Latest news with #AliShuffle
The Herald Scotland
18-07-2025
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Hurricane bidding to give Johnson Houghton change of fortune in Super Sprint
The latter was beaten into ninth place as a 15-8 favourite for the Super Sprint, however, and Havana Hurricane could well be even shorter odds for this year's renewal of the £250,000 contest. A dream come true for the owners ❤️ Havana Hurricane STORMS late to win the Windsor Castle Stakes 🏆#RoyalAscot | @Ascot — ITV Racing (@itvracing) June 18, 2025 'He is in great form, all he does is eat and sleep at home. We gave him a bit of work on Wednesday morning, he went very nicely and hopefully he is ripped and ready to go,' said Johnson Houghton 'I always thought he had an engine, but I wasn't sure it was quite as good as the engine he has produced.' The Didcot handler had the option of saving Havana Hurricane for Pattern events later in the summer, but she admits the lure of the huge prize-money on offer this weekend was too much to resist. Trainer Eve Johnson Houghton has high hopes for Havana Hurricane (John Walton/PA) She added: 'It's a lot of money. It's a race I've already wanted to win but I've been incredibly unlucky in it. Chipotle got wiped out when I thought he should have won it. 'The unluckiness rather put me off, but I've always wanted to win it and I think we have a horse here that if he doesn't get bad luck, he should be there or thereabouts. 'There are horses in there who are having to give him weight despite being rated inferior, so it's good conditions for him.' Rod Millman has saddled two previous Super Sprint winners in Lord Kintyre (1997) and Bettys Hope (2019) and has unearthed another major contender in Anthelia, who has already proved a shrewd purchase for owners Middleham Park Racing, having won her first three starts after being purchased for just £6,000 as a yearling last summer. Anthelia (left) winning at Sandown (Adam Davy/PA) She met with defeat for the first time when fifth in the Listed Empress Stakes at Newmarket three weeks ago, but looks to have every chance back in sales race company. Millman said: 'I thought she ran a sound race at Newmarket, giving them all 3lb. 'Five or six (furlongs) is fine, I think she's pretty versatile really. She definitely stays six. 'She's probably the classiest horse we've ever run in it and it's been a very lucky race for us. We've won it a couple of times and been second a few times, so let's hope luck's on our side again.' Ali Shuffle (right) on her way to victory at Chester (Nick Potts/PA) The Karl Burke-trained Ali Shuffle also won her first three races and was only narrowly denied the four-timer in a Group Three at Chantilly last month. She was disappointing on her latest visit to France, finishing fifth as a hot favourite for a Listed event at Deauville, but Burke feels she was not at her best that day, saying: 'We think she was in season in France, so we're putting that down as an excuse. 'She's worked well this week and goes there with some sort of chance, but it's a bit of a lottery race. 'She's in good order and it's worth a go for that sort of money.' Other hopefuls include Richard Hughes' Windsor winner Our Cody and Cotai Belle, who has won her last two starts for Richard Fahey.
The Independent
18-07-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Saturday racing tips: Best bets and odds for Newbury, Market Rasen and Ripon
Saturday's Racing Tips Ali Shuffle (Newbury, 15.30) – 0.5pt each-way @ 10/1 (William Hill) Kyle Of Lochalsh (Newbury, 14.25) – 0.5pt each-way @ 11/2 (Bet365) Kind Of Blue (Newbury, 14.57) – 0.5pt each-way @ 8/1 (Unibet) Ballysax Hank (Market Rasen, 15.12) – 0.5pt each-way @ 10/1 (Bet365) Afloat (Ripon, 15.17) – 0.5pt each-way On The River (Ripon, 16.30) – 0.5pt each-way Weatherbys Super Sprint Stakes Tips – 15.30 Newbury Eve Johnson Houghton will hope her luck can change in the feature race at Newbury on Saturday. The Berkshire-based trainer has never won the Super Sprint, having had placed runners but this time she saddles the favourite, Havana Hurricane. His £9,000 price tag means he can run in Saturday's race carrying just 8st 13lbs and, given his success in Royal Ascot's Windsor Castle Stakes, the layers are taking no chances. He produced an impressive burst of speed from off the pace to win that Listed contest over Ascot's stiff 5f and should have no problems seeing out Newbury's flatter 6f trip. He clearly looks like the one they all have to beat but favourites have won only three of the last 10 runnings of this contest and there looks to be some value in the price of Ali Shuffle. Karl Burke's juveniles are enjoying a cracking season, running at a 32 per cent strike rate at the time of writing. This daughter of A'Ali won her first three races off the reel on good ground, before a career-best second in a Group 3 contest at Chantilly (6f, good to soft) last month. That is smart form and the only blot on her copybook came last time out at Deauville, when she ran inexplicably badly in a 5f Listed event. She can be forgiven one such effort and, if she can pick up where she left off before that, there's some each-way value in the best-priced 10/1 on offer from horse racing betting sites about her, as she doesn't have a huge amount to find with the favourite at the weights. Back The Super Boost At BetVictor Handicap Tips – 14.25 Newbury A thorough test of stamina awaits the field in this extended two-mile contest. Wild Waves looks likely to start as the market leader on the back of an excellent third in Royal Ascot's Queen Alexandra Stakes last month, over an extreme trip. This is more than five furlongs shorter and, arguably, that could suit Andrew Balding's