UK Horse Racing Tips

 Japan has come agonisingly close to lifting the coveted Group 1 Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe on a number of occasions over the years, but none more so than last term when Orfevre was caught in the last couple of strides by the filly Solemia.

Most observers who chose to watch racing online with bet365, felt that the five-year-old was an unlucky loser in Paris last autumn having been drawn wide, running further than anything else in Europe’s most prestigious middle distance contest.

He surged in spectacular fashion into what appeared an unassailable three-length lead inside the final furlong, only to be run down by Solemia – who returned at racing odds of 33/1 – under a power-packed finish from Olivier Peslier. Orfevre then missed out narrowly again on his final start of the term when beaten a nose in the £2.1 million Japan Cup in November.

The impression given by the son of Stay Gold in his recent Arc trial, the Group 2 Qatar Prix Foy at Longchamp in early-September, was that, if anything, he appears an even better horse this term than last. Always travelling powerfully under Christophe Soumillon, the odds-on favourite showed a smart turn of foot to quicken into the lead over a furlong from home before being eased down to beat the very useful Very Nice Name by three lengths.

It came as no surprise to learn that Orfevre’s racing odds of going one better in the Arc this time around were quickly slashed from 6/1 to 7/2 favourite.

On the same Arc trials card, Japanese Derby winner Kizuna furthered raised hopes that his nation might win the Arc when proving a short-head too good for a rejuvenated Ruler Of The World, the Epsom Derby winner coming back after a dismal effort last time out.

Kizuna is generally an 8/1 to win the Longchamp showcase event, while Aidan O’Brien’s Ruler Of The World is a 9/1 chance.

It’s hard enough finding winners in the ante-post markets for major races and little easier forecasting the weather more than six months in advance, but anyone who thinks we might be in for a wet spring could do worse than take odds of around 33/1 about mud lover Katenko for April’s Crabbies Grand National at Aintree.

A decent sort in his native France in the 2010/11 season, Katenko rather lost his way after that and appeared on the downgrade when joining the Venetia Williams yard last November. The change of scene and routine soon appeared to have done him the world of good though, the gelded son of Laveron beginning the season on a handicap mark of 129 and ended it as a horse not too far off Gold Cup class, with a rating of 157.

After being badly in need of the outing on his first start for new connections at Haydock in November, Katenko encountered his favoured heavy ground when running second to the decent Wyck Hill in the listed Champagne Bollinger Silver Cup Handicap Chase at Ascot a few days before Christmas.

Early in the New Year, he showed his Ascot effort to have been no fluke at all when staying on strongly to land the £31,000 first prize in Sandown’s 32Red.com HBLB Handicap Chase off a mark of 136.

In heavy ground, three weeks later Katenko turned out for the valuable Grade 3 Murphy Group Handicap Chase at Cheltenham having been raised 11lbs for his Sandown victory. It proved no barrier to success though as Williams’ charge slammed a good field, scoring by an impressive 16 lengths from the very useful Fruity O’Rooney.

A bout of colic ruled the much improved chaser out of the Gold Cup, but he is fully recovered now and the latest odds at betfair suggest that he could be a force to be reckoned with at Aintree if he gets his essential testing underfoot conditions.

Prince Khaled Abdullah looks to have yet another fine prospect to look forward to judging by the tremendously impressive way that his Radiator broke her maiden tag at Lingfield recently in the manner of a filly with a very big future.

The daughter of Dubawi had hinted at a fair degree of ability when shaping with a plenty of promise on her racecourse bow at Glorious Goodwood five weeks earlier, finishing fifth in a hot race won by Amazing Maria, the Ed Dunlop-trained filly who subsequently went on to land the Group 3 Prestige Stakes.

She was duly sent off the 11/10 market leader on Betfair for the seven-furlong Lingfield maiden and was noted travelling easily throughout the first half of the contest under former champion jockey, Ryan Moore, having been sent immediately into the lead once the stalls opened.

By halfway, a glance behind showed all her rivals under pressure while Radiator was giving the impression she was still in second gear.

Once shaken up at the two furlong from home marker, she easily pulled further and further clear, eventually crossing the finishing line no less than 15 lengths clear of main market rival, Zawiyah (2/1 with Betfair), who had only narrowly failed to land a decent Windsor maiden on her previous outing.

From the family of the outstanding sire, Dansili, and with an entry in the Group 1 Shadwell Fillies’ Mile, it came as no surprise to see betting firms such as Betfair react quickly, introducing the juvenile into the ante-post list for next year’s Qipco 1000 Guineas at a top price of 25/1.

Teddy Grimthorpe, racing manager to Radiator’s owner/breeder, refused to get carried away though with the performance – despite obviously being impressed – suggesting that connections will just take things one step at a time for the time being.

Becoming an equestrian is a task that should be properly thought out before even attempting. It is important that you do your research before making any decisions in order to become a successful racehorse owner.

Money Management

It is vital that you first consider the financial implications of becoming an equestrian as you will not just be paying the upfront cost of the horse. In fact the fees will add up when it comes to annual training and providing food and care for your horse so make sure you have budgeted in these costs accordingly. Veterinarian fees can also be expensive so it is a good idea to look into getting some cheap horse insurance to ease the financial pain. Also remember that keeping your horse is in tip top condition is within your best interest as this will increase your chance of winning races and making profit.

Breed Selection

Your best option is to choose the purest breed of horse possible as there is potential to breed your horse for even more profit. It is also recommendable that you decide what your goal is for your horse before you buy. In other words, do you want your horse to compete in local circuits or in something more national? If you’re in need of a little advice a good tip is to consult a bloodstock agent, who is there to buy and sell horses while offering guidance on which to buy. Another option is to speak to a horse trainer if you’re still stuck on which type to choose.

Buying Methods

You can buy a horse in three different ways. Firstly you can claim your horse at a race by selecting one of the horses currently running for sale. The price will be decided before the race, taking into consideration the quality of the horse, and you will not be able to have a vet check him before you buy. Another option is to buy a horse at auction. You will find in this case that the horses will be grouped by type and categorised by details such as birth-date and blood group listing. The final way you can buy is through making a private purchase. The advantages to this method are that the horse can be inspected by a vet before the sale and the price can be negotiated.

It’s also a good idea to think about whether you want to own your own horse or share an interest in one with a partnership or a syndicate. You can find partnerships adverts in racing trade publications but remember to contact a number of syndicate managers and prospective partnerships before you invest in anything.