Donald McCain: The verdict on my Musselburgh runners

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Donald McCain: The verdict on my Uttoxeter pair

"There’s no denying he’s (Tick Tocker) been disappointing – I had high hopes for him at the start of the season and he hasn’t delivered but we’ve gone back to basics with him and the better ground should be in his favour here..."

Donald has a couple of novice hurdlers in action at Uttoxeter on Saturday.

13.40 Uttoxeter

Tick Tocker

There's no denying he's been disappointing - I had high hopes for him at the start of the season and he hasn't delivered but we've gone back to basics with him and the better ground should be in his favour here. If he can return to the form he showed when he was second at Sedgefield on his hurdling debut then he'd have to have an obvious chance and hopefully he will see his race out a bit better back on this sounder surface. Paul O'Brien takes off a handy 8lb as well. 

14.10 Uttoxeter

Bit Of A Jig

He's been waiting for some better ground and he seems very well in himself at home. This doesn't look a bad race but he is still open to a bit of improvement and if the extra distance brings about some progress - which I am hopeful it might - then he ought to be there or thereabouts. His latest Market Rasen run looks solid enough and he would have to have an each-way shout.

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Donald McCain: Super Duty will run in Thursday's Kim Muir

"It’s a race we’ve won twice before and as long as the rain stays away, he (Super Duty) looks to be going there with plenty in his favour....."

Donald can confirm that Super Duty will sidestep Wednesday's RSA Chase and line up in the Kim Muir on Thursday afternoon.

After much discussion with the owners, I can confirm that Super Duty will be heading for the Kim Muir on Thursday rather than Wednesday's RSA Chase at Cheltenham.

Although the RSA looks to have been weakened with the defection of Dynaste, it's going to take some getting on the likely ground and with the forecast as it is, it might have dried out a little come the last race on Thursday.

We've got a top amateur booked and the betting suggests that he's got an obvious chance - it's always better to be going into meetings like this with 5-1 shots rather than 50-1!

It's a race we've won twice before and as long as the rain stays away, he looks to be going there with plenty in his favour.

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Donald McCain: Overturn the star attraction at Musselburgh

"This looks the ideal race for him (Overturn) to complete his Cheltenham preparations in – given the weather we’ve had, the chance to run him on decent ground is a real bonus and fingers crossed he’ll maintain his unbeaten record over fences...."

Donald has a busy afternoon at Musselburgh with Overturn having his last run before heading for the Arkle at the Cheltenham Festival.

Musselburgh

13.00 2m Novice Chase - Overturn

This looks the ideal race for him to complete his Cheltenham preparations in - given the weather we've had, the chance to run him on decent ground is a real bonus and fingers crossed he'll maintain his unbeaten record over fences. Tetlami is a useful performer but he wasn't in our league over hurdles and this does look a perfect opportunity for us.

13.30 3m Novice Hurdle - Witness In Court

This looks a warm race but he's rated 132 and he either steps up in class or runs in a competitive handicap. I think he might well improve for this longer trip and although he needs to, he's in grand form at home. As I say, this does have some good novices in it but we go there with a chance and it should give us a much better idea as to where we stand with him going forwards.

14.00 2m4f Novice Chase - Desert Cry

To me, he's been shaping as though he might get a bit further now and although it's a good race, he must have a solid chance. He won his last two in good style and although this is a step up in class, he was capable of smart form over hurdles on his day. We've probably got Tap Night to beat but there wouldn't have been a lot between them over hurdles and if he does find the longer trip suiting, he's got to go close.

15.00 2m Handicap Chase - Swift Arrow

He seems to have taken well to this track and has been running well all winter. He's gone up in the weights and realistically I would think he would find a couple too strong but it's a decent prize for a horse like him to be going for and the conditions won't be a problem.

16.00 2m4f Hunter Chase - Cloudy Lane

The trip is probably just on the sharp side for him round here but we need to get a run into him and this probably isn't a particularly strong race. He showed he wasn't a back number at Aintree last season and although he's 13 now, he still retains plenty of enthusiasm and ability.

16.30 2m4f Handicap Hurdle - Smadynium

I am not sure how well handicapped he is but he's going the right way and I would think that the longer trip would be in his favour. He won well on his only previous visit here and conditions should suit. He's open to more improvement than some of these and although 126 isn't a gift of an opening mark, the trip might prove the key to him.

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Donald McCain: Super Duty out to prove stamina at Wetherby

"I've always thought he (Super Duty) would get 3m well and this looked the right place to come with a view to deciding his target at the Cheltenham Festival....."

Donald is expecting a big run from Super Duty as he heads to Wetherby for the Towton Novices' Chase...

14.05 Ffos Las - Hollow Tree

He's got his share of weight as a result of his smart form last year and by running in a race like this, he does at least have to avoid lugging top weight around. It's going to be very testing ground which he has already proved he likes and although I think he will stay 3m in time, the drop back in trip certainly won't be a problem. It's obviously very competitive but it's what you expect in a £50k handicap - hopefully his proven ability in the mud will see him go well.

14.40 Ffos Las - Red Rocco

This obviously represents a step up in class for him but he's going the right way and the thorough test of stamina should suit him. Having just ten stone on his back will be in his favour in a race like this and although he needs to improve, he is less exposed than his rivals. Again, it's a valuable prize and if he can get into a nice rhythm in the early stages, he is capable of going well.

15.20 Wetherby - Super Duty

I've always thought he would get 3m well and this looked the right place to come with a view to deciding his target at the Cheltenham Festival. In an ideal world, he'd be having his first run at the trip on better ground than this but we need to crack on with him and he has proven he handles the mud - I was really pleased with him at Cheltenham last time. It looks competitive enough but he's still open to improvement over fences and looks to have a strong chance.

