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SPECULATION BEGINS AS PUNTERS SIZE UP RUNNERS AND RIDERS IN RAE 2006.

Only weeks after the results of RAE 2001, speculation has begun amongst the
betting community on the outcomes of the next round in 2006.  AC Research
Update has teamed up with Britain's premier racing paper, the Racing Post,
to bring you an exclusive guide to where the clever money will be going in
2006.

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Preparation has begun already in Universities around the land as heads of
department eye up the glittering prises on offer in the next renewal of the
valuable showpiece handicap the RAE.  RAE 2006 is likely to prove
competitive and offer a keen betting heat for punters as the form book,
going back to 1992, gives valuable clues to the likely outcome of in 2006.
Cashing in on the interest shown by punters, AC Research Update can reveal
that HEFCE has struck an exclusive sponsorship deal with leading internet
bookmakers BetDirect.  The next round of the RAE will be known as the
'BetDirect RAE 2006'.  Plans are also afoot to introduce live antepost
betting via the HEFCE website.

While last time round the form book stood up, with the old universities
generally coming out on top, some entrants from newer stables threatened to
make an impression and suggested they have the potential to go even better
next time round.  It looks like being as exciting an RAE as we have seen to
date.

The key next time round is likely to be the decisions of the panel of
handicappers appointed by HEFCE.  There is a feeling amongst RAE watchers
that the panel tends to be tough on the entrants from the newer stables.
Certainly one or two progressive runners last time round seemed to get
caught by the handicappers, which would account for a few disappointing
runs.

Other experts point to the ground as the key to predicting the result in
2006.  John McCrick of Channel 4 racing argued "The going will be tough and
the ground heavy for the race in 2006.  To succeed  you need a real dour,
battle-hardened old stayer.  I'll be looking to some old faces with a good
track record around this course.  This is a long race, some of the younger
entrants, especially from the newer stabes, just don't tend to last the
trip.  The older stables seem to be able to get their entrants very focused,
while those from the younger stables seem to get too distracted.  You
thought the Grand National was tough - just watch this one!"

As with all such races negotiating the obstacles is also vital to success.
The layout of the fences for 2006 isn't known yet, but rumours abound that
they will be considerably tougher than those seen in previous rounds.  One
RAE insider is reported as saying: "The obstacles are likely to offer a
stiffer test this time round.  We don't mind a few more fallers as long as
it makes for a more exciting race.  Whatever the layout of the fences we
expect to see a quality field left standing as they round the final bend".

With so many uncertainities, AC Research Update has enlisted the services of
former champion jockey JOHNNIE FRANCOMBE who brings us the first part of his
exclusive guide to likely runners and riders.

*HISTORY AT OXFORD UNIVERSITY: A real old monkey this one that disappointed
last time out.  Formerly regarded as a top class stayer, got overhauled by a
number of younger rivals close home.  Easy to think its best days are behind
it, but connections remain bullish.

*GEOGRAPHY AT LSE: Has been a disappointing runner from a top class stable.
Showed some improvement last time out.  One to watch.

*CULTURAL STUDIES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ROTHERHAM: As much chance as a piece
of toast.  Way out of its class, unlikely to even make it to the starting
line.

*ART AT THE NEWPORT INSTITUTE: A progressive young runner this one.
Definately on the upgrade and probably ready for a step up in class.

*****

REMEMBER, FOLLOW ALL THE ANTEPOST ACTION ON BETDIRECT.COM

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