FOUR WINNERS in the last two days including two solid naps; also LITTLE PLAYER (11/4) and GOLDEN BUGLE (7/2) as we strive to make ‘Flaming June’ too hot for the bookmakers.

Hi Meh Darling, a 22/1 shot, must have surprised Scottish trainer Iain Jardine when out-running his odds on debut at Hamilton twelve days ago, and will trade much shorter when tackling eleven rivals in a Fillies’ Novice Stakes over a similar distance, six furlongs, on ‘good to firm’ Thirsk this afternoon.

My modus operandi is ruled by a personally computed time-handicap, from electrically-recorded ‘stop-watch’ data, which has been the case for several decades since becoming employed on racecourses in 1970, such a long time ago; experience is a wonderful weapon against the enemy of bookmakers!

One vital factor gleaned has been the need for patience; never force the issue, just plough on regardless with a regulated routine system and those moments of obviousness will present themselves.

Hi Meh Darling meets median criteria for a serious each-way bet even though I’m more inclined to be ultra-confident with two runs; this Holy Roman Emperor colt represents an opportunity to profit and enhance financial status which was so close to a ‘golden nugget’ when ‘super-bred’ debutant Private Signal just failed by a neck to initiate a big-priced daily patent/trixie for this two-year-old orientated column at Doncaster, Sunday. The £700000 yearling purchase, hampered in the closing stages, resulting in a stewards’ enquiry, so nearly offset his colossal cost by landing a prize of £3132!

You must think I’m joking, that this is an article compiled to make you laugh but the bare facts suggest major Arab owners just use the English racing scene as a playground for egotism and enjoyment; how thankful we are for such indulgence which began when Sheikh Mohammed bid successfully at Newmarket Sales way back in 1978!

He was soon joined in ownership with Dubai-based brothers Hamdan and Al Maktoum Al Maktoum but the last-named died way back, so sad!

81-rated Noble Patron should be nigh on a ‘cert’ for a fifteen-runner Novice Stakes over a mile under Kevin Stott but for trainer Simon Crisford’s yard being bang out of form.

Noble Patron, advantaged with a maiden allowance over the only conceivable danger, Wolverhampton winner Motawaajed, has to be backed in a place treble in the hope Simon has rooted out his current problem.

Royal Ascot begins today but, as ever, it’s extremely difficult and I’m always happy just to ‘dip in’ two or three times where major fixtures are concerned; the data from them is usually gold-dust!

Selections, Thirsk, 1.05 Hi Meh Darling (e.w); 2.45 Noble Patron (e.w); 4.30 Yojaari (e.w).

 Jeffrey Ross, horse-racing correspondent for WMN since 1983 when winning the most prestigious racing journalist award, Sporting Life Naps Table, before winning it a record number of six times collectively in the Racing Post, the current ‘trade’ paper, including 2019