An Open and Shut Post…

Just a quick post today to tell you about three things: one opening, one closing, and one ongoing…

**

Firstly, in case you’ve been captured by Martians in recent days and haven’t heard, Betting Speed Evolution opens its doors around now. I’ve been working with Michael on his launch, and have had the opportunity to see the product over a period of a couple of months. I’ve also contributed in a small way to the usability of it (I suggested the one click ‘get selections’ button!)

I think it’s a very cool tool, and I think it will make its users very happy. I wouldn’t have agreed to be involved otherwise!

Anyway, here’s a short review I put together: http://www.geegeez.co.uk/betting-speed-evolution-review/

**

Secondly, interest in the National Hunt racing syndicate has been high. That’s great news, and it means we’re going to move ahead with it. As things stand, I have eight definite’s and a couple more definite maybe’s. The syndicate will be twelve deep, and I’ve included full details below.

Starting Fund

I’m looking for eleven people to join me and make a syndicate of twelve. Each member will contribute £1,000 at the start to create a pool of £12,000. From this, we will buy a horse to the value of £10,000 and the remaining funds will act as float.

Monthly costs (excl VAT)

The monthly costs are as follows:
Training fees £38/day = £1156/month
Farrier – 2 @ £66 = £132/month
Basic vet fees (vaccinations, tracheal wash, etc) = £30/month
Jockey/entry fees = £100/month (estimate)
Racecourse travel = £100/month (estimate, charged at £1 per mile)

Total – £1518/month = £126.50 per member per month.

Possible additional costs

The only additional costs would be for things like registration of the syndicate (c.£50 and covered by float); non-routine vet fees; and longer distance travel. All additional costs would be split equally between members.

The horse…

It’s better to let AJH speak on this element, so here’s what he had to say:

“I can start looking for youngsters as soon as you say the word, would expect to have some options for us to consider quite quickly and can then discuss them with you . I do know a chap in Ireland who buys them as foals, they are broken in as yearlings, schooled at two and three then he sells them to various trainers including –  P.Hobbs. This chap is quite well known to me and he does buy decent sorts so that is at least one option.”

I will run the syndicate at cost, i.e. no remuneration for me, and the horse will run in the geegeez.co.uk colours to a) save on costs, and b) spread the word a little!

Benefits

Equal share of ownership of the horse
Owners’ badges whenever our horse runs
Regular email updates
Stable Visits
Entry and Declaration bulletins
Equal share of prize money

Syndicate Duration

Monthly costs will be incurred from the date of purchase of the horse. All syndicate members will agree to be bound to a term of one year. At the end of the year, a further commitment will be sought unless a majority (7+) of members decide to sell the horse.

NEXT STEPS

OK, so those are the details as I have them. In a nutshell, we’d own the horse between us and it’s circa £2,500 for a year, which is excellent value in this context. This is a fantastic opportunity to be properly involved with a really up and coming trainer, who both trains and places his horses exceptionally well.

If you’re interested, please let me know ASAP by emailing info@geegeez.co.uk

**

And finally, I had the pleasure of an evening in the company of Brendan Powell Sr, and his jockey son Brendan Powell Jr, last night.

They mentioned a couple of horses that ought to be worth following, which were as follows:

BP, Jr.

Is working at the Tizzard yard, and reckons they’ve some REALLY nice bumper (National Hunt flat) horses this season. He couldn’t remember the name of the pick of them, but told me it’s by King’s Theatre and is owned by the owners of Hey Big Spender, Brocade Racing.

BP, Sr.

The Brendan Powell who trains obviously nominated some of his own string. He especially likes Stock Hill Fair, who is entered next Tuesday but needs it soft. BP Sr. is hopeful this fellow will make up into a top staying handicapper next year, and feels there’s definitely more improvement to come. Does need soft ground though.

He also talked about Dark Emerald, his best two year old, who ran in the Coventry. He’s since won a Leicester maiden and is expected to progress as a three year old. He might be nice, said his trainer.

Finally, he has a bumper horse of his own, which he’s looking forward to winning with. It’s called King Spirit, and he’s considered a good bit better than he’s shown on the track so far.

And that’s it!

Have a great weekend, and let’s hope Camelot wins the St Leger – who doesn’t like the idea of a Triple Crown winner?! – and whatever you’ve backed each way against him returns you place money 🙂

Matt

p.s. Stat of the Day going well. Today’s pick here.

p.p.s. Please email me today if you’re interested in the syndicate!

p.p.p.s. Have a great weekend!!!