UK Horse Racing Tips

EBRO River has been installed as joint-third favourite for the Juddmonte Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket after impressing in his recent Group One win at the Curragh.

Trainer Hugh Palmer was delighted after the two-year-old claimed the Keeneland Stakes in Ireland, a race that was billed as an opportunity for Royal Ascot winner, Quick Suzy, to take on the boys.

But the Gavin Cromwell-trained filly bypassed the Curragh, instead opting for a tilt at the Prix Morny, with Ebro River taking full advantage to win the six-furlong race comfortably from Dr Zempf. It was the Al Shaqab-owned colt’s seventh race of the campaign, with Palmer keen to give him a rest before his next assignment.

The target now is the Middle Park Stakes, the six-furlong dash down the Rowley Mile which was formerly part of the Breeders Cup Challenge Series, and is seen by many as a potential warm-up for the 2000 Guineas. However, Palmer has reiterated his concerns that a mile may prove too far for Ebro River, despite horse betting apps offering odds of 20/1 for the first classic of next year.

Key to his win at the Curragh appears to have been a change in tactics, with the horse ridden from behind in his previous races, reports UK Horse Racing Tips. In the Keeneland, however, a decision was made to let him effectively travel at his own pace, with Palmer seeing it as crucial to the success.

“I think the key thing we have done today is ride him differently,” said Palmer, who didn’t make the trip to Ireland from Newmarket due to problems with travel schedules. “I’ve been telling James Doyle to hold him up, get him to settle, ride him to finish and I think – it’s taken me five times to work it out – but I think those were duff instructions really!

“I always thought he would (get further) but as he gets on, gets heavier and stronger, he looks a bit more like a sprinter. I just don’t know – he finished off best of all today.

“He’s come back (from Ireland) great; you wouldn’t know he’s had a run to be honest. I would have thought the Middle Park will be Ebro River’s next target. He’s had seven races by August 8, so he’s allowed a little bit of time.”

This season has seen a novice win in a 5f affair at Doncaster, before following that up with victory over the minimum again in a Listed race at Sandown. Connections then decided on the big step up to Group Two level, with a commendable fifth-placed finish in the six-furlong Coventry Stakes; two more good runs over six furlongs followed at Newmarket and Goodwood before a successful first attempt in a Group One race, so BBC Sport

It will be a tough assignment in the Middle Park for Ebro River (8/1), with fellow Al Shaqab Racing colt Armor (9/2) installed as favourite after his win in the Markel Molecomb Stakes at Goodwood. The Richard Hannon-trained son of No Nay Never will be tackling six furlongs for the first time, but his pedigree suggests he has the stamina to take on at least a mile.

Also likely to start in the Middle Park are Keeneland Stakes runner-up Dy Zempf (6/1), and Coventry Stakes winner Berkshire Shadow (10/1).

Image: Unsplash

Whether you only bet on key races such as the Grand National or the Epsom Derby or you’re a seasoned bettor who wagers every week, it’s good to know how your picks have performed over the long term. The best way to achieve that is to keep a betting log that tracks your profits and losses over time. If you do not keep a betting log already, here are just a few reasons why you should.

Monitoring Profit and Loss

Firstly, keeping a record of your returns will show you if you are in profit or not over the long-term. It’s always good to know if your current betting strategy is yielding a positive return or if you are accumulating losses. Making a profit from horse betting can be tough but keeping a log in the form of a profit and loss spreadsheet can help with your decision-making. You might decide to stick to your strategy or try to improve your results through different methods.

Identify Strengths and Weaknesses

As well as measuring your returns, a betting log can help you identify particular areas where you are more successful. Again, this can be used to tweak your strategy and improve your performance. The more information you include on your log, the easier it will be to identify your strengths and weaknesses. For example, it makes sense to include details about the race, course and distance of every wager in your place as well as details of the stake, odds and bet type. By consulting the latest horse racing results, you can also get details of the margin of victory, the horse’s age, and jockey and trainer details. You can even record information about the surface, temperature and humidity on the day.

You might want to consider a paid betting prediction tool. Many of these systems automatically log bets so you don’t have to and they also use special algorithms to identify high-value betting opportunities. This could save you a lot of time and might prove to be more profitable in the long run even after subscription costs are taken into account.

You might find that you are more successful wagering on certain markets or race types. Or you might discover you have a knack for picking long-distance National Hunt winners but are less successful on flat races. Every piece of information you gather can help you to spot trends and patterns to focus on. You can also identify bets you should avoid or look for ways to improve in certain areas to broaden your strengths.

Customised Spreadsheets

The best type of betting log is a common spreadsheet application that allows you to enter formulas that automatically calculate certain values such as profit and losses. You can also highlight winning bets and cross-reference them to find common patterns. The more skilled you are with spreadsheets, the easier it will be create custom formulas to meet your analytical needs.

“laptop work office data analytics career” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by shilpa259

Whatever way your choose to go, any seasoned bettor will tell you that having a betting log to refer to is essential if you are serious about improving your wagering performance.

1711

Queen Anne founds Ascot Racecourse on a area of open heathland, known as ‘East Cote’, approximately seven miles southwest of Windsor Castle.

1768

Ascot Racecourse stages its first recognisable, four-day Royal Meeting.

1793

Ascot Racecourse acquires its first grandstand, known as the Slingsby Stand, commissioned by King George III.

1807

King George III and Queen Charlotte witness the inaugural running of the Gold Cup, won by the 3-year-old Master Jackey, carrying 6st 12lb.

1822

The first permanent Royal Stand is erected, with a a precursor to the modern Royal Enclosure to its side.

1825

King George IV institutes the Royal Procession, riding up the New Mile in a coach and four.

1901

Kind Edward VII orders the Royal Enclosure to be completely rebuilt; Lord Churchill appointed as His Majesty’s Representative.

2002 Royal Ascot is extended from four days to five, to mark the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II.

2004

Ascot Racecourse closes for a £220 million redevelopment.

2005

‘Royal Ascot at York’ replaces the traditional Royal Meeting.

2006

Ascot Racecourse is officially reopened by Queen Elizabeth II.

2013

Queen Elizabeth II becomes the first reigning monarch to win the Gold Cup with Estimate, trained by Sir Michael Stoute. Her Majesty is presented with the perpetual trophy by her son, Prince Andrew, Duke of York.

2020 Royal Ascot takes place behind closed doors and, for the first time in her reign, in the absence of Queen Elizabeth II.