15.55 Wetherby - Dunowen Point

I didn't really have him down as a 2 ½ miler but he seemed to stay well enough when he won over hurdles at Sedgefield on Boxing Day and he was strong at the finish here last time. This probably isn't as competitive as it could be for the money on offer and if he does stay, he's got to have a chance - he's had his problems but he hasn't got that many miles on the clock.

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Donald McCain: Ballabriggs bang on course for Aintree

Donald McCain / Donald McCain / 30 March 2012 / Leave a Comment

Ballabriggs is on course to defend his Grand National crown.

"as well as Overturn, I would think that the likes of Absinthe, Sud Pacifique, Constant Contact and Bourne will all end up running on the Flat at some stage....."

Another steady week for the McCain team as attentions turn to Aintree......and, whisper it, the Flat season.

There's a bit of a lull between Cheltenham and Aintree and we have a quiet weekend lined up, albeit there are a couple who look to have decent chances.

Things have carried on nicely this week with a few more winners and the horses seem to be holding their form very well, despite some of them having been kept very busy.

We're up to 137 winners for the year now which is certainly beyond any expectations I had at the start of the season.

We look to have a strong team building up for Aintree, even with Cinders And Ashes now missing the meeting, and it's a track at which I am obviously very keen to do well at.

Ballabriggs was the star of the show last year and things are ticking over nicely with him at home. I had been keen to give him another racecourse gallop between Kelso and the National but, with the weather as it has been, there haven't really been any suitable opportunities.

He's doing plenty of work at home though and I couldn't be happier with him in the build up - we'll just keep chipping away and hopefully we will get him there in the same form as last year.

I was asked the other day if I was likely to be keeping many going on the Flat through the summer. It's not something I have tended to do in the past - I know Overturn has been a star - but we have quite a few 85+ rated Flat horses and, reluctantly, I might have to have more of a look this time round!

There will be a few of them kept on the go - as well as Overturn, I would think that the likes of Absinthe, Sud Pacifique, Constant Contact and Bourne will all end up running on the Flat at some stage.

They won't be running for the sake of running, but if the right race pops up at the big meetings, they will be there to take their chance.

Cheltenham Festival winner Cinders And Ashes will bypass Aintree....

Donald has one of his leading juvenile hurdlers in action at Hexham on Sunday....

Donald has a strong team in action at his local track on Saturday....

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Donald McCain: Reflections on a cracking week at Cheltenham

Donald McCain / Donald McCain / 23 March 2012 / Leave a Comment

Cinders And Ashes got Cheltenham week off to the best possible start.

"Cinders [And Ashes] didn’t have the smoothest trip and if he hadn’t knocked the last out of the ground, he would have won by six lengths!

After a fantastic four days at Cheltenham with two winners and a Champion Hurdle second, Donald reflects on a week that makes all the hard work worthwhile...

It's been back to normality after the chaos of Cheltenham but it was a cracking week for the stable with Cinders And Ashes and Son of Flicka winning and Overturn running a blinder in the Champion Hurdle.

It was particularly pleasing to see Cinders And Ashes win like he did - I thought he would appreciate the better ground and he delivered the sort of performance I have always maintained he had in him.

I don't think he has necessarily been given the credit he deserved - I saw in a couple of places that Darlan was described as an unlucky loser, which I can't have. Cinders didn't have the smoothest trip and if he hadn't knocked the last out of the ground, he would have won by six lengths!

Cinders And Ashes has come out of the race fine and, at this stage, the plan is to head to Aintree with him. He has been on the go for a while though and if at any stage he shows me that he has had enough, he will be sent off on a summer holiday.

Of the others to run at Cheltenham, they all came back in good order with the exception of Reindeer Dippin - he had to have a couple of stitches in his leg - and most of them are likely to be kept on the go.

The two big disappointments of the week were Peddlers Cross and Weird Al and I have already gone on record as saying that Peddlers will be back over hurdles next season.

His work in the build up to the meeting had been great - he left Overturn behind him in one of his final gallops - but he just doesn't seem to jump with the enthusiasm that you need to at that level.

Weird Al bled in the Gold Cup which was both disappointing and frustrating. He has burst blood vessels in the past and whether he finds that intense competition just a bit too much, I am not sure.

Given the way the race panned out, it's a real pity as you would have to think he would have gone very close if he had run to his best.

Our Mick was another to run a cracker and with a bit more luck, he might have gone even closer - that said, I would have been happy with two winners and two placed horses at the start of the week.

Ebanour winning at Sedgefield on Friday took us to 131 for the season and it's a credit to everyone at Bankhouse - everyone chips in, I've got some great staff and weeks like Cheltenham make it all worthwhile.

After a frenetic week at Cheltenham, it's a quieter Saturday for the McCain team but there are still some live chances at Newcastle....

Donald has a few fancied runners in action at Carlisle on Sunday....

It's been a fine week for Donald already but he has some leading contenders on the final day of the 2012 Cheltenham Festival....

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The Punter's In-Play Blog: Donald out. Woods to follow?

The Punter / Steven Rawlings / 23 February 2012 / Leave a Comment

Tiger Woods and Nick Watney - who will have the last laugh today?

“Jason Day wasn’t on the ropes, he was on the canvas and the count was fast approaching ten!”

Our man gets five out of eight through to day two, after Jason Day is matched at 999-1! But who does he fancy to make it through to day three?

11.20 - February 23, 2012

A pretty typical WGC Match Play day one really, all wrapped up in unfathomable TV coverage.

