Simon Holden Racing

Hello to you all and let me start with a couple of thank you’s.

Firstly to all of you who this week have joined the Simon Holden Racing Club, you have made a good choice and I’m looking forward to working with you and for you, to put you ahead of those evil enemies of ours.

Secondly I want to thank every one at BetFan Towers (except Wilson the hapless caretaker) this has been a massive launch and to bring something of this size to fruition takes a great team effort and this team are the best.

So the Racing Club has bets yes but it also has previews and big plans from broadcasts to horses, members will hear about it and be there first, we’ve been building up to this club for six years and everything we’ve done has been for this moment and you have responded in massive numbers, so no pressure then!

The good news is we still have some spaces left so if you’re not in get in because the doors will close and I’ve booked Hodor to keep them closed (come on own up to crying). So in six months time be glad you did don’t wish you had!!

Right lets talk racing and the week before the Derby could be seen as somewhat low key although that’s not the case at the delightful Yorkshire track of Beverley who today stage their big day of the year. The showpiece is the prestigious Hilary Needler 2 year old Trophy and this year looks a terrific renewal. Beverley is an incredibly stiff track and even five furlong races are not purely about speed. The last furlong often requires you to hire Sherpas to get you up it but one horse who should have no issues is the Fave Grizzel. I say this because the Hannon trained daughter of Kodiac made a stunning debut at Sandown. Sandown is not quite as stiff as Beverley but it’s getting there. Grizzel has to win today to justify all the Ascot talk but I’m very confident she will be too classy for these. I would certainly not put you off a very generous looking 5/2 with our friends at Betfred.

The main rival looks to be the Mark Johnston trained Boater who narrowly missed out in a Listed Race at York recently. Johnston affectionately nicknamed Mr Happy for his grumpy demeanour was even more miserable than normal when Boater got chinned on the line but I reckon he will be no chirpier today. Also so many from this yard go off very short and seem to get smashed off the boards yet often under deliver. Beware of the Overbet yards they are not your friends. Clem Fandango is interesting for the Keith Dalgleish yard. Keith is a man who makes Mark Johnstone seem like Peter Kay but he is some Trainer however I cannot see this one or anything beating Grizzle.

This really is the week to be with me as we build towards Epsom next Friday and Saturday and then before we know it Royal Ascot is upon us with a host of top betting opportunities. Do yourself a massive favour and join the Simon Holden Racing Club it’s so much more than a tipping service. Have a great week and I will be back on Derby Day morning (top hats are optional !!)

Back next Saturday.

Simon Holden Racing Club