Templegate and Robin Goodfellow show the way

With a third of the race run, there is a tremendous battle for supremacy at the top of the 2018 Napchecker table between Templegate of the Sun and the Daily Mail’s Robin Goodfellow. After four months, Templegate boasts an overall profit of 34.9 points, just 0.7 points ahead of their rival.

Both Templegate and Robin Goodfellow were among the winners in April with the former posting a 17.3-point yield and the latter up 5.3 points.

The April list was headed by Fortunatus of the Sheffield Star, who made a 33.5-point profit – thanks to the 33/1 Scottish Grand National success of Joe Farrell (Ayr, 21 April). The Rebecca Curtis-trained novice was one of five April winners for Fortunatus, a haul that also included the 14/1 eve-of-Grand National success of Ultragold at Aintree (13 April).

After March’s nine winners, Templegate entered April in robust health. And the winners continued to flow with 11/1 Politologue (Aintree, 13 April) and two 7/1 strikes, Inlawed (Kempton, 11 April) and Step Back (Sandown, 27 April) leading the way. In all seven winners (26% strike-rate) contributed to healthy 17.3-point pay-day.

Farringdon of the Morning Star managed only three April winners (10% strike-rate), but with 22 out of 30 selections starting at 10/1 or greater, it only need a little good fortune to make this a profitable month. And, like Fortunatus, the lure of Joe Farrell proved irresistible. The 33/1 Scottish National winner helped to secure an 8.8-point yield and third place in the April listings.

In contrast to Farringdon’s adventurist approach, Patrick Weaver of the Daily Star was typically steady. He netted 12 April winners, posted an impressive 46% strike-rate and earned a 6.5-point profit in the process. Winners included 4/1 Widnes (Lingfield, 3 April) and 3/1 Terrefort (Aintree, 13 April). And the month ended in stunning style with a sequence for 4 consecutive winners. Weaver now sits in third position in the overall 2018 table, with 6.3 points. He also flourished in April with his general tipping, posting a 4.8-point profit from 752 selections.

Although relinquishing the lead in the 2018 race, Robin Goodfellow enjoyed another productive month, which produced six winners (21% strike-rate) including 7/1 Raven’s Lady (Kempton, 7 April), 6/1 Wemyss Point (Pontefract, 23 April) and 9/2 Brando (Newmarket, 19 April).

Raven’s Lady was also napped by The Duke of the Yorkshire Post. This was one of two 7/1 successes, the other being Mjjack (Newmarket, 17 April). Royal Line, who scored at odds of 5/1 at Epsom Downs (25 April) also contributed towards April’s 1.6-point yield.

Just missing out on April profits were Newsboy (Daily Mirror) who was 0.9 points down, and Marlborough (Daily Telegraph) who, despite a 3.1-point April loss, remains in profit for the year.

Now that the jumping season has been put to bed, we can concentrate solely on Flat racing, on turf and artificial surfaces. The Guineas meeting is behind us, but with Chester and York looming, there’s plenty to look forward to in the build-up to Epsom and Royal Ascot.

Date Published: 08/05/2018