charge more. However, it's certainly worth a reasonable argument as to whether the likely market principal or Kyle Of Lochalsh has the pick of the form and for my money, the latter's fourth in a 2m4f Goodwood handicap last year merits plenty of respect in context. That is excellent fast ground form, as was his third in this race last year. He's been dropped 2lb since being beaten over eight lengths in his sole start this season, at Southwell in April and with Hughie Morrison's string in good form, this could be prime time to catch him. Hallgarten And Novum Wines Hackwood Stakes Tips – 14.57 Newbury Kind Of Blue enjoyed a super three-year-old campaign, going close in Haydock's Group 1 Sprint Cup on the way to winning at the top table in Ascot's Champions Sprint last October. He appears to act on any ground and is the highest rated runner in this field on official figures. The dilemma for us as punters is his form so far this season. He got away to a terrible start on his reappearance at Chantilly last month and never got into the contest as a result. I think that's just one of those 'too bad to be true' days. However, I would have expected him to shrug that off and come up with much better at Newcastle last time but again he ran flat. Trainer James Fanshawe could offer no explanation and so there must now be some concerns as to whether he has held his form at four. I'm not yet of a mind to down tools on the Blue Point colt though. If he can get even within a few pounds of his best again, with the conditions of this Group 3 contest, he'd still have at least an each-way shout and those two under par efforts have meant he's a working man's price again. He looks worth a trusting each-way play to small stakes. Unibet Summer Plate Handicap Chase Tips – 15.12 Market Rasen The Unibet Summer Plate looks a very tricky contest with the Bowen family going into it mob handed. Sean rides the favourite, last year's winner Sure Touch who arrives this time around on a 1lb lower mark. James Bowen rides Bhaloo for Nicky Henderson, who trained the winner of the 2019 renewal, Casablanca Mix and brother Mickey, who is now the sole training licensee, with father Peter (who won this race three times in the last seven years) having retired, saddles second favourite Courtland and last-time winner Statuario, so there's 'Bowened' to be someone disappointed. It could be the case that the entire family leaves empty handed though, as I like the look of the Irish raider, Ballysax Hank. Trainer Gavin Cromwell has proved he can pick up prizes at the top festivals and this unexposed chaser could be thrown in off a mark of 128. Ironically, he finished third behind a horse named Bowensonfire in a Bellewstown hurdle recently but that was over a trip that would have put more emphasis on speed. He's only run three times over fences, winning over 2m3f at Downpatrick in March and that hurdles spin should have him spot on for a crack at this big summer prize, after a break. He should still have more to offer back over this longer trip and at a double figure price on betting sites he looks an each-way player. Ripon Tips At Ripon, the best betting race on the card looks to be the Sky Bet Go-Racing-In-Yorkshire Summer Festival Handicap (15.17) and Afloat looks to be an interesting runner. I am largely an advocate for horses who race prominently on the round course at Yorkshire's 'Garden Racecourse' but it could be worth changing tack this time. There are several in this field who could make it a strong pace, including course specialist Ey Up It's The Boss, who is certainly a danger, and Swift Salian. The prominent racer theory tends to be served best when the leader is able to bowl along, uncontested but when there are more than one up front it can be a negative, as they can get racing too early. That looks like it could be the case here and it that happens, a hold-up horse like Afloat would be well suited to come home with a late rattle and George Scott's five-year-old gets the vote. Also at the North Yorkshire track, the Sky Bet Extra Places Daily Handicap (16.30) sees several course and distance winners involved, notably Cosmos Raj, who has already won at the track this season and Garden Oasis. The former looks capable of running another big race but both look like needing to be close to their best to win again. The latter was a close second in this race last year to On The River and the latter is taken to repeat the feat from what is now a 5lb higher mark. The forecast cut in the ground will suit Harriet Bethell's charge and if he is able to repeat the effort he put up when scoring at Carlisle (1m, soft) on his penultimate start, he could take all the beating. Sports betting can be enjoyable, but it's important to stay in control and gamble responsibly. Whether you are using the best online casino, slot sites, poker sites, or online bookmakers, responsible gambling should always be a priority. All licensed gambling sites in the UK are required to provide tools such as deposit limits, time-outs, self-exclusion, and self-assessment questionnaires. These are designed to help you manage your activity and protect your well-being. Many operators, including online bookmakers and new casino sites, will offer free bets or a casino bonus. While these can be tempting, it is vital to read the terms and conditions of any offer before taking part. If you are concerned about your gambling behaviour, support is available from:
Leader Live
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Argentine Tango shows off winning moves at Beverley
