb higher mark. He stays all day and Alan King has swapped the cheekpieces for a visor – headgear he won in last year when it was applied for the first time. However, he was only a place ahead of TRUMPET MAN in the Chester Cup and Mark Johnston’s horse was unlucky in the run. He’s lightly raced for a Johnston four-year-old and has untapped potential over marathon trips, so a career-best effort could well be on the horizon.”

    Racing Post offers: “Did not get the best of runs late on when fifth last time in the 2m2f Chester Cup.”

    6.10pm Copper Horse Stakes at Royal Ascot (16 runners, 4 places)

    Hollie Doyle – John & Thady Gosden combo Amtiyaz at 20/1 from 16/1 earlier (Sporting Life NAP)

    Matt Brocklebank for Sporting Life muses: “AMTIYAZ is one of them in the concluding Copper Horse Handicap. He’s a well-bred, lightly-raced four-year-old representing John Gosden and Hollie Doyle so it’s surprising to see him at such a big price, especially when you dig a little deeper into his promising profile. A son of Frankel, he was unraced at two and immediately started out over 10 furlongs on his belated racecourse debut last August so he’s clearly a late-maturing colt who has always shown an abundance of stamina.”

    “After breaking through at the fourth time of asking in a Newcastle novice over a mile and a half, he was nicely going through the handicap ranks over the winter, winning twice more from marks of 82 and 89, before having a couple of months off and returning on All Weather Championships Finals day at Lingfield on Good Friday. Sent off 9/2 third-favourite despite being the lowest rated in the field (had over 10lb to find with the two ahead of him in the market), it became a really messy race and it’s hard to believe he was seen in his best light given how the race developed into a dash for home from around three furlongs out.”

    “Amtiyaz was also bumped about between Rainbow Dreamer and Australis on the final turn into the straight and he didn’t do too badly in the circumstances, since when the horse has been put away for a summer campaign. It’s fairly well documented how comfortably some all-weather specialists can translate their form to the Ascot track so while he was a fairly disappointing fifth at Lingfield on his only previous turf start, that doesn’t concern me much at all especially given his pedigree (out of a Dalakhani mare who’s from the family of the great Goldikova). Slightly easier ground might have been preferred in an ideal scenario though I’d say that’s more than factored into his price.”

    “Amtiyaz is entered in the Northumberland Plate later in the month and he clearly stays two miles strongly but, if anything, that looks an asset here given there are six or seven who like to lead or race prominently and I’m quite keen on his chances getting 8lb from the penalised favourite Saldier.”

    At The Races offers: “The vote, however, goes to AMTIYAZ. He was last seen disappointing on All-Weather Finals Day at Lingfield, but the son of Frankel now makes his debut on turf which has the potential to bring about further improvement.”

    Racing Post adds: “3-8 on AW; fifth on only turf outing; improvement needed to defy a career-high mark.”

    Also in the same race, Arthurian Fable at 17/2 from 8/1 earlier (Racing Post ‘Dark Horse’, Daily Telegraph, Guardian, Sporting Life)

    Matt Brocklebank for Sporting Life offers: “Palavecino can have his own ideas and isn’t always the easiest of rides but a stiff mile and a quarter around Ascot promises to really suit the horse, who was far from disgraced behind Prince Of Wales’s contenders Armory (BHA mark 120) and Sangarius (114) in the Huxley Stakes last month on good to soft. Martin Dwyer knows him very well and will presumably look to bounce out from stall 11 before trying to dictate terms, or at least sit very handily. At 28/1 the chances of the talented individual hanging tough in the straight appear to be slightly underestimated.”

    Greg Wood for Guardian remarks: “The consistent Arthurian Fable was gelded over the winter and looked as good as ever on his reappearance at Newmarket over Tuesday’s trip last month. His second at the Ebor meeting last season is strong form and while his ability to act on good-to-firm needs to be taken on trust, the same is true of Saldier, the warm favourite, and Brian Meehan’s runner is nearly four times the price.”

    Sam Hardy for Racing Post enthuses: “Finished only two and a half lengths behind Global Storm on his seasonal reappearance when clearly needing the run. His sole win came on ground described as good to firm, so conditions will suit.”

    Racing Post adds: “1-1 on good to firm ground; might have needed reappearance; should be in the mix.”

    Sam Turner for Daily Mail concludes: “Arthurian Fable was an eye-catching fourth at HQ and should appreciate the better ground today.”

