How time flies! Winter jumps-scene ahoy!

This is the 332nd edition of the Wayward Lad blog.

It's been a week since my last blog posting and altho' I don't like having breaks between posts this long, there is not much I can do about it. Unlike some of the tipsters who blog or are on Twitter, I am not a full-time tipster and actually have a day-job. Recently, I've moved to a new office where internet access is restricted and independent via my "USB stick" is virtually useless. As such, I have been reduced to buying a daily Racing Post again (after a break of about 18 months) and it just isn't the same as reading the form from their website.

So, for the time-being, the blog will be published at least once a week, probably twice and (if I get enough time) 3 times a week – that is Wednesdays (after publication of the Weekender), Saturdays (morning), and possibly Sunday or Monday. 

I am continuing to post selections on Betting League and, in actual fact, not having to write a daily blog gives me a bit more time to study the form. If you are following my selections on Betting League then I strongly suggest that you also follow me via Twitter (@wayward_lad) . The reason being is during the autumn going changes brought about by inclement weather can result in late non-runners. As such, an opportunity not available in the morning could quickly come to light during the course of the day. When I post a selection on Betting League, I will immediately make an announcement on Twitter via @wayward_lad. Altho' I may leave making a selection until as late as possible, I will always publish my selections no later than 2 hours before the race "off" time; ie for a race at 4:30pm I will publish my selection on Betting League no later than 2:30pm. That should give followers plenty of time to get on.

A couple of recent examples of late withdrawals resulting in decent opportunities have been:

30^th Aug at Epsom in the 4:20pm – the withdrawal of the morning fav Ellie In The Pink left the way open for KONSTANTIN who was subsequently gambled-on from 3/1 in to 2/1, and I reckon he would've been value at 5/4 given lack of strength of the opposition.

26^th Aug at Ffos Las in the 3:40pm – the (late) withdrawal of fav Zero Money left COLONEL MAK with a very easy opportunity, and an SP of 3/1 was an absolute gift.   

Last Friday, my selection of OGEE was not good. The meeting at Ffos Las at the end of August has quickly become one of my favourites – and I really like the course. This time last year I tipped Templer and he struggled when put under pressure. His subsequent form suggested his OR127 rating was a bit stiff and so, when he came into this year's race on the same rating, I thought he wasn't up to it. Clearly, this years race was not of the same strength as last year, and Templer will struggle now I reckon. As for OGEE, every time he ran last season he looked to be in need of the race. On Friday, he looked to be in need of race-practise! The horse has talent, is on a very lenient rating now, but there is clearly something wrong and in need of changing with regards his training regime.

Yesterday, I tipped FASTNET ROCK in the 4:10 at Ripon. I remember going to Ripon many years ago in the mid-1990's with my brother and we had one of the best portions of fish'n'chips I've ever had on the course. I wonder if it's the same now? It was a speculative selection as I reckoned the going/trip would find out more than a few of the opposition and FASTNET ROCK would at least be able to hold-on to a place. I thought the wide draw would be tricky and that it would bring about a slight change of tactics with jockey Lee Newman opting to drop-in behind the leaders and launch a sustained run from 3f-out. However, Newman stuck to the script and tried to lead from the break, and the effort of grabbing the lead from the wide stall took too much out of the horse. 

Looking ahead, Friday at Haydock could be the next wagering opportunity. If nothing is doing then, Saturday is a very attractive days racing. I will be heading-off to Ascot so selections will be posted on Betting League before 10:00am on Saturday morning.

Thanks for reading this blog to all new visitors.
The blog takes a lot of effort to maintain and I hope that readers of the blog get enjoyment from it too. Feel free to tell those who you think may find the blog of interest and value and, if you are a regular visitor, please add the blog to your list of favourites.
Betting on horseracing should be a pleasurable experience - never bet more than you can afford to lose.

Thanks from Wayward Lad.