There were countless shots of play by one player only, with no reference to their opponents whatsoever. For example, in the Adam Scott - Robert Rock match we saw Scott tee off on the 15th, we saw him chip out of the desert, chip onto the green and even attempt his par putt but what Rock was up to remained a mystery. It made for frustrating viewing.

I know it must be really tough to keep tabs on 32 different ties but some of their match choices were very odd. Obviously, we saw much of the Tiger Woods - Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano match but for some bizarre reason we kept being shown coverage of the Freddy Jacobsen -Robert Karlsson tie, which was as good as all-over before they reached the turn anyway. My guess is that Sky was receiving the Swedish TV feed in error!

And I was on tenterhooks over the K.J Choi-Kyle Stanley match as it approached its conclusion but I didn't get to see the finish. The result just came up on screen. Mercifully, it went my way with Stanley winning 2 & 1, but why we didn't see any of the play on 17 instead of watching Karlsson go five up with six to play is anyone's guess?

Anyway, that's more than enough moaning about the TV coverage; I'm starting to irritate myself now!

It was, as it invariable is each year, a day which contained a few first round shocks, with Ernie Els' thrashing of Luke Donald (5 & 4) arguably the biggest. Ian Poulter crashing out to Sang-Moon Bae was certainly unexpected too but the day will be remembered more for the amount of turnarounds.

Jim Furyk let Dustin Johnson off the hook, messing up the last in regulation when one up, before making a right pig's ear of the 2nd in extra time after Dustin had driven into the desert! And Bill Haas lost his match against Ryo Ishikawa after being thee up with five to play but the biggest turnaround came in the Jason Day - Rafael Cabrera-Bello match...

I confess, having already seen Zach Johnson and Justin Rose get beat, and with Ben Crane about to join them I was a bit fed up to say the least at one stage last night. Kyle Stanley was on the ropes, having gone from two up to one down in his match and Jason Day wasn't on the ropes, he was on the canvas and the count was fast approaching ten! It looked highly likely that my two main fancies were going out and that of my eight picks I was going to be left with just three but then Stanley turned his match round and Cabrera-Bello choked big style.

Three down with three to play was a desperate situation for Day to be in and he was matched at the maximum of [1000.0], albeit only for a couple of quid. There was more available and I looked and looked at it without taking any but I'm not moaning. I am grateful though - Cabrera-Bello saw the winning line and dodged it, bogeying the last three to relinquish his lead and there was an air of inevitability about Day's birdie on the first extra hole to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

I've had two in-running plays so far and I'm waiting for a third to be matched. I've now got Nick Watney onside at [32.0]; as I fancy he could well get past Woods and Stanley's section has opened up nicely with Donald and Scott both going out so I've had a modest top-up on him. I'm also trying to back Y.E Yang. I'm partially matched at [65.0] and hopeful that I'll get the rest matched before kick-off.

Rory McIlroy [11.5], who himself very nearly mucked up his first round match against George Coetzee, now heads the market, narrowly over Lee Westwood at [12.5]. Martin Kaymer is [14.5] and so is Tiger Woods. After an unconvincing performance against Gonzo, Woods is merely a point shorter than he was before the off.

The two eye-catching ties of round two are Tiger Woods against Nick Watney and Kyle Stanley against Brad Snedeker. The Watney -Woods match up looks really tight but I quite fancy Watney to prevail, especially if Tiger performs as poorly as he did yesterday. The Stanley - Snedeker match is interesting as it's a chance for Stanley to avenge his playoff defeat to Snedeker at the recent Farmers Insurance Open. Fingers crossed.

Getting five of eight pre-event picks through to day two is more than acceptable, with the Day turnaround being the big obvious plus. I'll be hoping for a similar sort of day today and I'll back tomorrow with a look at where to go next.

WGC Match Play pre-event picks:
Jason Day @ [38.0]
Kyle Stanley @ [60.0]
Justin Rose @ [80.0]
Ben Crane @ [85.0]
Louis Oosthuizen @ [95.0]
Zach Johnson @ [120.0]
Francesco Molinari [130.0]

In-running plays:
Kyle Stanley @ [30.0]
Nick Watney @ [32.0]
Y.E Yang @ [65.0] (only partially matched as at 11.00am Thursday)

It may not be topping the bill this week but The Punter thinks the Mayakoba Classic offers up a great bet. Read his preview here......

With a strategy involving finger crossing, The Punter's not overly confident as he looks at this week's matchplay extravaganza......

Golf fans were treated to an exciting finale to the Northern Trust Open but was the result any good for The Punter?...

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Donald McCain: Delighted with Our Mick's run at Newbury

Donald McCain / Donald McCain / 17 February 2012 / Leave a Comment

Ballabriggs is due to have a racecourse gallop at Haydock on Saturday.

"I think today proved that he [Our Mick] was crying out for a step up to 3m and he is going to be one to follow when he gets his chance over further....."

Donald didn't hit the target at Newbury on Friday but he was thrilled with Our Mick's third in the Grade 1 novice chase.

I didn't make it to Newbury this afternoon but I enjoyed watching it at home and I was pleased with the way that both Desert Cry and Our Mick ran in their respective races.

I am convinced Desert Cry has one of these big handicap hurdles in him but every time I run him in a big field, they end up going no gallop. That doesn't suit him at all and although he briefly threatened to make a move turning into the straight, the others were quickening ahead of him as well.

He will get things run to suit him one day and he will show what he can do then.

I was delighted with Our Mick upped to Grade 1 company and he continues to look more professional with each run. I think today proved that he was crying out for a step up to 3m and he is going to be one to follow when he gets his chance over further.