    Elsewhere, I am favouring EACH WAY BETS on:

    1.50pm Stratford-on-Avon (12 runners, 3 places)

    Max Kendrick on Jessica Rabbit at 7/1 from 13/2 earlier (Sporting Life)

    Sporting Life muses: “She’s been running well of late and JESSICA RABBIT can get her head back in front in the MansionBet’s Summer Of Love-ly Offers Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle. The form of her win at Doncaster in November has worked out well and she travelled strongly for a long way when third at Fontwell last time. She races from the same mark here and another good account is in the offing.”

    Racing Post adds: “Opened account last November and returned from break with two good runs last month.”

    Also in the same race, Nigel Twiston-Davies trained Nye Bevan at 17/4 from 4/1 earlier (Guardian, Daily Mail ‘Robin Good-fellow’, At The Races ‘Watch Out For’)

    At The Races observes: “Nye Bevan has been in great form over the past few months and could have more to offer with cheekpieces applied for the first time.”

    Racing Post adds: “Dual winner this spring; only third off 5lb lower last time but further progress possible.”

     

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    Happy racing.

     

  • Moron of the Moment 2021 – Joe Francis

    Moron of the Moment 2021 – Joe Francis

    Joe Francis, a “bestie” of the Kardashians, has yet again shown himself to be reprehensible in spitting over a woman with the aim of giving her Covid-19

    Featured in The Sun’s online edition as an “exclusive,” a “bestie” of the Kardashian clan named Joseph R. Francis has been arrested and charged in Mexico after allegedly “grabbing a woman by the neck and spitting in her face to give her Covid.”

     

    Plain-old Joe Francis, as this witless wazzock prefers to be known, is a berk with an extensive rap sheet. Aside from losing a slander case to Steve Wynn for defamation in 2012 and being jailed record keeping offences for 339 days in 2007, this brash braggart was sent down for 270 days in 2013 after having been charged with the false imprisonment and assault of three women.

     

    Elsewhere with guilty pleas on further tax evasion offences, an arrest warrant issued for failing to comply with the terms of his bankruptcy agreement and a plea of no content to child abuse and prostitution, here is an individual with a clear lack of a moral compass.

     

    Scott Disick Joe Francis
    Joe Francis with a bevy of blondes and Scott Disick, ex of Kourtney Kardashian.

    Of his latest incendiary incident, The Sun reported:

     

    “[Joe Francis], 48, was charged with domestic violence and intentional injury after an incident at his Punta Mita home on August 1, 2020.”

     

    “The court papers stated Joe’s victim – whom The Sun has decided not to identify – claimed he tested positive for Covid the day before the altercation.”

     

    “On August 1, he allegedly asked her to inject him with vitamins. When she refused to get too close to him, the situation apparently escalated.”

     

    “The Mexican documents, translated to English, stated: ‘He began to scream at her that she was an ‘evil b***h’ and he hopes she rots, and called her a ‘w***e.’”

     

    “’She hid in the closet and, closed the door. He began to shake the door. She opened it and ran into another bedroom in fear. He told her he was kicking her out.’”

     

    “‘He grabbed her right arm, turned her toward him, grabbed her by the neck, and then spit in her face. He said she doesn’t care about him, and now she’ll care because she’s infected [with Covid] as well.’”

     

    “The woman then attempted to call the security team for the home – called Casa Aramara – when Joe allegedly intercepted.  She claimed Joe ran to her, grabbed her by the hair and pushed her to the floor.”

     

    “He then allegedly stepped on her head, and put all of his weight on her body.”

     

    “The documents continued: ‘He then put his hands around her neck and spit on her face again, and then told her to leave the house.  They both got up, and he grabbed her by the hair again. He threw her on the floor and dragged her down the hallway. While he was pulling her, he was shaking her hair and making her head hit the floor.’”

     

    “According to the court papers, she sustained injuries that took over two weeks to heal, and required special medical treatment.”

     

    “The charges were [later] dropped on the condition that Joe attend six months of psychological therapy, which law enforcement claimed he has completed.”

     

    Clearly this charmless chump needs a dose of his own medicine and it won’t be long before he no doubt faces another period in the pokey also.

     

    Pictured top: Girls Gone Wild founder Joe Francis poses with an unknown half-naked woman.

