SKY PUNTERS CHALLENGE

The Essex Einstein was finally humbled – at the sixth time of asking – though he was a little unlucky.

Paul Binks (owners) went for his usual plan – a £50 napped win single and a £50 double. Unfortunately the wrong one won!

The nap Droopys Zephyr showed his lack of experience and was turned over, only for kennelmate Droopys Buick to come up trumps at even money. Net loss £100

Anthony Enzo Ennis (media) also included Droopys Zephyr in a ‘two wins and a double stake’. Fortunately Move Over Evie obliged at 4-5f. Net loss £10

Bookie Phil Rowbottom gave back £100 of his previous week’s £241 profit as Tynwald Baz went lame and Bruisers Bullet ran third. Net loss £100

Like Paul Binks, Nathan Hunt went for the Zephyr/Buick double with Cloran Paddy included as a single and in a treble. The £20 Buick win reduced the deficit. Net loss £40

We have three new faces for this week’s Challenge from Towcester.

There is no place for the Essex Einstein – who has a) been snacking on a cheeseburger laced with Plutonium-137 and served by a double agent from the Coral Secret Police or b) he is on holiday. You decide. His place will be taken by Ray Bourne of the Whizzy Syndicate – also from Romford. Must be a bit like being a substitute for Lionel Messi. No pressure then.

We lose Enzo to the great cemetary of media tipsters and hand the poison chalice to another member of the Romford mafia – former assistant racing manager and Star columnist Rob Abrey – now back on duty after just one idle Friday away from his post.

Although Phil Rowbottom had a stinker last week, he is still in front on his stint to date. He will be retrieving his imaginary tear-stained £141 profit from under his imaginary tear-stained mattress and looking to reinvest on behalf of the bookies.

After a good run, Nathan Hunt failed to produce last time out so will go for a check-up with Ron Mills. Making his debut on behalf of the trainers is Carl Perry. He’s had plenty of time to study form – there’s bugger all else to do in Lincolnshire on a November Wednesday – or any time come to think of it.

Although we have a few accepted invitations already in the book, we are interested in hearing from anyone who fancies taking part in future punters’s challenges. Get in touch at [email protected]

The rules remain unchanged – the placing of a fictional £100 on the SKY card, singles or multiples. We quote early prices, but make winning calculations based on SP (since the early prices may be spread across different firms).

Full form is below tips

Ray Bourne (Owners)

7:11 – Jovial Monk: My first bet is on Jovial Monk – currently at 4-1 with Bet365. I’ve been waiting for him step up in trip and he has a great draw to work from I think he will lead round the first bend and go on and win
7:59 – Magical Bale My next best is trading early at 7/4 Bet365. He is a very exciting pup he won the Puppy Derby at Towcester in good style and I think he has a fantastic draw tonight and I expect him to take this step up to all age company and win well

PUNTING: 2 x £50 win singles Jovial Monk (4-1), and Magical Bale (7-4)

Rob Abrey (Media)

7:26 – Moreton Madras : Winning form at Towcester over C&D. Won last time out in trap one and expect the same tonight. Perfectly drawn and can stay a lot further. If holding her own to the first bend ‘Ruby’ (kennel name) can take the spoils as she stays on strong.

7:59 – Magical Bale: Local hound with local form makes his chances look extremely good on paper. Although running from the middle traps his switch to rails will be of complete benefit. He should out kick trap two (Droopys Who) to the first bend and from there on wards be in pole position.

8:51 – Bubbly McCoy: Stays the trip, is perfectly drawn and has had two recent trials at Towcester including a spin over tonight’s trip. Will out kick trap two to the first bend and from there should be in a position to dominate.

9:08 – Clares Kyletaun: The June Harvey trainer stayer has won over 930 metres at Hove so know he has it in him. He has had niggles to overcome and appears to have done so. The spin around last week would of been of benefit and expect a lot stronger performance because of that tonight. A big threat to Roxholme Magic.

PUNTING: £10 win trixie Moreton Madras (7-2) Magical Bale (7-4) Bubbly McCoy (6-4) £50 win single Bubbly McCoy, £10 win Clares Kyletaun (20-1)

Phil Rowbottom (bookies)

7:43 – Queen Anna : After a solid performance last time, I cannot desert her. Her consistency at the traps is a major asset in these events and she can make all again.

7:59 – Magical Bale: can oblige in his first crack against the older generation. The red jacket will be a major plus for him and this is not a massive step up.

9:08 – Roxholme Magic: looks unstoppable to me and although she is short, is a must to include for multiple purposes

PUNTING: £40 win double Queen Anna (9-4) and Roxholme Magic (4-7) £40 win double Magical Bale (7-4) and Roxholme Magic. £20 win treble