Obviously the win of Sprinter Sacre was watched with interest here and you have to say he was mightily impressive. He did beat handicappers though - albeit very good handicappers - and he was a long odds-on favourite - that was how he was supposed to win, wasn't it?!

In all seriousness, he is clearly a very talented novice but, whatever was said in the aftermath, it will be a different test in the Arkle and we are heading to Cheltenham with a horse who has been there and done it all before.

Peddlers Cross continues his rehabilitation and is in grand form again at home - we can just get on quietly with him while all the attention is now focussed on Nicky Henderson!

We've got some nice young horses in action over the weekend, particularly at Haydock, but it's also a big day for Ballabriggs who is due to have a gallop after racing. Assuming everything goes to plan, it's then on to Kelso early next month.

The Grand National weights came out in the week and there were plenty of people who were keen to point out that Weird Al was 5lb clear top-rated with Timeform. Ballabriggs has been there and done it all before though - how does that experience offset a few pounds here and there?

With the Grand National weights announced this morning, read Donald's thoughts on his three entrants here....

'Bumpers for jumpers' is the theme at Southwell on Sunday and Donald has runners in five of the races on the card....

Donald has a strong team assembled for Musselburgh's rescheduled fixture on Saturday....

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Donald McCain: The verdict on my Sunday runners

Donald McCain / Donald McCain / 11 February 2012 / Leave a Comment

'Bumpers for jumpers' is the order of the day at Southwell on Sunday.

"He’s [Smadynium] a lovely little horse and he probably should have won on his debut when he was only worn down in the closing stages....."

'Bumpers for jumpers' is the theme at Southwell on Sunday and Donald has runners in five of the races on the card.

13:15 2m Bumper

Smadynium

He's a lovely little horse and he probably should have won on his debut when he was only worn down in the closing stages. That form looks a bit better with the winner going in again since and he is well up to winning a race like this. Obviously it's a bit of a guess with regards to the surface and the Twiston-Davies horse [Rossoneri] looks to be okay, but he would have to go close if he handles the fibresand.

13:45 2m Bumper

Golden Call

As with most of mine running here, the surface is an unknown and I wouldn't know quite what to expect from him here. He wasn't right at Catterick last time and you can put a line through that, and the fact he has won a bumper in the past has to be a positive. He isn't the easiest to deal with at home so he might as well be out on the racecourse and hopefully he can pick up some money in this small field.

14:15 2m Bumper

Smart Act

He's a lovely horse who has been ready to go for a while and I thought I might as well give him a run here with a view to another run over hurdles next week. He's more of a long-term prospect but the more he runs, the more experience he will gain. This probably isn't a bad race but it has cut up enough to make the run worthwhile.

14:45 2m Bumper

Tornado Bob

He won a bumper when he was trained in Ireland and he isn't short of speed so hopefully he will handle the surface. He hasn't really fired over fences this season but he comes here ahead of returning to hurdling in the short term.

15:20 2m Bumper

Record Breaker

This should be his cup of tea as he has spent most of his life running in decent Flat races. There might be a couple of them that are too strong for him in this field but it will keep him ticking over and there's no obvious reason why he wouldn't give a good account of himself.

Donald has a strong team assembled for Musselburgh's rescheduled fixture on Saturday....

A quiet weekend for the Bankhouse team but Donald tells us that the weather isn't wreaking havoc with the schedule just yet....

Donald is due to have four runners at Musselburgh's competitive card on Sunday....

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Donald McCain: 101 and counting....

Donald McCain / Donald McCain / 27 January 2012 / Leave a Comment

Peddlers Cross looks set to go straight to Cheltenham for the Arkle Trophy

"There only seemed to be two suitable races that fitted in the timescale available to us and neither would be ideal. I don’t think Warwick would suit him especially well and the other option at Kelso might mean having to run on ground that would be more demanding than I would want so close to the Festival......"

Donald reached a personal best when recording his 101st winner of the campaign in the week and there is plenty of cause for optimism in the coming months.

It was great to get to the century of winners up at Haydock last weekend on a cracking day for the team and Chester Lad's win at Newcastle on Thursday took us to our best ever total.

There have been a couple of Grade 1 winners amongst them which always helps - it makes you realise you are doing something right - but the horses have been running well all winter and breaking our personal best has to go down as the highlight of the season, especially as we are still in January.

It's all about building on that going forward but we have lots of very nice young horses here now and the quality continues to rise. As I said, the wins of Overturn and Hollow Tree were significant but increasing the strength in depth is the key as we go on.

I couldn't be happier with the way things have gone so far though and long may it continue.

Looking ahead to the remainder of the season, it looks like we will have our strongest team ever for the Cheltenham Festival. There's still plenty of time so it is hard to have too many plans set in stone but, touch wood, we will be heading south with plenty of live chances.

Obviously there has been plenty said about Peddlers Cross after Kempton but I can give you the latest on him and it all seems to be very positive.

He seems very happy in himself and he is back on the road and working very nicely. Having weighed up the options, I would think it is highly likely that he will now go straight to the Arkle.

There only seemed to be two suitable races that fitted in the timescale available to us and neither would be ideal. I don't think Warwick would suit him especially well and the other option at Kelso might mean having to run on ground that would be more demanding than I would want so close to the Festival.

He's got enough experience over fences as far as I am concerned and the main thing now is to have him absolutely spot on for the day that matters.

Four runners for Donald on Sunday, including a couple of smart Flat racers making their way over hurdles....

Donald has a strong team assembled for Haydock on Saturday, subject to the meeting passing a morning inspection, with Cheltenham hopeful Cinders And Ashes heading the raiding party....

A busy day for the McCain team on Sunday with a lorryload heading north of the border to Kelso....