     

    Joe Francis Kardashians
    Pictured with Kourtney, Khloe and Kim Kardashian in 2008. On Instagram, he describes himself as an “entrepreneur and lover of life” whilst on his official website, ‘Meet Joe Francis,’ he devotes five pages to his life story. On the first, he begins: “If life is a ride, which it surely is, then mine has got to be the balls-out wildest roller coaster in the park. I don’t mind: I know any life is going to have its ups and downs. Only an idiot would buy a ticket to a roller coaster that didn’t have turns, climbs, loops and dives, and anyone who really wants his money’s worth is going to look for the highest, fastest ride he can find. For me, the same is true of life. And while I’ve never spent much time thinking about the past, there’s been so much written about me that is misleading, untrue or simply a lie that I thought it might be fun to take a look back and finally put this wild story down on paper (or pixels) as it actually happened.”
  • The Madness of #FindMaddie

    The Madness of #FindMaddie

    As #FindMaddie trends once again on Twitter for no apparent reason, ‘The Sun’ rehashes a stupendously stupid story about a psychic claiming the ‘missing’ child will become a famous singer in 2022 or 2024

    Aside from a crackpot psychic named Michael Schneider ludicrously suggesting he “knows” that the body of Madeleine McCann is somewhere in a forest six miles from where she ‘disappeared’ – information he miraculously gathered with the help, supposedly, of God and Google – there’s nothing new to report in the case of a child ‘disappeared’ after its parents left it alone so they could live-it-up with their tapas munching mates.

     

    This morning, however, yet again, The Sun thought it relevant to share that the continually discussed since 2007 topic was again trending on Twitter. They did not report of the £12.5 million in public funds so outrageously misallocated and wasted on a search for a poor bairn with a wonky eye that would have been found by now if it could have been found at all given the huge rewards offered, but instead returned to the tale of yet another psychic.

     

    This time, the red-topped rag commented:

     

    “Last year US police psychic Fia Johansson said Maddie was alive and living in Koln, Germany.”

     

    “She said: ‘She’s alive, I can see that she is in Germany. She has no clue about her other family. She was very little, she doesn’t remember anything about the family.’”

     

    “Johansson claimed the missing girl may be reunited with her family in 2022 or 2024 when she will become a famous singer.”

     

    One is simply left asking: “Is this a good use of journalistic resources and why, instead, doesn’t The Sun devote their energies to helping other families of missing people in their searches for their lost loved ones?”

     

    The time has come for this pointless search to be ended and it is time for the Metropolitan Police officers assigned to a case they’ve failed to solve to be reassigned to other tasks.

     

    Madeleine McCann sightings
    A Freedom of Information request by ‘The Sun’ in October 2016 led to British police revealing that they had followed up on 8,685 alleged sightings of Madeleine McCann in 101 countries. Goodness only knows how many more bogus sightings have attracted their attention since. Now is the time to put a stop to this fruitless search and to instead dedicate precious resources to the search for missing people who there genuinely is a prospect of actually being found.
    Madeleine McCann sighting TikTok
    Elsewhere on Twitter, one user claimed that an image of a child they believed to be a remarkable likeness for Madeleine McCann had been shared on TikTok. @EmoEmms moaned: “This dude on TikTok literally has proof that Madeleine McCann is still alive and in Portugal and people aren’t doing sh*t, I’ve got chills down my spine, that is definitely her same chin nose cheeks everything.”

    Missing Madeleine – Questions STILL without Answers

    Many questions about what happened on the evening of the disappearance of Madeleine McCann remain. Some that have been highlighted by the press and discussed online include:

     

    • Why did Kate McCann refuse to answer 48 questions put to her by the Portuguese police?

     

    • Why were certain records of phone calls on the evening of the disappearance “whoosh-clunked” from the memories of the phones of Mr and Mrs McCann and the ‘Tapas 7’?

     

    • Why did a British sniffer dog sense the smell of a corpse in a cupboard in the apartment from which Madeleine McCann disappeared?

     

    • Why did a sniffer dog also supposedly sense the smell of a corpse in a vehicle hired by the couple a month after the disappearance of their daughter?

     

     

     

  • Runners & Riders – Epsom Derby 2021

    Runners & Riders – Epsom Derby 2021

    Matthew Steeples selects three ‘dark horse’ options for the Epsom Derby 2021 at 13/1, 8/1 and 15/1 as well as options for three earlier races

    Sometimes referred to as the ‘Blue Riband,’ the Epsom Derby is considered the best of the five Classics.

    Inaugurated in 1780 and originally sponsored by the Earl of Debry, this 1 mile, 4 furlongs and 6 yards Group 1 flat race is open to three-year-old colts and fillies. It inspired the 1952 film Derby Day starring Michael Wilding and Anna Neagle and aside from having been won by Lester Piggott nine times, its leading trainer has been Aidan O’Brien with eight winners to date.

    In 2019 and 2020, O’Brien scored victories with Anthony Van Dyck and Serpentine and today the heavily backed favourite is his single runner, Bolshoi Ballet at 3/2 (Radio 4, The Sun NAP, GG.co.uk, Daily Mail ‘Robin Goodfellow’ and ‘Gimcrack’ NAP).

    Opting for slightly ‘darker horses,’ my selections for this cracking spectacle and three earlier races follow.

