BestOfBets Saturday Racing Tips and Preview
After the come-down of Royal Ascot, we focus on a couple of Derby’s. Today, it’s the Pitman’s Derby up at Newcastle, or the Northumberland Plate as it is more formally known. Then on Sunday we have the Irish Derby, with the Epsom Derby’s second and third re-opposing. It’s a rare Saturday Five To Follow!
Newcastle
Northern Success
2:04 – Chipchase Stakes (Group Three) – Kinross @ 3/1 (William Hill)
Clearly, this is a prep race for Kinross in search of July Cup glory. Kinross missed Royal Ascot last week, which was a peculiar move by Ralph Beckett since heb seems to thrive on the heath. But clearly, bigger things are in store for the impressive multiple Group One winner. Starting things off in a Group Three has all the rest of the field vying for places.
Duke’s Derby
3:10 – Northumberland Plate (Heritage Handicap) – Duke Of Oxford @ 11/1 (William Hill)
Duke Of Oxford has every right to be shorter than he is. He has a better record on the all-weather than he does on turf. He’s won at the distance and can easily manage the weight he has been given for a true stamina test. At Newcastle he has a record of second and third, and is back to the mark he was for second on All-weather Finals day. His run at Chester was underwhelming, but has put him back in contention for the Pitman’s Derby.
Sir Mark Prescott’s power of handicapping awareness cannot go understated. He won last night Hoppings Fillies Stakes, so has already prepped himself for an onslaught of Newcastle. He has two for the Pitman’s Derby. But I fancy his second string True Legend, an each-way pick. He has already won at Newcastle and is a progressive sort after just losing out at Goodwood last time out. He should make a good account of himself at 12/1 (BetVictor).
Forza Orta hasn’t been in the best of form lately. But could this be the mastermind of trainer Kevin Ryan. He wasn’t exactly in the best of form coming into his most recent win at York, with a second at Hamilton behind him. He’s only a pound above that mark today and is low in the weights too. A clear stayer and this race may have been quietly in mind. Too big to ignore at 25/1 (William Hill).
Newmarket
Back To His Best
3:25 – Criterion Stakes (Group Three) – Nostrum @ 4/1 (General)
Nostrum has had some excuses of late. At the end of last season he scoped lame, and at the start of this season he “raced awkwardly”. With an extended break, Sir Michael Stoute has hopefully fixed the problem for the 2022 Dewhurst third and has Charyn to back up the form from the April race this season.
Witch Hunter has just kept running into good horses of late. Although his Group One performances have brought dividends. He finished third in the Lockinge and fourth in the Queen Anne, outperforming his odds both times. With a small field, and ground he can perform on, he’s got an each-way shout at 7/1 (BetVictor, Unibet, Boylesports).
Curragh – Saturday
No Blue Feelings
3:30 – Pretty Polly Stakes (GROUP ONE) – Bluestocking @ 15/8 (William Hill, Unibet)
Four British raiders are over for this Group One. And the favourite takes the fancy. Emily Upjohn has plenty of things not in her favour, particularly going off her last performance at Epsom. Stay Alert will not want the ground firm, which looks like she won’t get. And Tasmania is a bit of an unknown in the hands of Sir Mark Prescott, who will have yes on Newcastle. Bluestocking obliterated the Middleton field at York and will perform on similar ground at the Curragh.
Curragh- Sunday
Race Of Angels
4:05 – Irish Derby (GROUP ONE) – Los Angeles @ 7/4 (General)
After his third in the Epsom Derby, it was clear Los Angeles was a stayer and this was the next logical target. I’m still not taken by Ambiente Friendly, even though he finished more than three lengths in front of Los Angeles. I still think that stamina may be a challenge for him. Particularly when Los Angeles is out of a Derby winner and a full brother to two black type winners with a mile-and-a-half in their pedigree.
The very best of luck!
In-depth Race Analysis and Betting Considerations
Newcastle Pitmen’s Derby Betting Observations Today
The Northumberland Plate is a test of stamina and weight-carrying ability, not merely raw speed. Look for horses with proven staying form and recent runs that suggest they are peaking for a 2m challenge.