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Donald McCain: The verdict on my Sunday runners

Donald McCain / Donald McCain / 22 January 2012 / Leave a Comment

Record Breaker, a smart Flat horse, faces a very different test at Towcester on Sunday.

"The ground was very testing and he didn’t seem to get home in it - he was much better over his hurdles than he was on his debut though and hopefully the better ground here will help.........."

Four runners for Donald on Sunday, including a couple of smart Flat racers making their way over hurdles.

13.30 Market Rasen

Mountain Hiker

He was beaten a long way in the end at Chepstow last time but I didn't think he ran that badly. The ground was very testing and he didn't seem to get home in it - he was much better over his hurdles than he was on his debut though and hopefully the better ground here will help. He is clearly a bit quirky but there is an engine there if he can get it all together.

13.10 Towcester

Great Boss

I actually thought he didn't do a lot wrong behind Cinders And Ashes at Haydock last time and there is something to work with there. He's a big horse who isn't really going to come into his own until he is stepped up in trip but this is a very stiff 2m and he is going the right way.

13.40 Towcester

Record Breaker

He's been around for a while on the Flat but he won't have ever experienced anything like Towcester! Joking aside, I was pleased with his run at Bangor first time and he is only going to get better over hurdles with experience. He looked like a stiffer test would suit him there and it doesn't get much stiffer than this.

14.40 Towcester

Red Rocco

He's had a break since a couple of quick runs and I thought he ran very well at Aintree last time. He looked like he was ready for the step up in trip on that occasion and although this isn't a bad race, I would think he ought to go well trying 3m for the first time.

Donald has a strong team assembled for Haydock on Saturday, subject to the meeting passing a morning inspection, with Cheltenham hopeful Cinders And Ashes heading the raiding party....

A busy day for the McCain team on Sunday with a lorryload heading north of the border to Kelso....

Donald has runners all around the country on Saturday, including some live chances at Wetherby....

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Donald McCain: Fantastic four at Haydock

News / Timeform / 21 January 2012 / Leave a Comment

Donald McCain was in excellent form at Haydock.

"Another one for in-running punters was Reindeer Dippin who, after starting at [5.8], hit a high of [17.5]..."

Betting.Betfair columnist Donald McCain fired in a quartet of winners at Haydock on Saturday...

Readers of McCain's Saturday preview on betting.betfair.com were in for a real treat, as four of the six runners that he sent out at Haydock came back victorious.

Cinders and Ashes, currently trading at [12.0] for the Supreme Novices at Cheltenham (Timeform Chief Correspondent Jamie Lynch had previously tipped Cinder and Ashes in his Antepost Preview), got the day off to a winning start when running out a comfortable winner, returning at a Betfair SP of [1.7].

Next to hit the target was Our Mick, returning at a Betfair SP of [2.66] although in-running punters could have taken the [9.0] that was available during the race. The improving Our Mick was notching a hat-trick, having also won at Kempton and Catterick, and his 13 length margin of success demonstrates how easy today was.

Another one for in-running punters was Reindeer Dippin who, after starting at [5.8], hit a high of [17.5] before making steady headway to take the lead, eventually being eased close home but still beating Stow by six lengths.

The day was rounded off by Real Milan, highlighted as McCain's best chance of the day, and he again was not hard pushed to gain his own hat-trick by seven lengths, with his two previous wins coming at Hereford and Uttoxeter.

McCain will be hoping to continue this excellent run of form on Sunday, where he saddles three at Towcester and one at Market Rasen. Click here to read Donald's verdict on his Sunday runners.

Somersby (BSP of [5.8]) finally gained the big victory his consistent efforts deserved when wearing down Finian's Rainbow in the 25th Anniversary of the VC Chase at Ascot......

Spirit Son's participation in the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival is in serious doubt after suffering another setback......

Paul Nolan's Noble Prince continues his Cheltenham Festival preparations in the Normans Grove Chase at Fairyhouse on Sunday......

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Donald McCain: Overturn the 'ox' the star once more

Donald McCain / Donald McCain / 02 December 2011 / Leave a Comment

Overturn added another big-race win to his CV in the Fighting Fifth last weekend.

"He must have the constitution of an ox to keep coming back for more and he has come out of the race remarkably well...."

Donald enjoyed a fantastic month in November with Overturn's two big-race wins in successive weeks the highlight.

Last weekend was a big one for the stable and I was delighted with the way things panned out.

Overturn was the star of the show, winning the Fighting Fifth Hurdle in tenacious style and he really is a fantastic little horse.

Going into the race, I had slight doubts about how well he would back up another quick run in top company but I shouldn't have questioned the horse as he is as tough as they come. He must have the constitution of an ox to keep coming back for more and he has come out of the race remarkably well.

Prior to Newcastle, the plan had always been to give him a rest until the spring but I had a chat with Tim Leslie on Thursday and, given how well he has come out of Newcastle, things are now a bit more fluid.

Obviously much depends on the weather for him but I am going to keep ticking him over and if the right race comes along, he may well take his chance.

Peddlers Cross had more on his plate than on his chasing debut but he was thoroughly professional once again and he made a Tolworth Hurdle winner look pretty ordinary despite giving him plenty of weight.

Everything is now on course for Haydock in a couple of weeks time and it is still all systems go with regards to the Arkle in March.

You may have read or heard his name mentioned with reference to the Champion Chase and Matt Chapman asked me about it in the week, but I have absolutely no idea where that came from and he won't be heading in that direction - hopefully he will be around for plenty of Champion Chases in the future!

I was also very pleased with Wymott's performance in the Hennessy and hopefully that will be a springboard to another good season.