    Third Realm Roger Varian Epsom Derby 2021
    Roger Varian hopes to land the Cazoo Derby with Third Realm “after waiting seven years to find the ‘right horse’ following Kingston’s Hill’s second place” in 2014, according to the ‘Daily Mail’s’ Marcus Townend. Varian has branded the Sheik Mohammed Obaid owned horse “a relaxed character” and “a cool dude.”
    One Ruler Charlie Appleby
    The £1.125 million Group One Cazoo Derby is considered the jewel in the crown of British flat racing and of Charlie Appleby’s One Ruler, ‘Wigan Today’ remark: “The forgotten horse in the line-up. Sixth in the 2000 Guineas, but the step up in trip should be the making of him. An interesting each-way player.”

    4.30pm Epsom Downs – The Cazoo Derby (12 runners, 3 places)

    Roger Varian trained Third Realm at 13/1 from 14/1 earlier (The Sun ‘Longshot’)

    The Sun states: “Can spring a surprise in the Derby. He won the Lingfield Trial fair and square and is one of the few in the field with proven staying power.”

    Racing Post remarks: “Convincing winner of Lingfield Derby Trial (soft); a handy type who can improve further.”

    Also in the same race, J.  S. Bolger trained Mac Swiney at 8/1 from 15/2 earlier (RP Ratings, Daily Express, The Star, Daily Record)

    Greg Wood for Guardian offers: “On balance, and unless his price drifts abruptly, Bolshoi Ballet looks worth opposing with an each-way alternative, and Hurricane Lane and Mac Swiney are the most obvious candidates with the form and potential to make them plausible winners. Mac Swiney’s odds began to contract as the ground eased on Friday but 11-2 is still a fair price for a colt who had enough class to land a Guineas last time but will surely be better still at 12 furlongs.”

    Racing Post adds: “Two Group 1 wins on testing going, the latter in Irish 2,000 Guineas; likely to stay 1m4f.”

    Also in the same race, James Doyle – Charlie Appleby combo One Ruler at 15/1 from 22/1 earlier (Sporting Life)

    Matt Brocklebank for Sporting Life shares: “The value may now lie with ONE RULER, one of Charlie Appleby’s trio, who also enjoys ease underfoot and isn’t badly position either ‘out wide’ in stall 11 (they turn right-handed to begin with, don’t forget).”

    “He ran consistently as a two-year-old and his juvenile form ties in really well with some of the other leading Derby contenders in that he beat Maximal a length and a half in a Sandown maiden, with that horse subsequently beaten a length into second behind Hurricane Lane at Newbury in April, and signed off in October with a narrow defeat to Mac Swiney in desperate conditions in the Group One Vertem Futurity Trophy at Doncaster.”

    “Prior to that he’d beaten subsequent top-class winner Van Gogh in the Group Three Autumn Stakes at Newmarket, form that has worked out quite nicely with the fourth Megallan pushing Hurricane Lane close in the Dante last month. He ran consistently as a two-year-old and his juvenile form ties in really well with some of the other leading Derby contenders in that he beat Maximal a length and a half in a Sandown maiden, with that horse subsequently beaten a length into second behind Hurricane Lane at Newbury in April, and signed off in October with a narrow defeat to Mac Swiney in desperate conditions in the Group One Vertem Futurity Trophy at Doncaster.”

    “Prior to that he’d beaten subsequent top-class winner Van Gogh in the Group Three Autumn Stakes at Newmarket, form that has worked out quite nicely with the fourth Megallan pushing Hurricane Lane close in the Dante last month. He’ll travel into it better than most, I suspect, and it’s well worth highlighting the fact Appleby’s sole Derby success to date came via Masar, who was a 16/1 drifter on the day based on the fact many (even those closest to him) doubted his stamina for 12 furlongs after a good third in the Guineas.”

    Racing Post less enthusiastic: “Chased home Mac Swiney on final 2yo run; not guaranteed to stay 1m4f on pedigree.”

    Turning to earlier races at Epsom Downs, I also suggest:

    2pm Epsom Downs (8 runners, 3 places)

    Mark Johnston trained Chase The Dollar at 17/2 from 8/1 earlier (The Sun ‘Each Way Thief’, SPOTLIGHT, Racing Post)

    The Sun suggests: “He went close at Newcastle last time and looks on a fair weight in an open contest.”

    Racing Post adds: “This race may principally concern Patient Dream and the Mark Johnston runners King Frankel and CHASE THE DOLLAR… Battled to a narrow defeat at Newcastle (1m2f, AW) latest; can make further improvement.”

