Disciplined approach steers Farringdon to May honours

Farringdon topped the May Napchecker naps table with nine winners contributing to the best return of the year thus far - a handsome 19.6 points. The Morning Star’s pundit finished ahead of the Guardian with Postdata third. May profits also went the way of Spotlight and Robin Goodfellow.

Back in March, Farringdon posted a 16.5-point profit, but had to settle for second behind Garry Owen. But this time around, there was no impediment to success, although the Guardian and Postdata remained in contention until the conclusion. The Guardian finished with a 15.8-point profit and Postdata ended on 13.9 points.

This was a disciplined version of Farringdon, with no outlandish punts. The restraint proved highly effective with winners popping up with impressive regularity. The month opened with three winners from the first five naps, a sequence that included Marcus Tregoning’s Skysail (12/1, Goodwood, 5 May). Golden Keeper (5/1, Southwell, 11 May) added to the burgeoning bank, while 7/1 Navello’s victory at Thirsk (20 May) was followed by two 4/1 winners in the next three days. May’s crown was sealed with the victory of Oviedo at Redcar (5/2, 29 May).

The Guardian’s challenge was hampered by a long losing run of nine early doors. From 11 May, however, the Guardian boasted a 40% strike-rate. Standout punts were Sheikh Maz Mahood (15/2, Musselburgh, 15 May) and iron Sheriff (5/1, Redcar, 29 May).

Postdata also recovered from a poor start and a sequence of five winners from six including 11/1 Rebel Territory (ascot, 13 May), propelled the Racing Post service to the top position. The second half of the month proved less successful, although Sudden Ambush (15/2, Goodwood, 26 May) stood out.

Spotlight were never too far away from a winner, although shortish prices cut the profit to 3.7 points. The one exception was Rebel Territory (11/1, Ascot, 13 May).

Robin Goodfellow was fastest into stride, and after five days action, was 16 points to the good. Wisper (12/1, Brighton, 2 May) was one of three winners during this period. Later results were less impressive and an eight -day losing streak (12-19 May) did little to help. The final tally was a 1.4-point yield.

Low prices also hit Templegate, whose 33% strike-rate was the month’s best. Despite this, the end result was a small loss of 2.5 points.

Glendale (-3.4 points) made a bright start with four winners from eight, but then struggled adding just three more from a further 21 selections.

Despite a loss of almost 13 points in May, Racing Post Ratings remain top of the 2023 table with a profit of 4.9 points. Postdata move up to second with a 2.4-point loss, while Robin Goodfellow also climb to third with a 6.2-point loss.

Turning to the all-tips category, The Irish Times swept the board in May with Harvester topping the table with a massive 64.5-point yield and Brian O’Conner taking second with a return of 5 points; ironically it was O’Conner who bagged the better strike-rate, 33% to Harvester’s 25%.

Harvester’s monster May tally was achieved courtesy of 66/1 Kilbeggan winner, Killeemore Lad on 12 May. There were plenty of other successes on the way, though, including wins at 9/1, 17/2, 8/1, and two at 13/2.

Best of the British pundits in May was the Star, which posted profits on many days, but ended 39 points down. Similarly, Templegate enjoyed plenty of success on the way to a 42.6-point reversal. Odd to talk positively about tipsters who post losses, but, in mitigation: (a) both advised more than 1000 tips and (b) these tips were settled to official starting prices, not best odds figures.

By the time you read this, the Oaks and Derby will have been consigned to the history books. But the Flat’s biggest meeting, the five-day Royal Meeting at Ascot will soon be upon us. There’s a huge amount of racing to contend with this month, so it’s more important than ever to remain disciplined and to use Napchecker as your guide. Through the dense fixture list.

Date Published: 05/06/2023