For a horse with limited experience, I thought he handled the hurly burly of it all pretty well and jumping the last, I thought he was going to finish fourth.

He just got a bit tired late on and the ground might have been quicker than he would really want, but it was a pleasing start and there are plenty of options for him now.

Aintree is the long-term plan but he has an entry in the Welsh National and the Tommy Whittle Chase at Haydock would be another suitable race for him.

It has been a busy time in recent weeks and I have to be pleased with have 20 winners in November - especially seeing the likes of Hollow Tree and Lively Baron win easily having had hard races previously.

A lot of the upcoming racing is at tracks where I wouldn't have that many runners so it is going to get a bit quieter leading up to Christmas. So far so good though!

Donald has several runners in action on Sunday, including the well-regarded Avenging Ace making his eagerly-awaited Rules debut....

With Peddlers Cross and Overturn both in action, as well as Wymott's Hennessy bid, it is a huge weekend for Bankhouse. Read about Donald's brightest hopes here....

Donald gives us the lowdown on Wymott ahead of his run in the Hennessy Gold Cup - the trainer's first runner in the race....

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Donald McCain: What a difference a week makes

Donald McCain / Donald McCain / 04 November 2011 / Leave a Comment

Weird Al is now on course for the Betfair Chase on November 19

"He hasn’t had much continuity through his career for a number of reasons but, fingers crossed, everything looks fine at the moment...."

A week on from Weird Al's Charlie Hall Chase win, Donald McCain reveals exclusively that he will now head to the Betfair Chase at Haydock on November 19. Donald also gives updates on some of the other big guns in the stable in his third weekly column.

What a difference seven days makes - after the disappointment of the previous week, last weekend was one to remember with Weird Al's win in the Charlie Hall a thrill for all at the stable.

I was delighted with the way he did it and I thought Timmy [Murphy] gave him a great ride - he really only knew he was in a race from three out.

He seems to have come out of the race very well, which was obviously a slight concern given the problems he has had over the years. He hasn't had much continuity through his career for a number of reasons but, fingers crossed, everything looks fine at the moment.

The plan for him now is to head for Haydock for the Betfair Chase on November 19 - he is owned by some local lads and we have taken the view that the best time to take on Long Run and Kauto Star could be when they are having their reappearance.

It's certainly an exciting time - it sounds a bit cocky but he really didn't seem to have much of a race at Wetherby and there were still signs through the race that he was a bit green. There is definitely a big engine there though and I couldn't be more pleased with him.

This is going to be a quieter weekend than I was expecting - we had plenty entered up but some wanted softer ground and a few wanted better ground! There are plenty bubbling under and ready to go though, and this does look the calm before the storm.

Wednesday is going to be a big day for the stable with Peddlers Cross due to make his chasing debut at Bangor - he is in at Exeter as well, but that is just in case the Bangor ground were to come up very fast.

I am looking forward to it as much as you can look forward to a horse making its chasing debut - particularly one of his ability - and he is in grand form at home, has schooled well and is just the consummate professional.

We know he is top class and hopefully he will get the job done and we can then start worrying about what comes next.

You may have seen that Overturn was entered in the Elite Hurdle at Wincanton but he is going to bypass that and head for the Ascot Hurdle on November 19.

Ascot has been the plan for him for a while now and although the Wincanton race has cut up, I just felt he wasn't quite ready for it.

Finally, I have some positive news regarding Jason Maguire, who has been out of action since that horrible fall in August.

He says he feels great in himself and has been at the yard riding out and schooling. He received the all-clear from his specialist earlier in the week and now it is just a case of when Dr Turner gives him the green light - hopefully we won't have too long to wait.

Weekend Runners, 9am Saturday

Don't forget to check out my column at 9am Saturday for all my Weekend Runners, including my best chances.

Betfair customers had two reasons to celebrate this weekend; not only did New Star Columnist Donald McCain's best chances both win, but they also returned a bigger Betfair SP than the industry......

Donald has three runners at Carlisle on Sunday and a couple of them look to have leading chances....

Donald's two best chances last weekend were both non-runners, but he's hoping for a better time of it with his second Betfair column......

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US Open Betting: In-form Donald to lead European assault

US Open / Mike Norman / 14 June 2011 / Leave a Comment

Luke Donald has been in sensational form in 2011

"Luke Donald also leads the highly competitive FedExCup points standings despite playing four and five tournaments less than his nearest rivals, is the leading money earner in 2011, has the lowest Scoring Average (69.26) on the PGA Tour, and not forgetting, he is a brilliant putter on fast greens."

Mike Norman finds it very hard to select anyone other than Luke Donald at this week's US Open, but he also believes a few other in-form Europeans are set for an excellent four days in Washington.

Defending champion Graeme McDowell has confidently predicted that not one golfer will finish under par at Congressional this week, and that even a score of +10 could win this year's US Open. I'm not so sure about the latter, come on, when was the last time robot-like Luke Donald made the equivalent of 10 bogeys in one tournament?

One thing is certain this week though, and that is the fact that - as Paul Krishnamurty points out in this must read article - the Congressional Country Club course will play much tougher than it has done in the past when hosting regular PGA Tour events.

Measuring close to 7,600 yards you'd be forgiven for thinking this par 71 course is a long-hitter's paradise. It isn't! This course is one thing and one thing only; a straight-hitters haven. Finding the fairway off the tee is going to be absolutely crucial during the course of the next four days or so, and it also helps if your game going into this tournament is in excellent shape - and this is something that can be said about all three of these very capable Europeans.