    Oisin Murphy – Ralph Beckett combo Patient Dream at 14/5 from 11/4 earlier (Racing Post ‘Ace Tipster’, Daily Telegraph, Daily Express, The Star, Daily Record)

    Keith Melrose for Racing Post muses: “Beat a host of subsequent improvers at the track last time and is bound to be suited by this step up in trip.”

    Racing Post adds: “8.5f win here on reappearance; races freely but he’s bred to be well suited by 1m2f+.”

    At The Races concludes: “It may be worth taking him on with the course experience of PATIENT DREAM here though. Ralph Beckett’s showed a real liking for this idiosyncratic venue when successful over shorter last time and the step up in trip could help him overcome a 7lb hike.”

    2.35pm Epsom Downs (8 runners, 3 places)

    Oisin Murphy on Parent’s Prayer at 19/4 from 9/2 earlier (Radio 4, TOPSPEED)

    Racing Post remarks: “Listed winner on soft last October; might not be far away.”

    3.45pm Epsom Downs (19 runners, 5 places with Ladbrokes ’The Grid’)

    Tony Carroll trained Recon Mission at 17/2 (The Sun ‘Each Way Thief’, Guardian)

    The Sun says: “He won well here last time and not all horses handle this helter-skelter track. He can strike again.”

     

    Greg Wood for Guardian reserves: “Recon Mission and Ray Dawson were ready winners over track and trip in April and Tony Carroll’s gelding has a fair chance of a follow-up from a 3lb higher mark.”

     

    Racing Post adds: “Won in April (good) on the second of two C&D starts; best form would see him thereabouts.”

     

    Hans Solo Berger at 18/1 from 16/1 earlier (Racing Post ‘Dark Horse’)

    Sam Hardy for Racing Post muses: “Consistent type who looks potentially well handicapped given he is rated 5lb higher on the all-weather. Jockey George Wood is bidding for his third win aboard the Chris Wall-trained six-year-old.”

     

    Racing Post adds: “Ran well at Ascot in April but hasn’t been back here since one go in 2018.”

     

    Also in the same race, Oisin Murphy – Andrew Balding combo Stone Of Destiny at 15/2 from 7/1 earlier (POSTDATA, The Sun, Daily Telegraph, GG.co.uk)

    The Sun shares: “Consistent and another good run at Goodwood latest.”

     

    Racing Post says: “Close 2nd over 5f at Goodwood latest; a slow starter who will need luck in running.”

     

    At The Races less enthusiastic: “It usually pays to focus on those drawn high. Stone Of Destiny is one such horse but his tendency to start slowly is a big negative.”

     

    To join our racing followers – who receive a FREE tipping email six days per week, email [email protected].

     

    Happy racing.

     

  • Down The Drain McCann

    Down The Drain McCann

    More money goes down the drain in the Madeleine McCann case on top of the £13.5 million of British taxpayer wonga chucked away on absolutely no results

    This morning – continuing the pointless pattern of the Mirror and MailOnline to “note nothing new” in the case of ‘disappeared’ Madeleine McCann we highlighted last week – The Sun shared an “exclusive” about the investigation that frankly wasn’t worthy of a single column inch.

     

    After beginning with the bashfully bold headline “Madeleine McCann’s parents to find out this year if they’ve won legal battle against ex-cop” Goncalo Amaral – whom currently is owed a “six-figure sum” believed to be circa £750,000 by Gerry and Kate McCann after he beat them in court in February 2017 – the paper then concluded without an actual “when” and the non-news that “the judges will now give a verdict by the end of the year.”

     

    Of this diatribe of drivel, one could say: “Thanks for that,” but more realistically anyone rational would ask of The Sun instead: “Couldn’t you have asked your contributor to instead go looking for a missing person where there is a genuine chance of that person actually being found?”

     

    Meanwhile, on Sunday, the Mirror – a red-top reliable for prattling on about “non-news” about a situation that could have been avoided perhaps if two doctors hadn’t left their toddlers unattended so they could live it up in a restaurant with their mates – shared that the prosecution team that named Christian Brueckner (AKA ‘Christian B’) exactly one year ago just as the British government began their ‘coronavirus distraction technique,’ have actually not spoken to Gerry and Kate McCann once during the ensuing period.

     

    Asked if they had genuinely made any progress in the case, prosecutor Hans Christian Wolters “angrily hit back at critics” and illustrated the weakness of his work in declaring: “I don’t care who believes what… We are missing important important information. We want no stone unturned. Whether there will be an indictment in the end, I cannot foresee at the moment.”

     

    The Mirror concluded: “Brueckner, serving seven years for raping a 72-year-old woman in Praia, has not been interviewed,” whilst elsewhere the Daily Record added Wolters pathetically offered: “Our appeal for witnesses still stands.” We respond: “Where on earth do you think these people are given the millions already offered in rewards that have never been claimed?”

