Saturday 27th
Kempton 3.05

Result: -In very testing conditions Razor Royal beat Nacarat.
Madison Du Berlais was found wanting in these conditions.
Madison Du Berlais Lost - 3 Points

Racing Post Chase
Nacarat won this race last year, impressively, when rated 147 by the Official Handicapper(OH) but is as a result of that performance now rated 158. His recent run behind Kauto Star was a career personal best effort in my opinion and entitles him to plenty of respect in this event. Tom George, his trainer, has proved himself a dab hand at producing these steeple chasers in perfect order on the big day. Gets a handy four pound concession from the top weight. A.P McCoy replaces suspended regular jockey Sam Thomas. Top three finish expected.
Madison Du Berlais (10/1 Paddy Power) The addition of pleats worked the trick with this fellow and brought about immense improvement. Winning two Grade 2 races last season and has consequently found himself mixing with top class company. Carry's top weight here but is seen as the one they all have to beat if producing something near his best on the day whilst others would have to produce personal bests in order to match his average past achievements. Blinkers instead of pleats. Trainer has managed his career very well. Regular jockey is Tom Scudamore. Most likely winner.
Miss Mitch(Nr) has the collateral form to win a race of this standing which is great provided those entire 'if's' and 'buts' ' work out in your favor. Alas those moments are proving very elusive in this sphere of racing and the strengths of that tool are maybe better seen in the Novice divisions. Her trainer has few if any peers in this game. Ignore her at our peril.
Stakes: - 3 Points win Madison Du Berlais

Sunday 28th
Leopardstown 4.20

Result : - Tranquil Sea wins from Natal
Maid In Taipan was unplaced -5 points.

Newlands Chase

Re-scheduled after Nass was abondoned.
Looks a wide open contest despite the market saying otherwise.
Cartlawn won this race last year but more recently was easily outpointed at Cork by Golden Silver and again by that opponent at Leopardstown.when receiving weight.
Tranquil Sea heading for the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham next month was also found wanting by Golden Silver at Leopardstown over Christmas. Tranquil Sea has had a break since and looks the one to beat but at odds of 4/5 fav is far too short despite Edward O'Gradys stable having recent winners. Better value is to be had with Arthur Moore's Mansony but Davy Russell has chosen to ride Maid In Taipan (To Place 5/4 Betfair) and that looks decisive and if the Paul Duffin owned gelding can find something close to his best form a finish in the top three place surely awaits.
Stakes: -5 Points Place Maid In Taipan

Nice to see others return to the blogging scene and especially the two people I follow. I notice the Geeks Toy is linked on JP's blog, a must for anyone interested in trading software and this is a free and speedier version.

Saturday 20th
Ascot 3.15

Result: -Monets Garden wins from Albertas Run
Albertas Run Lost -2 Points

Betfair Ascot Chase
Planet Of Sound looks the part if the 'expected progression' is fortcoming but that is guessing and with others in the field also showing progressive profiles you could guess (btw, Oh Crick would be my personal guess, he ran well behind Twist Magic when stable not firing on all cylinders and if his stamina holds, could beat all) that any one of four could find the improvement necessary to win this. Monets Garden best when fresh has had a 91 day break but the 12yo looks upagainst it in this despite holding the best bits of form in the book. The one I fancy, despite his quirks, is Albertas Run (7/1 Betfair). The John Joe O'Neill trained gelding has won 2-2 at the track including the Reynoldstown  Novice Chase and has mixed it with the best in recent runs and beat both Planet Of Sound and Monets Garden at this track last November.
Stakes: -2 Points win Albertas Run

Sunday 7th
Leopardstown 3.45

Result: -Fantastic race with a great finish between Joncol and Cooldine. The 7yo Joncol staying best.
Notre Pere Lost -2 Points

Irish Hennessy Gold Cup
Interesting race with the form of the Lexus Chase in large part being ignored by the looks of those at the head of the market and that maybe a correct course of action given the time for that race was a poor one indicating in part that not all were allowed to show their true running and despite underfoot conditions looking heavy again Cooldine is expected to improve for his second run of the season. He ran too 'keen' early on in the Lexus but was still right there until they came into the straight proper and should now be able to give a much better account of himself. Joncol also ran in the Lexus where he looked very slow but was enjoying the slog. He has youth on his side and will improve with time but looks to lack the gears necessary to beat a field of this nature. Money Trix ran a great race for Greystoke trainer Nicky Richards in the Lexus Chase and went into many a notebook as a result running on well behind What A Friend in a race possibly not run to fast enough to suit him. Last year Notre Pere (11/2 Betfair) ran second in this race behind Neptune Collonges after been heavily supported in the market. He fell at Down Royal earlier this season and has not shown anything to suggest he is about to run close to his best but these are his ideal conditions and has more in his favour than most and should now be ready to play his hand after a couple of confidence boosters. His winning run in the Guinness Gold Cup at Punchestown last April suggests he has the talent to win this.
Stakes: - 2 point win Notre Pere