Luke Donald ([14.0] Winner market; [6.0] Top European market; [4.5] Top 5 Finish market)

The biggest surprise to me pre-tournament is that Donald isn't favourite to win his first Major championship. The Englishman fully deserves to be the new world number one given the extraordinary form he has demonstrated this season, and it just adds to the confidence that he is one of the straightest drivers on tour (he ranks second in Driving Accuracy only behind McDowell amongst all Europeans on the PGA Tour this season).

Donald has recorded an incredible 10 consecutive top-10 finishes either side of the pond since missing the cut in the Northern Trust Open back in February (I can only assume he forget his clubs that week). That run includes two prestigious wins - at the WGC Accenture Match Play Championship and the BMW PGA Championship - two second place finishes, and a fourth place finish at the US Masters. He also leads the highly competitive FedExCup points standings despite playing four and five tournaments less than his nearest rivals, is the leading money earner in 2011, has the lowest Scoring Average (69.26) on the PGA Tour, and not forgetting, he is a brilliant putter on fast greens.

It's hard to be more confident about Donald performing well this week. Put simply, he only has to find the fairways and putt as well as he has done all season to be a leading contender come Sunday evening.

Matteo Manassero ([110.0] W; [28.0] TE; [19.0] T5F)

After opposing Manassero at last week's Italian Open because of how long the course was playing this may be seen by some as a bit of a contradictory selection. But the Italian's accuracy from the tee is going to be a huge advantage this week, and his ball will trundle much further down the fairway than it did in Turin seven days ago. Besides that, this 18-year-old starlet is a genius with his long irons and I can see him having a very good tournament in Washington.

Manassero comes into this event in fine form too after recording back-to-back Top 10 finishes on the European Tour, and whilst it's expecting a bit much of him to win a US Open at his very first attempt, it's not too difficult to envisage him enjoying a splendid few days.

Alexander Noren ([250.0] W; [70.0] TE; [46.0] T5F; [20.0] Top 10 Finish)

Noren owes betting.betfair a few quid of that there is no doubt. He's been a selection of my own many times this season, Steve 'The Punter' Rawlings has backed him without success, and so too has Paul Krishnamurty. Did any of us have a penny on when he won in Wales a fortnight ago at odds of [80.0]? Do I even need to answer?

Like Manassero, Noren is making his debut in the US Open but he arrives at Congressional in terrific form having finished in the top five in three of his last six events including that excellent win at a competitive Wales Open; the same tournament McDowell won in 2010 prior to winning at Pebble Beach - an omen perhaps? Admittedly he can be a bit wayward off the tee - which isn't great - though he is generally straight, and his current form and sky high confidence make his odds too big to ignore in most markets. I'm happy to have a wager in the Top 10 Finish one.

Recommended Bets

Back Luke Donald @ [14.0] in Winner market
Back Luke Donald @ [6.0] in Top European market
Back Matteo Manassero @ [19.0] in Top 5 Finish market
Back Alexander Noren @ [20.0] in Top 10 Finish market

The US Open is no ordinary tournament and likely winners are few and far between, says Paul Krishnamurty, who recommends four wagers at Congressional...

American golf fans desperately need a change of fortunes according to Steve. Will they get one this week at the US Open?...

Justin Rose is set for an early bloom at Congressional, according to Romilly Evans, but who else makes the cut in his look at the likely pacemakers for the first-round lead at the US Open?...

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PGA Tour Betting: Will Donald be revved up for the Honda Classic?

Three Against The Field / Dan Geraghty / 02 March 2011 / Leave a Comment

Luke Donald is in the mood for another win

"There's so much in Luke Donald's favour that I have to take the plunge, he clearly loves the Honda Classic and must be in a great frame of mind."

Dan Geraghty thinks lucky Luke can double up at the Honda Classic, but who are his other bets? You'll just have to read his Three Against the Field column to find out

The big question this week is can we trust Luke Donald to follow up last week's incredible performance? Donald simply looked different class to everyone, including the machine-like Martin Kaymer in the final.

The Englishman is entitled to be tired after such a long week but we must remember that he didn't see the 18th hole even once all week. The fact that Donald has excellent course form here (second in 2008) and is a winner of this tournament (when it was played on a different course, in 2006) makes him a must bet. There's so much in his favour that I have to take the plunge, he clearly loves the Honda Classic and must be in a great frame of mind.

An excellent short game seems to be the order of the day at the Honda and my second selection is another short-hitting 'plodder' who was in good form last week. Brian Gay finished in the top five in Mexico without ever really contending at the very top of the leaderboard. His game is in good shape and despite no course form to speak of should go well again, his is a similar profile to Donald and his price of [60.0] looks very, very nice to me.

I've mentioned that I'm looking to get Alex Prugh onside this year and at [260.0] this week is an ideal opportunity. Prugh made his debut here last year and finished a good 32nd. Despite missing the cut last time out, it's reasonable to expect him to improve on 2010's performance. The 26-year-old has had a reasonable start to the year with three top-25s from six appearances. He was on fire early on last year and now has that little bit of extra experience on his side.

Dangers: Rickie Fowler [30.0] remains a danger; the win cannot be far off. Y E Yang [50.0] is a course winner here (2009) and his game looked in good shape at the Matchplay, he's a nice price. Last years winner Camilo Villegas has really struggled for form this season, however, [75.0] is surely too big a price this week. He is worth chancing. At times this year Trevor Immelman has looked on the way back and the former Augusta winner should contend at a nice price soon. He's available to back at [150.0] this week.

Recommended Bets:
Luke Donald [16.0], Brian Gay [60.0], Alex Prugh [260.0]

Dan Geraghty thinks lucky Luke can double up at the Honda Classic, but who are his other bets? You'll just have to read his Three Against the Field column to find out...

