Best Of Bets

Tag: horse racing

  • St Leger Festival 2024 | Four To Follow – Day Two

    St Leger Festival 2024 | Four To Follow – Day Two

    It’s the final classic of the year, the St Leger Festival at Doncaster. This Festival allows us to not only crown the winner of the oldest classic, but also to watch out for the future with plenty two-year-old action too. Today on day two, more two-year-old in Flying Scotsman and Flying Childers Stakes. And the stayers are out in force for the Group Two Doncaster Cup.

     

    Successive Winner

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    1:50 – Betfred Mallard Handicap – Subsequent @ 9/4 (Betfred)

    When you’ve had three wins in your debut season, people will notice. Subsequent is looking for win number four and is impressing with every run. His latest victory at Newmarket showed he’s progressing incredibly well, and handling the steps up in trip equally well. It’s only a four pound rise, which looks fair and gives him a fighting chance.

    However, only two three-year-olds have won this race in the previous 10 runnings which means that older horses do have a slight advantage. Shadow Dance looks a particular threat after his impressive victory at York, when he switched inside and outside before turning on the burners to just overpower Lieber Power by a neck. With that much switching, and the power inside the half furlong to win, the step up in trip should be interesting. 7/2 (William Hill).

     

    Two Good To Be True?

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    2:25 – Betfred Flying Scotsman Stakes (Listed) – Jonquil @ 11/10 (BetVictor, Boylesports)

    Jonquil was incredibly impressive on debut, and showed more maturity than you would see in most two-year-old debutants. His ability to keep the power going when switched to the outside really caught the eye. However, more experienced horses do win this race more often than not.

    However the last time a one raced horse won the Flying Scotsman was Sangarius. Trained by Sir Michael Stoute, ridden by Ryan Moore and owned and bred by Juddmonte. Lightning can strike twice.

    Mr Chaplin is a likeable horse and certainly has the credentials to win this race. He looks to have more of a preference to good ground, rather than good-to-firm ground after being well found out in the Acomb last time out. But with preferred ground and a win over the distance, he can certainly hit the frame. 12/1 (General).

     

    If Carlsberg did Two-Year-Old races…

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    3:00 – Carlsberg Danish Pilsner Flying Childers Stakes (Group 2) – Big Mojo @ 3/1 (BetVictor, Boylesports)

    An extremely electric race, with pace galore, it’s all about going on form. Big Mojo was disappointing at York last time out. However, with both Symbol of Strength and Camille Pissaro franking the form, Big Mojo should go a bit better. Trainer Michael Appleby says the ground is fine for him, and he’s top rated out of the field. There’s a lot of reasons to side with him in this fierce competition.

    Tropical Storm has good each-way claims. He beat current favourite, Magnum Force, by a neck last time out at York (even if Magnum Force was denied a clear run). The form from the Roses Stakes hasn’t been tested a lot, but he came from the best two-year-old of Royal Ascot which has paid dividends since. Forget his Goodwood run and he should be up there again. 9/1 (BetVictor).

    Another Michael Appleby horse that is forgotten about is Mr Lightside. Since winning impressively at Nottingham, he’s finished within a length and half of the winner in his two subsequent runs. His impressive third at Goodwood is the form to latch onto and if he can match his Nottingham win, plus the impressive run at Goodwood, he should outrun odds of 20/1 (BetVictor).

     

    Pair Of Kings

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    3:35 – Betfred Howard Wright Doncaster Cup Stakes (Group 2) – Sweet William @ 15/8 (General)

    The Gosden pair of Sweet William and Gregory look to be the one-two here, but is it that simple. I have major doubts about Gregory’s ability, with the best result this season third, three lengths behind Vauban last time out. Plus with the Doncaster Cup two miles and two furlongs, he may struggle as he did last year.

    Therefore, Sweet William has to be the pick. He was the nearest challenger to Kyprios at Goodwood last time out and did finish second in this race last year. Without the might of Kyprios and Vauban in this race, Sweet William has the potential to properly join the conversation in the stayers’ league.