The race lost a bit of its lustre with the withdrawal of Ali Shuffle and Saucy Jane, but Tim Easterby's juvenile still put in a taking performance. Angel Numbers and Artista cut out the early running, but David Allan eased Argentine Tango to the front a furlong out and quickened clear. Meelaf made good late headway from the rear to keep the winner up to her work, but she was always doing enough to prevail by a neck as the 15-8 favourite. Allan told Racing TV: 'The gallop was quite good, I got a nice lead into the race, we quickened up well to the front and then she just had a little look when she got there. 'Obviously, when the second horse came to her, she dug in again and she's very tough – she's had a few runs and she's run a solid race every go. 'She loves it, just like her father did – Mattmu was a grand horse, tough as nails as well. He appreciated a bit more cut in the ground, which I'm pretty sure she will.' Old Is Gold (6-5 favourite) showed the benefit of his Ascot third behind Military Code and subsequent scorer Fitzella when running out a relatively smooth winner of the bet365 Two Year Old Trophy EBF Conditions Stakes for Andrew Balding and PJ McDonald. The son of Mehmas eased past pacesetting pair Ice Cold Alex and Raakeb a furlong out and quickly secured a decisive advantage, obliging by a length and a half from the fast-finishing Naval Light, who had no luck in running. McDonald said: 'It was smooth, exactly as you like things to go. He behaved really well beforehand, I jumped and got a nice tow in through the race and when I asked him to go about his business, he's kind of leant and pricked his ears in front and just done enough. 'The horse has got a great mind and a great attitude and he's an exciting prospect going forward.' Asked if Royal Ascot could be next, he added: 'With his temperament, his mind, I can't see a reason why he won't.'
Rhyl Journal
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
Argentine Tango shows off winning moves at Beverley
The race lost a bit of its lustre with the withdrawal of Ali Shuffle and Saucy Jane, but Tim Easterby's juvenile still put in a taking performance. Angel Numbers and Artista cut out the early running, but David Allan eased Argentine Tango to the front a furlong out and quickened clear. Meelaf made good late headway from the rear to keep the winner up to her work, but she was always doing enough to prevail by a neck as the 15-8 favourite. Allan told Racing TV: 'The gallop was quite good, I got a nice lead into the race, we quickened up well to the front and then she just had a little look when she got there. 'Obviously, when the second horse came to her, she dug in again and she's very tough – she's had a few runs and she's run a solid race every go. 'She loves it, just like her father did – Mattmu was a grand horse, tough as nails as well. He appreciated a bit more cut in the ground, which I'm pretty sure she will.' Old Is Gold (6-5 favourite) showed the benefit of his Ascot third behind Military Code and subsequent scorer Fitzella when running out a relatively smooth winner of the bet365 Two Year Old Trophy EBF Conditions Stakes for Andrew Balding and PJ McDonald. The son of Mehmas eased past pacesetting pair Ice Cold Alex and Raakeb a furlong out and quickly secured a decisive advantage, obliging by a length and a half from the fast-finishing Naval Light, who had no luck in running. McDonald said: 'It was smooth, exactly as you like things to go. He behaved really well beforehand, I jumped and got a nice tow in through the race and when I asked him to go about his business, he's kind of leant and pricked his ears in front and just done enough. 'The horse has got a great mind and a great attitude and he's an exciting prospect going forward.' Asked if Royal Ascot could be next, he added: 'With his temperament, his mind, I can't see a reason why he won't.'
South Wales Guardian
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
Argentine Tango shows off winning moves at Beverley
The race lost a bit of its lustre with the withdrawal of Ali Shuffle and Saucy Jane, but Tim Easterby's juvenile still put in a taking performance. Angel Numbers and Artista cut out the early running, but David Allan eased Argentine Tango to the front a furlong out and quickened clear. Meelaf made good late headway from the rear to keep the winner up to her work, but she was always doing enough to prevail by a neck as the 15-8 favourite. Allan told Racing TV: 'The gallop was quite good, I got a nice lead into the race, we quickened up well to the front and then she just had a little look when she got there. 'Obviously, when the second horse came to her, she dug in again and she's very tough – she's had a few runs and she's run a solid race every go. 'She loves it, just like her father did – Mattmu was a grand horse, tough as nails as well. He appreciated a bit more cut in the ground, which I'm pretty sure she will.' Old Is Gold (6-5 favourite) showed the benefit of his Ascot third behind Military Code and subsequent scorer Fitzella when running out a relatively smooth winner of the bet365 Two Year Old Trophy EBF Conditions Stakes for Andrew Balding and PJ McDonald. The son of Mehmas eased past pacesetting pair Ice Cold Alex and Raakeb a furlong out and quickly secured a decisive advantage, obliging by a length and a half from the fast-finishing Naval Light, who had no luck in running. McDonald said: 'It was smooth, exactly as you like things to go. He behaved really well beforehand, I jumped and got a nice tow in through the race and when I asked him to go about his business, he's kind of leant and pricked his ears in front and just done enough. 'The horse has got a great mind and a great attitude and he's an exciting prospect going forward.' Asked if Royal Ascot could be next, he added: 'With his temperament, his mind, I can't see a reason why he won't.'
