West Tip secures 2019's biggest haul to claim September crown

West Tip recorded the best monthly return of 2019 – a 36.8-point yield – to claim top spot in the September Napchecker table. The Western Morning News’ naps king finished more than ten points clear of his nearest rival – Farringdon (Morning Star) whose 26.3-point yield would have been good enough to take the honours most months.

Racing Post Ratings (4.3 points), Glendale of The Scotsman (3.7 points), Robin Goodfellow of the Mail (3.3 points) and The Telegraph’s Marlborough (1.6 points) also secured September profits.

West Tip’s September record was remarkable in that the huge profit was secured via just three winning naps (11.5% strike-rate). But, as one of this trio was returned at 50/1, it’s little wonder the month ended in glory. The horse in question was Lasting Legacy, a juvenile who, despite showing some promise in two starts over six furlongs, was completely overlooked on her first start over seven at Newcastle (17 September). The result was a comfortable three and a quarter length victory with a heavily backed Godolphin favourite left floundering.

Chromium (7/1, Wolverhampton, 21 September) added to the tally which surpassed Glendale’s 34.5-point January yield as the best return of 2019 to date.

Farringdon were unlucky that a fine effort was not rewarded with pole position. Five winners were secured (18.5% strike-rate) with four of them returning impressive prices: Ranch Hand (14/1, Haydock, 7 September), Gravity Force (8/1, Ayr, 20 September), Sir Busker (17/2, Kempton, 23 September) and, saving the best till last, Viola Park (16/1, Wolverhampton, 30 September).

A third consecutive month of profit for Racing Post Ratings secured third position in the September chart. As with West Tip and Farringdon, a modest strike-rate of 17.8%, failed to tell the true story as two of the month’s five winners returned handsome prices: International Lion (10/1, Thirsk, 7 September) and Contrast (9/1, Lingfield, 24 September).

The battle to claim the 2019 Napchecker title remains hotly contested with Glendale and Marlborough engaged in an enthralling tussle. At the start of September, Glendale held a slender 0.3-point advantage, which was extended to 2.1 points at the conclusion of the month thanks to a 3.7-point yield. The month opened brightly with three of the first six naps prevailing. A further five September naps were successful, including 9/1 Spirit Of Youzmain (Newmarket, 27 September), whose win guaranteed a profitable return.

Seven of Robin Goodfellow’s 25 naps were winners (28% strike-rate). The haul included Maamora (5/1, Chelmsford City, 12 September) and Waarif (11/2, Ayr, 21 September).

In terms of strike-rate, September belonged to Marlborough, who advised 12 winning naps out of 28 (42.8%) to land a fifth profitable month of 2019. That strike-rate improved markedly as the month progressed; six of the months first 19 naps scored (32%), while six of the last nine were winners (67%).

Marlborough’s great form continued into October and after six days action, The Telegraph’s napster has regained the lead in the 2019 table. With two early successes, curtesy of Road To Riches (5/1, Lingfield, 3 October) and Mr Muldoon (2/1, Kelso, 6 October), Marlborough has moved into a 6.9-point lead over long-time foe, Glendale.

Date Published: 07/10/2019