Milan not Rome...

Dear All

I asked the brilliant Ben Aitken to help me examine the record in bumpers of the Coolmore National Hunt Stallion, MILAN I have a hunch this gorgeously bred colt (by Sadler's Wells out of Kithanga; a daughter of Darshaan) is going to be the next big thing following in the footsteps of such as Supreme Leader, Be My Native, Flemensfirth, Presenting, Oscar and King's Theatre.

The bare figures are this:

43 winners from 324 runners | 13% S/R | +£107.38 Betfair SP / -£17.52 Industry SP

These are not bad figures. A cursory glance reveal that it's slightly more advantageous to concentrate on Milan's UK runners (better Strike Rate and Return on Investment). If backing blind then it would appear essential to follow Betfair.

Will try and delve a little deeper into these numbers although I am conscious that the collective sample is limited. There are one or two other National Hunt stallions which interest me also.

Once again, thanks Ben.

Ben's blog - Narrowing The Field - is one of those rare nuggets that those of us who love the science of horse race analysis so exciting (yes we do!). Those stellar individuals like Nick Mordin, James Willoughby and Gavin Priestley . are of a similar ilk and a must read for students of the game...

Today, I wagered an each way treble. Circus Clown (a running on 3rd), Allterrain (a game 2nd) and Seeking Magic (well-handicapped) but not quite well enough. Look out for The former over hurdles in the Winter; staying is his game.

Slight deviation this evening. Take a look at John and Rosie's photographic imagery and Website design ideas. Well worth it!

Happy punting!

Rm(M)