    The very best of luck!

  • St Leger Festival 2024 | January is coming

    St Leger Festival 2024 | January is coming

    After a small hiatus, the regular betting columns for Best Of Bets are back just in time for the start of the Doncaster St Leger meeting.

    When we left this column in July, the P/L stood at +15.7 points after a disappointing final few weeks.

    So, let’s dive into Day 1 of the Doncaster St Leger meeting.

     

    3:00 Doncaster – January @ 6/1 with SkyBet – 1pt EW

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    Ryan Moore has chosen to ride Ecstatic in the Group 2 May Hill Stakes, but Aidan O’Brien’s other runner January makes the most appeal to me.

    The two-year-old by Kingman has a smart pedigree as she is out of I Can Fly who finished a close second to Roaring Lion in the 2018 Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes.

    On debut, she ran a solid race behind stablemate Heavens Gate – who already had a race under her belt – which looks like good form as she has subsequently placed in two Group races and won the Ballyhane Stakes.

    Two starts later, she put in another solid performance in the Group 2 Airlie Stud Stakes, a race that has seen California Dreamer come out and finish behind the subsequent Group 1 winner Babouche in the Anglesey Stakes.

    Having won by a comfortable four lengths over seven and a half furlongs at Tipperary last time out, trying a mile for the first time looks like a natural step.

    Although this is her fifth race as a juvenile, I Can Fly was a highly-tried mare who continued to get better with age, so we probably won’t see the best of her until at least next season.

    Despite that, her form looks good enough to take a chance on her here.

     

    3:35 Doncaster – Night Sparkle @ 4/1 with BetVictor – 1pt Win

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    In what looks like a winnable Group 2 Park Hill Fillies’ Stakes, Night Sparkle has a great chance to break her run of near misses.

    Since moving to Andrew Baling from Michael O’Callaghan, she has run two solid races behind Term Of Endearment – the latest of which when finishing ahead of Ciaus Chorister who was second to Absurde at Chester recently – as well as two good runs against the boys over two miles.

    The first of which occurred in the Listed Marathon Stakes at Sandown when second to Trueshan and the second was in the Group 2 Lonsdale Cup behind Vauban, Al Nayyir, and Gregory.

    Both of those races look like good form and it looks as if 1m6f is the perfect distance for her.

    As much as Sumo Sam, on her second start after a wind-op, is a danger at 12/1, I think Night Sparkle has the ability to show her class in this company.

     

    4:40 Doncaster – Jorge Alvares @ 9/2 with William Hill – 1pt Win

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    Jorge Alvares was a horse that caught my eye after his run in the Harry’s Half Million By Goffs Premier Yearling Stakes at York, so I want to keep him onside on his handicap debut.

    With a rating of 82 after a two-pound rise from his last run, the gelding by Cotai Glory came from the rear of the field on the wrong side of the pack to finish a good fourth.

    Arizona Blaze, who finished second, brought Group form into the race, so the form looks better than average.

    Furthermore, from his debut run at York, Yah Mo Be There (second) has won a Listed race since and Andesite (first) was chucked straight into Group 2 company on his next run.

    Having run well on good to soft and good to firm before, any ground is fine for him.

     

    5:10 Doncaster – Defence Missile @ 9/2 with William Hill – 1pt Win

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    From one nursery handicap to another, Defence Missile looks like a worthy bet off a mark of 79 with the first-time cheekpieces applied.

    On debut, he finished second to Mr Chaplin who has a rating of 96 having won a Class 2 handicap at Goodwood subsequently.

    Two starts later, he was a good third in a Salisbury novice stakes when trying to make all, form that looks good as Royal Playwright ran well behind Field Of Gold in the Solario Stakes and Original Outlaw chased home Mr Chaplin in that handicap at Goodwood.