     

    Clearly, on top of the £13.5 million of British taxpayer money wasted on this case already, that’s another chunk of change down the drain whilst other families of missing people shamefully get little to no help at all. Enough is enough; it is time to close down the investigation into ‘missing’ Madeleine McCann.

     

    Paedophile Sir Clement Freud, Gerry and Kate McCann running
    Kate McCann – a woman who went running, played tennis and dined on chicken and mushroom risotto and egg and watercress salads washed down with strawberry vodka with the paedophile Sir Clement Freud in the days after her ‘disappeared’ – has a clear touch of the former Meghan Markle about her. Like ‘MeGain,’ whom banged on that “not many people have asked if I’m OK,” Mrs McCann said in 2011: “Officers walked past us as if we weren’t there. Nobody asked how we were doing, whether we were okay. Our child had been stolen and I felt as if I didn’t exist.”
    Elsewhere on social media this weekend, the matter of Kate McCann being photographed with bruises on her wrists in the days after her daughter disappeared was again discussed. This tweet from 2018 was once again referenced.
    Down The Drain McCann 2021 – Millions wasted in McCann case – More money goes down the drain in the Madeleine McCann case on top of the £13.5 million of British taxpayer wonga chucked away on absolutely no results.
    Christian Brueckner (AKA ‘Christian B’, pictured left with his ex-girlfriend Naskcije Miftari) was brought to public attention just as the British government began to suffer “very bad news days” at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic last year. The narrative of him being the evil, paedophile suited Boris Johnson’s government a treat as it helped shift the headlines – for a period – away from their appalling handling of initial lockdowns. This weekend, equally, Johnson has managed to do something similar by marrying his latest ‘baby mama’ Carrie Symonds and in doing so, cynics quite correctly argue that he has used the ‘distraction technique’ to get his bad week courtesy of Dominic Cummings off the front pages. Unsurprisingly, social media manipulated imagery from the wedding by using images such as those pictured (centre and right).
    In December 2017, when £11 million of British taxpayers’ money had been spent towards the search for ‘missing’ Madeleine McCann, 86% of viewers of ITV1’s ‘Loose Women’ said the public purse should cease to fund the investigation. Now, in May 2021, with that sum at £13.5 million (aside from the millions in private money also), it is time to allocate resources to the search for missing people who actually can be found, we would suggest.
  • Hoping v Helping

    Hoping v Helping

    Sue Homan quite deservedly “slams” decidely deviant disgrace Michael Barrymore for not helping secure justice for her murdered ex-husband Stuart Lubbock

    Whilst late last month we reported that Michael Barrymore had been dragged in for further questioning about the 2001 rape and murder of Stuart Lubbock at his Roydon, Essex bungalow, his former agent, Mike Browne, heartlessly batted off questions by cretinously commenting: “The police seem convinced with the evidence they have found but I’ve no idea what it is. They seem sure but I can’t see how it can end in charges after so long.”

     

    Responding to the wicked wall-of-silence from Barrymore and the other 7 still-living guests supposedly present that night – one of whom is presumably the 50-year-old recently arrested in connection with the appallingly sick slaying – yesterday, Stuart Lubbock’s ex-wife, Sue Homan, told The Sun:

     

    “It would have really helped our campaign to have someone with [Michael Barrymore’s] fame supporting us.”

     

    “Barrymore could have reached out to Stuart’s grieving family more to help them get justice.”

     

    Previously, on the 5th May, Homan shared another article from The Sun and tweeted:

     

    “So, after reading this. I’m assuming @mrbarrymore will be getting in touch soon, so we can both work on getting #Justice4Stuart Yes? No? Thoughts below pls. Michael Barrymore hopes for justice over death of Stuart Lubbock in his swimming pool 20 years ago.”

     

    Responding to the tweet, another campaigner for #Justice4Stuart, ‘Agent 007’ answered:

     

    “He’s only ‘hoping’ I’m afraid Sue, I don’t think he’ll go as far as ‘helping.’ He’s spent 20 years trying to make this disappear… I dread to think who’s advising him… Oh, it’s his pound shop solicitor.”

     

    Now, today, we join all calling on Michael Barrymore and the others present that fateful night to finally do the decent thing and join those helping work towards a second inquest. It is time these miraculously quiet individuals finally assisted Essex Police and it is time each and every one of them responds to the police plea advertised as follows:

     

    “Nine people went to the party at Michael Barrymore’s house, but only one of them – Stuart – ended up being violently sexually assaulted and murdered. We know not everyone at the party was responsible for what happened, but someone was. We also know that not everyone at that party may know what happened, but someone does… 19 years – still no justice: Help us get answers for Stuart. Someone knows.”

