The latest news and best bets in our daily horse racing blog, plus the weekly tipping competition
Today's best bets, by Will Hayler
I saw Frankel this morning. There, that sounds good, doesn't it?
Along with a handful of camera crews and photographers, I was fortunate enough to watch Tom Queally ride the world's best racehorse in front of us and in front of the smart looking grandstand of Newmarket racecourse on the Watered Gallop.
It was more of a canter than a serious workout, but nevertheless I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the experience ? although perhaps not so much when the alarm went off at 5.30am.
When he stretched away from Bullet Train and Handheld, it genuinely sent a shiver down my spine. How lucky those who get up on the gallops more regularly must be to experience that thrill more frequently.
Also in action was Twice Over, who finished in front of companions Midday and Tranquil Tiger under Ian Mongan, who hopes to keep the ride on the International winner when he lines up in the all-new Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot next month.
Next came Vita Nova and Eddie Ahern, on course for the fillies' race on the same card.
Then no sooner had the Cecil runners gone by than three pairs from William Haggas's yard were right behind, Oaks winner Dancing Rain being one of the half-dozen as she completed an effortless half-speed. An unexpected bonus - two Classic winners for the price of one.
Just in front of Dancing Rain was a stablemate in blinkers, looking a fiendishly difficult ride as his jockey tried, kicking and shrieking, to force him past his opponent. Maybe he didn't appreciate the unexpected crowd watching him. Or maybe it was the early start.
Sir Henry Cecil seemed relaxed enough afterwards, unsuccessfully trying to hide his cigarette behind his body as the cameras filmed him in debrief with Queally and Frankel's owner's racing manager Teddy Grimthorpe.
There's due to be a press conference appearance from Cecil later today, so expect more information in due course.
Away from Frankel, the prospect of a record-breaking Tote Jackpot is sure to be a major talking point and here are my thoughts on the races being covered by Channel 4 at Newmarket this afternoon.
Although the Tote might have preferred a tougher card (the first six races at Newmarket don't have a single handicap) in the hope of one more rollover, none of the six contests could be said to be easy.
The Jackpot will be won today. The sizes of the fields mean that a full-cover perm (ie every horse in every race) can be purchased for less than the amount of money in the pool. But that doesn't mean it's not worth a go as with over a �1m of dead money in the pool, it's a bet that offers excellent value to the punter.
Away from Newmarket, I'm surprised to see Riot of Colour (2.35) available at odds-against at Haydock.
Having been left several lengths in the stalls, Ralph Beckett's runner did remarkably well to get as close as she did from a wide draw when second over six furlongs at Kempton on her debut earlier this month. Once finding top gear, she came home most takingly in the final furlong.
Soft going is an unknown but her sire Excellent Art revelled in such conditions and this filly looks the type who, if anything, will appreciate some give in the ground rather than find it a hindrance.
Tipping competition, day five
Curlycov has jetted past everyone into a clear lead, thanks to The Panama Kid (25-1), also found by xwireman, who is the only clear rival to our new front-runner. La Fortunata (11-1) got tanias, Ellandback and Mulldog off the mark.
For today's thrilling climax, we'd like your tips, please, for these races: 3.45 Haydock, 4.10 Newmarket, 4.45 Newmarket.
This week's prize is the brand new Champion Jockey video game which puts you in the saddle. Frustrated after some feckless jockey has run into trouble and cost you money? Show them how it should be done by steering your mount to victory around any one of 19 different tracks, on the Flat or over jumps. The winner can choose to take the game on a variety of formats, with the Wii motion control looking especially good fun. You can watch a trailer here.
As ever, our champion will be the tipster who returns the best profit to notional level stakes of �1 at starting price on our nominated races, of which there will be three each day up until Friday. Non-runners count as losers. If you have not joined in so far this week, you are welcome to do so today, but you will start on -12.
In the event of a tie at the end of the week, the winner will be the tipster who, from among those tied on the highest score, posted their tips earliest on the final day (today).
For terms and conditions click here.
Good luck!
Standings after day four
curlycov +25.50
xwireman +14
MillieJ +8
millreef +7.50
slackdad38 +7
GioPiso +4.50
MauriceNL +4
MrWinnersSonInLaw +2.50
orso +1.25
noodlearms +0.25
wiggy12 +0
Mulldog +0
Ellandback +0
tanias +0
sandiuk -0.25
kenty58 -1
chris1623 -1
chipsolderer -1
Onmeheadson -2
Lameduck -2
diegoisgod -3
simmorrissey -3
Fixxxer -3
goofs -3.50
captjawed -3.50
JahLion -5.50
ToffeeDan1 -5.50
zzz62zzz -5.50
stefanjames1979 -5.50
suckzinclee -5.50
SussexRH -6
carl31 -6
AlexCook -6
23skidoo -6.50
coma88 -6.50
moidadem -8.75
KarlXTurner -12
jaygee1 -12
VolleVlug -12
chanleyman -12
valeboy -12
shears39 -12
zizkov123 -12
TL127 -12
William36 -12
londonpatrick -12
Ormrod76 -12
sangfroid -12
melonk -12
TheVic -12
unfaircomment -12
paragoncup -12
BearRides -12
markahoy -12
Shrewdette -12
Harrytheactor -12
Buzybakson -12
MISTERCHESTER -12
Sportingchad -12
Mai11 -12
Dom85 -12
Kperson -12
chiefhk -12
paranoidpuppy -12 (at the bottom, they did that deliberately...)
Click here for all the day's racecards, form, stats and results.
Post your racing-related comments below.
Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/blog/2011/sep/23/frankel-live-racing-september-23-2011
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