Although we are in the no man’s land between the Derby and Royal Ascot, ITV Racing are heading to Haydock to cover a decent day at the northern track.
The racing isn’t vintage, yes, but there are some standout bets for this week’s The Top Three column.
But first, let’s review last week.
Derby Weekend Review
It’s the fourth week of the series and with 22.40 points of profit from 23 points staked at a ROI of 97%, I am feeling happy about how things have gone.
Last week saw PROSPEROUS VOYAGE (7/4) made it two from two for the best bets over the last two weeks and thanks to a good second from SILVER SWORD (12/1) in the Lester Piggott Handicap, last week produced a profit of 5.65 points after we staked one point on WAIPIRO (20/1) in the Derby.
It’s been a good first three weeks and we are looking ahead to Haydock on ITV Racing to continue the run going.
1:15 Haydock – EQUILATERAL at 3/1 with William Hill – 3pt WIN
Two weeks ago, DRAMATISED represented the best bet of the week in the Temple Stakes and this week, the runner-up from that day will be the same in the Listed Achilles Stakes.
He was the flag bearer in Wednesday’s Ante-post Analysis article at 5/1 and even though he is now 3/1 with William Hill, I’m still with EQUILATERAL in the opener.
Two weeks ago, the advantageous high-draw bias at Haydock helped Charlie Hills’ Equiano gelding and out of stall 10 this Saturday, that same thing could occur again.
Dramatised wins the Betfred Temple Stakes
Another impressive performance#ITVRacing | @haydockraces pic.twitter.com/6VC6PDrwyT
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) May 27, 2023
Also, he gave 11 pounds away to the winner last time out when unfancied in the market and Frankie Dettori gave him an easy-enough ride having only used the whip twice before a hands and heels ride in the final three-quarters of a furlong.
It will be tough to stop Lanfranco and EQUILATERAL in the opener on Saturday and he is the best bet of the ITV Racing action.
1:50 Haydock – SILVER SAMURAI at 8/1 with BetVictor – 1.5pt EW
I’m going to the following race for my next bet and SILVER SAMURAI looks a good price at 8/1 on BetVictor.
The Cable Bay six-year-old is a Haydock winner as well as placing over a mile at the course in June 2020 so the track will suit.
Looking at more recent form, Marco Botti’s competitor last won in May 2022 on good ground off a three-pound lower mark, a day where he bolted up under Ben Curtis in facile fashion.
A thrilling conclusion to the Coolmore Stud Handicap sees Silver Samurai come from an unlikely position to win it on the line!
A thrilling success for William Buick and Marco Botti 👏@coolmorestud @MarcoBotti pic.twitter.com/WptkBsMVEj
— Newbury Racecourse (@NewburyRacing) May 13, 2022
He improved to a mark of 97 after the victory, but following two mediocre runs in May of this year, he now has an official rating of 95.
Despite Botti’s poor run of form recently, the 8/1 with BetVictor is a good price and he will be tough to beat if back to his best.
3:35 Haydock – JUMBY at 11/4 with William Hill – 3pt WIN
How many times can a horse who finished second-last in a 12-runner race impress you?
The answer to that question is not many. However, that did occur in the Lockinge and because of that, amongst other reasons, I will be backing JUMBY at 11/4 with William Hill in the John Of Gaunt Stakes.
Looking at the Lockinge alone where the five-lowest drawn horses finished 8th, 10th, 11th, and 12th, the New Bay entire (drawn four) was running a great race for seven furlongs of the Group 1 contest before fading late in which was his second-ever race at a mile.
Wow! Modern Games scorches a trail in the Group One @AlShaqabRacing Lockinge Stakes @NewburyRacing! 👀
Wasn't this meant to be a wide-open renewal? 💨💨 pic.twitter.com/RpushmO7PF
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) May 20, 2023
Therefore, the return to seven furlongs this weekend will suit well having won three times at the trip, all on quick ground.
Furthermore, in his season-opener at Newmarket, he missed the break catastrophically and stayed on well over six furlongs when beaten by three lengths.
Garrus holds on to take the Connaught Access Flooring Abernant Stakes 🥇
Double on the day for Ryan Moore ✌️#ITVRacing | @NewmarketRace | @cbhills pic.twitter.com/SNpMJteGYl
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) April 20, 2023
Saturday’s feature at Haydock is the weakest field he would have faced since his third in the Bunbury Cup at Newmarket eight runs ago and with race fitness and conditions on his side, Eve Johnson Houghton’s stable star has a great chance to start his season off well.