     

    Pictured top: Michael Barrymore (left) in a decidedly dodgy shirt and Stuart Lubbock and Sue Homan in happier times on their wedding day in July 1993.

     

    Of their marriage, in 2001, Miss Homan told the ‘Daily Mail’ – “He always wanted to settle down and have children. Stuart was devastated when we broke up. We had grown apart and I had grown up. I realised that I was too young to settle down.”

     

    “Stuart was a lovely, lovely man who would do anything for anyone. He worked hard and adored his children. I just cannot believe that he is dead, no one can.”

     

    Hoping v Helping 2021 – Sue Homan slams Michael Barrymore – Sue Homan “slams” deviant disgrace Michael Barrymore for not helping secure justice for her murdered ex-husband Stuart Lubbock.
    Hoping v Helping 2021 – A decidedly drunk Michael Barrymore pictured (left) with a decidedly drunk and since convicted racist bigot Marie-Claire, Baroness von Alvensleben and with another of his equally vile friends, the thankfully now croaked paedophile Sir Jimmy Savile (right).
    Hoping v Helping 2021 – Sue Homan slams Michael Barrymore – Sue Homan “slams” deviant disgrace Michael Barrymore for not helping secure justice for her murdered ex-husband Stuart Lubbock.
    Hoping v Helping 2021 – The scene of the rape and murder of Stuart Lubbock on 31st March 2001: Michael Barrymore’s then home, 4 Beaumont Park Drive, Roydon, Harlow, Essex, CM19 5HB.
    Hoping v Helping 2021 – Sue Homan slams Michael Barrymore – Sue Homan “slams” deviant disgrace Michael Barrymore for not helping secure justice for her murdered ex-husband Stuart Lubbock.
    Hoping v Helping 2021 – A now 50-year-old Jonathan Kenney. This one-time estate agent turned estate agent was a lover of Michael Barrymore at the time of the murder of Stuart Lubbock and claimed to be the first to have discovered the body. In March this year, ‘The Sun’ reported: “[Kenney now] works as a coach driver and is in a long-term relationship with someone else,” though other reports elsewhere cited him as being a driving instructor.
    Hoping v Helping 2021 – Sue Homan slams Michael Barrymore – Sue Homan “slams” deviant disgrace Michael Barrymore for not helping secure justice for her murdered ex-husband Stuart Lubbock.
    Hoping v Helping 2021 – As he faces certain death soon from terminal cancer, Stuart Lubbock’s crusading father Terry Lubbock deserves an answer to the question he has never stopped asking. That question: “Who killed Stuart Lubbock?”
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1wRAvqXOos&t=34s
  • Word of the Week 2021 – Going to the Polls

    Word of the Week 2021 – Going to the Polls

    Susie Dent shares the fascinating origin of “going to the polls” just as Count Binface looks to get more votes than Laurence Fox in spite of the latter having a ludicrous £5 million campaign pot

    With voting underway across the country, “that woman in Dictionary Corner” Susie Dent this morning shared with her 753,000 followers on Twitter the origin of “going to the polls” this morning:

     

    Origin of the day: the ‘poll’ in ‘going to the polls’ originally meant ‘head’, referring to the counting of heads or votes. A ‘noddypoll’ was an incompetent fool, a ‘clod-poll’ a blockhead, and a ‘tadpoll’ (later ‘tadpole’) a ‘toad-head’.        

     

    Referencing what a lacklustre bag of bilge Londoners have been offered by the mainstream parties and echoing Nikolay Kalinin’s analysis of Labour’s national multifaceted mess for The Steeple Times yesterday, Inside Croydon declared of the campaign:

     

    “It has been a very long, and very tedious, London election campaign, but for some of the capital’s voters, perhaps bewildered by the multitude of different voting systems employed and vast number of candidates for Mayor or the London Assembly, there has been one bright spot: Count Binface.”

     

    “In elections that were postponed from 2020, among the various races-within-the-race for City Hall, there is a fascination among those who long ago tired of the lies of Tory Shaun Bailey or the deadly dull platitudes of Sadiq Khan (did you know: his father was a London bus driver?), the idea that a geezer with a bin on his head could attract more votes than the spittle-flecked campaign of Laurence Fox has lightened the mood these past couple of weeks.”

     

    “And what’s more, unlike so much of so many of the pointless political campaigns, Binface is actually doing some good, by raising thousands of pounds for homelessness charities.”

     

    Elsewhere on social media yesterday, Count Binface himself shared an amusing video based on Whitney Houston’s I Wanna Dance With Somebody asking his followers to make him their first choice today. The Steeple Times’ editor Matthew Steeples duly obliged when he headed to St Columba’s Church of Scotland in Pont Street, SW1 this morning and casted a protest for Max Fosh as his second choice also.