Form Patterns And Stamina Questions For Derby
Check how each contender has performed at distances beyond a mile and a quarter and whether they have pulled up or weakened late. Horses coming from stronger staying trials or consistent finishing efforts are favoured.
Key Contenders and Each-way Options At Newcastle
Duke Of Oxford and True Legend both bring solid cases for place money; Forza Orta offers value if stamina can be relied upon. Consider each-way cover where bookmakers offer more generous place terms.
Trainer And Jockey Influence On Small Fields
Stable form and jockey bookings matter more in small, tactical heats where one mistake can lose the race. Prioritise trainers with a record of placing runners at Newcastle and jockeys who know how to manage late-race pace.
Newmarket Criterion Stakes Tactical Notes And Picks
Nostrum and Witch Hunter both have strong tactical cases depending on pace and ground; the absence of a strongly run race could favour a horse that handles a steadily run tempo. Observe declarations and last-minute market moves for clues about intended tactics.
Race Pace And Ground Assessment For Newmarket
Soft or quicker ground shifts the form lines; horses who raced prominently on similar ground should be given extra weight. Always monitor the morning reports and Lucrative stable notes for late changes.
Curragh Weekend Group One Previews And Stakes Info
Bluestocking and Los Angeles are the headline picks for the Curragh’s big days, but look beyond the market for staying tests and mares’ form lines. Evaluate draw bias and likely early pace to see which runners are best positioned.
How Going And Stamina Impact Group One Races
In top-class company, confirmed stamina and the ability to settle are invaluable; horses bred for a mile and a half often excel in the Irish Derby. For mares’ races, consider whether the run style will suit the expected ground and pace.
Practical Betting Considerations And Market Strategy
Use bookmaker comparisons to find the best available odds and place terms before committing to a selection. Avoid chasing losses and never stake more than you can afford to lose.
Responsible Betting Guidance And Age Restriction
Betting is for 18+ only and should be treated as entertainment, not a way to make money or solve financial problems. If you feel your gambling is causing harm, seek help from support services and consider setting deposit and time limits.
How To Use This Analysis With Bookmaker Offers
Compare free bets and place terms across bookmakers to maximise value when you bet responsibly. You can explore our bookmaker comparison tools to see current offers and terms before placing any stake.
For balanced staking, consider low-risk unit sizes and limit accumulators to a small portion of your bankroll. Keep a simple record of bets and returns to maintain discipline and avoid escalation after losses.
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Common Questions On Saturday And Sunday Races
Which horses should I watch in the highlighted races?
Watch Duke Of Oxford, True Legend and Forza Orta at Newcastle and Bluestocking and Los Angeles at the Curragh. These names combine recent form, trainer skill and pedigree suitability for the distances involved.
What each-way strategies suit the Northumberland Plate?
Each-way bets work well in large handicap fields when bookmakers pay four places; favour consistent stayers who finish strongly. Keep stakes conservative given the race’s unpredictability.
How much do trainer and jockey stats matter today?
Trainer and jockey form is important, especially in handicaps and small-field Group races where tactical nous matters. Prioritise pairings that have delivered similar outcomes on similar courses.
How will going and stamina affect Sunday’s Irish Derby?
Going can determine whether a horse stays the trip; wetter ground typically exposes stamina limitations. Focus on breeding and previous performances at a mile and a half when assessing chances.
What staking approach is sensible for weekend punters?
Use a flat-staking system or fixed percentage of your bankroll to protect against variance. Never bet more than you can afford to lose and set limits in advance.
How do I compare bookmaker offers and free bets safely?
Compare odds, minimum stakes and place terms across sites before using any free bet; read the T&Cs for wagering requirements. Use our comparison tools to make informed choices and only use offers responsibly.
Where can I get help for gambling-related problems?
If gambling is causing worry or financial strain, contact UK support services such as GamCare and use self-exclusion or deposit limits. Betting should always be 18+ and undertaken responsibly.
Are these tips a guarantee of success this weekend?
No tip can guarantee a win; racing is unpredictable and outcomes are uncertain. Treat our analysis as informed guidance and not as financial advice.