None of the big guns will be here but there is plenty of money and points up for grabs nonetheless. Dan Geraghty tells us which three names should be on our 'should be backed' list....

Dan Geraghty selects a trio of promising outsiders at this week's PGA event but beware of Lefty......

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Ten to Follow Leaderboard: Double points Donald does the business

Ten to Follow Tipping Comp / Paul Krishnamurty / 28 February 2011 / Leave a Comment

Staying out of these helped Luke Donald win the WGC Matchplay

Following the first WGC event of the season, for which double points were on offer, we have big changes on the leaderboard, including a new leader. The 122 points earned by Luke Donald propelled Paul McGlinchey to pole position, and his side also contains the top scoring player so far, Bubba Watson. There's another chance for bumper scoring next week in the form of the next WGC event, but first we've got the Honda Classic.

Paul McGlinchey 417
Kendolph Express 382
EME15 371
wedge1 371
Duncan 364
Joe Dyer 363
Holly Stott 351
Sam Harrop 346
Adi Crow 343
Ontheteeee 328
TopDollar1 323
Sportsman 323
Mark Peters 309
Lochinvar 309
Steve 301
Martyns23 298
Louie Mendoza 293
Feizal Rahman 292
Richard Ball 289
Steven Rawlings 288
Gary Binosh 283
stonecolds 282
Lee Adamson 278
Chris Doppler 277
Alan Vye 273
Mike Rangecroft 269
Hoof Hearted 268
Silk Success 268
USNA1964 266
ReaseHeath 264
Stan Oentoe 263
golfvet 260
Justahunch 257
Team Bunkered 251
Martys Men 248
Ben 245
Mick Hoy 242
Rachel Labo 242
Barracuda59 242
Dave Harding 241
Deportivo la Combo 241
Buck Ashcraft 240
wowiezowiee 237
Ian KP 227
niknak 227
the loonatic 226
doubling 226
Playoff Sunday 221
InstaScud 221
Better lucky than good 217
Golfnut 217
DJSavedmylife 216
Barrowboy 216
Paul Krishnamurty 216
Linda Angell 212
Iain Hendy 211
ElBandido 211
EME19 211
Danny Knight 211
Mr Stupid 207
Julie Connor 206
EME14 206
willieb83 206
Aidan14 202
Spursboy 201
5 Penalty Stroke 201
Just Someone 201
Matthew Taylor 201
Gingermoff 197
Mahseer 197
Hestias Putter 196
EME20 196
EME8 196
EME6 195
Andrew Gyton 193
Ronsk 192
Aberdonia 192
Macca Maclean 191
Carsten Lymann 191
Steve Bovey 191
AJM2011 191
Dave Dunning 191
Perfect Potential 190
Peter Sonnenburg 187
Team Hulmes 186
Royal Smudge 186
Mighty Whites 2008 186
James Voortman 185
Matthew Gibbons 183
Cherio 182
No Hookers, please 182
Aussie Warriors 181
Rich 181
Andjay 181
Bramblyhedge 181
Humbert The Priest 181
Tony Buck 176
jaytay2 176
Milners 176
Daniel Lambert 175
Anonymous30 172
Mascherano 172
Stroke of Luck 171
Shot 2 from the Native Area 171
Paul Dean 171
Feeling Better 171
Eriskaybet 170
Stuart Glover 167
bowmak316 166
The Shepherds Crook 166
Niall Duggan 166
Ronan McCarthy 166
Slim Tim Herron 166
EME9 166
Neil Bartlett 165
Ken Melton 165
Kieran Aherne 161
Bunyip 161
FCTwisters 161
jamie glowacki 160
Dan Geraghty 158
webuyanypar.com 157
parorbetter 157
Anonymous24 156
MaldenGolfClub 156
EME4 156
Double D 156
Stewart Davidson 156
JAMPOT 156
Greelo 155
EME3 153
Dean Broughton 151
Convo 150
Keith Murphy 146
EME22 146
Tigers 19 Holes 146
GreenArmy 145
Andrew Livermore 145
LoudmouthPants 142
Tony Pickett 142
Simon Frederick 141
Steven Barrett 141
Figjam 140
Neil Spencer 140
Llamedos 136
Corey De Bruyn 136
BJG 136
Dazmac 135
James Pacheco 135
Matts Caddies 135
Lucky Sod 131
Michael 130
Hodges Hawks 130
Towser 130
Tight Lines 127
jjlaff 126
A whales vagina 126
demoncleaners 125
Mavericks Boys 125
Stephen Crowson 121
Dan Chipowski 121
KangaMick 120
Lee Wallis 120
Super Hans 117
Easy Tiger 116
Terry 116
Agro 115
Drew the Tipster 115
Donny Osmond 111
Timcaznat 110
Drew J 110
Clonmullin 105
EME1 105
Simon 96
Nathan Whitbread 95
EME13 80
Nigel Robson 80
LEEDSLEEEDSLEEDSLEEEDS 80
Greig Steele 80
EME5 75
Kevin 70
Fredhed Barnrat 70
Tom A 65
Mike Norman 55

Following the first WGC event of the season, for which double points were on offer, we have big changes on the leaderboard, including a new leader. The 122 points earned by Luke Donald propelled Paul McGlinchey to pole position, and...

There's very little change on the leaderboard to report after a very difficult weekend for golf punters. No team included either winner, SSP Chowrasia or Aaron Baddeley, and only six players earned any points for their team....

We have a new leader, with Kendolph Express becoming the first team to top 300 points. In keeping with the rest of the golf season to date, most of the points were earned on the European Tour. Dubai Desert Classic...

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