     

    Going to the Polls – Count Binface morphed into Whitney Houston to share his final pitch to be the next Mayor of London “and/or the UK’s next Eurovision entry.” He urged: “Make me your first choice vote, and together we will crush the loopy candidates. (You know who I mean.)”
    Going to the Polls – Susie Dent, as ever, brought a bit of insight on polling day 2021.
    Going to the Polls – Boris Johnson was escorted to vote in Westminster by his latest baby mama Carrie Symonds at just before 8am this morning. Whether she had to help the ‘noddypoll’ PM mark his voting card or not is unknown.
    Word of the Week 2021 – Going to the Polls – Fox v Binface – Susie Dent shares the fascinating origin of “going to the polls” just as Count Binface looks to get more votes than Laurence Fox in spite of the latter having a ludicrous £5 million campaign pot.
    Going to the Polls – Many Twitter users mocked the ex-actor Fox and remarked of their desire for Count Binface to actually be his ex-wife Billie Piper in disguise.
    Word of the Week 2021 – Going to the Polls – Fox v Binface – Susie Dent shares the fascinating origin of “going to the polls” just as Count Binface looks to get more votes than Laurence Fox in spite of the latter having a ludicrous £5 million campaign pot.
    Going to the Polls – The parody Boris Johnson account went further and declared: “To be honest, I don’t care if we take Hartlepool, as long as Count Binface beats that streak of piss, Laurence Fox.” 1,200 clicked “love” in response. Author Emma Kennedy added: “When Count Binface gets more votes than Waitrose Tommy Robinson tomorrow, I look forward to the 3682 5k thinkpieces/profile articles in The Telegraph and Sunday Times telling us what a brave visionary Count Binface is. Also: BBCQT AHOY!” and got 1,600 “loves” also.
    Word of the Week 2021 – Going to the Polls – Fox v Binface – Susie Dent shares the fascinating origin of “going to the polls” just as Count Binface looks to get more votes than Laurence Fox in spite of the latter having a ludicrous £5 million campaign pot.
    Going to the Polls – John O’Connell announced: “Duty done. I voted. Now I can freely spend the rest of the day taking the piss out of Shaun Bailey and Laurence Fox, and cheering on Count Binface.”
  • Brenda’s Brew

    Brenda’s Brew

    Her Majesty The Queen launches two home brewed beers just as it is announced that drinkers have drunk stocks nigh on dry in the wake of ‘unlockdown’

    This morning, just as BBC Radio 4’s Today programme announced that pubs are literally “scraping the barrel” in desperation to find beer given customers have gone wild since lockdown restrictions were eased, The Sun revealed that “Her Majesty has moved into home brewing with two new bitters” made with crops grown at her Sandringham Estate.

     

    Said like her late mother to be “partial to a gin and Dubonnet” according to her former chef Darren McGrady, the Queen’s 5% ABV Golden IPA and 4.3% ABV Sandringham Best Bitter are being sold at a punchy price of £3.99 per bottle, but have already attracted plaudits galore.

     

    According to the paper, one unnamed fan remarked:

     

    “To drink beers that the Queen’s had a hand in is the stuff of legend.”

     

    “I can just imagine her supping the first pints and giving her royal thoughts on the taste. Unlike most of the home brews I’ve tried, these are actually really tasty.”

     

    “I’m sure Prince Philip would be very proud that the estate is producing these ales as I know he was a fan of a good real ale.”

     

    “Good on Queenie. She always knows what the country needs – and this summer, more than ever, it’s a beer.”

     

    Sadly, however, you’ll only currently be able to buy the beers – which are made “using organic Laureate spring barley and spring water from a nearby borehole” – if you head to the estate shop on the Sandringham Estate.

     

    The current monarch is surprisingly not alone in lauding the benefits of beer. In February 2015, we reported that Queen Victoria once remarked: “Give my people plenty of beer, good beer, and cheap beer, and you will have no revolution among them.”

     

     

    Brenda’s Brew – Her Majesty The Queen launches two beers – Her Majesty The Queen launches two home brewed bitters just as it is announced that drinkers have drunk stocks nigh on dry in the wake of ‘unlockdown’ – 4.3% Sandrigham Best Bitter and the 5% Sandringham Golden IPA pale ale been produced by Barsham Brewery, Fakenham, Norfolk for the Sandringham Estate, Norfolk, PE35 6EN – Priced at £3.99 per bottle.
    Brenda’s Brew – The Queen is known for having a liking for champagne, wine and gin and Dubonnet, but now she can join the masses and indulge in her very own beers.