    The son of Sottsass is a well-bred horse running in a 0-80, and with a run on the all-weather 22 days ago under his belt, he should be primed to go well here.

  • St Leger Festival 2024 | Four To Follow – Day One

    St Leger Festival 2024 | Four To Follow – Day One

    It’s the final classic of the year, the St Leger Festival at Doncaster. This Festival allows us to not only crown the winner of the oldest classic, but also to watch out for the future with plenty two-year-old action too. Today on day one, two-year-olds in the form of a £300,000 sales race and a Group Two. Plus the fillies’ St Leger, the Park Hill Stakes.

     

    Looking Out Below

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    2:25 – Scientific £300,000 2-Y-O Stakes – Caburn @ 4/1 (General)

    The form from this race always seems to come from York, whether it be a nursery, the sales race or any group race from the Ebor Festival. Caburn possesses, possibly, the best form in the race after racing in the Gimcrack. The third, Symbol Of Strength won on Saturday at Kempton when Caburn finished fifth. Caburn also won the Newbury Super Sprint, which is another tick in the formbook. He’s won two races on firm ground and won’t mind the good ground so long as there’s pace.

    Another horse coming down from group company is Victory Sound. He was in the same race as Field Of Gold, who won in impressive style. Whilst the form is untested, Victory Sound should be suited by both ground and trip and level. He clearly wasn’t good enough for group level, and this should be a nice toe-in for handicap company in the future. 20/1 (William Hill, BetVictor).

     

    Month Number One

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    3:00 – Betfred May Hill Stakes (Group Two) – January @ 8/1 (BetVictor)

    For this race, form seems to come from various outlets, but all are usually either Listed or Group company. The favourite for me, is ruled out on that basis having only competed in two novice races.

    Whilst Ryan Moore has elected to ride Ecstatic, I’m opting for January and Sean Levey. She won the Listed Churchill Stakes at Tipperary by four lengths, quite impressively. She’s also joint-top rated at 100, and has the breeding to match, being by Kingman. She also has ground form having broke her maiden on good ground back in June.

    However, Ashnoda has plenty to go for at a bigger price. She won the Prestige Stakes at Goodwood on soft ground, and seems to be rather versatile after winning on firm ground on debut. The form is untested and is steadily, yet impressively. Also joint-top rated she has much more of a say than her 8/1 (William Hill, BetVictor) price suggests.

     

    Midnight Glitter

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    3:35 – Betfred Park Hill Stakes (Group Two) – Night Sparkle @ 7/2 (General)

    It’s a tricky race the Park Hill, but one horse looks to win her first race of the season. Night Sparkle has been extremely unlucky twice this season over 14 furlongs. Her defeats in the Lillie Langtry and Bronte Cup spells out that she loves the trip and looks like opposition that shouldn’t threaten her too much. Good ground won’t bother her either, having finished second in those narrow defeats on good-to-firm and good-to-soft.

    One horse who can say she has won over the distance is the rather looked over Grateful for Aidan O’Brien. The wrong race tactics were applied last time in the Lillie Langtry, as she languished towards the rear. Her win at Fairyhouse showed her up with the pace and holding on strong towards the finish. With the three-year-old weight allowance, she should be shorter than 13/2 (William Hill, BetVictor).

     

    Rock The Boat

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    4:10 – Pertemps Network Handicap – Harper’s Ferry @ 4/1 (General)

    Harper’s Ferry comes into handicap company from a Royal Ascot Group Two. The form from the King Edward VII isn’t great, however Calandagan did finish second behind the best horse in the world, City Of Troy, in the International Stakes. He hasn’t been given top weight, which should play into his advantage. Plus the step down in trip back to 10 furlongs will suit once again.

    The very best of luck!

  • Four To Follow: Sprint & Stay

    Four To Follow: Sprint & Stay

    It’s a busy weekend up and down the country, in a tale of two halves. Up at Haydock, the forecast is dry for a terrific renewal of the Sprint Cup. But down South, it looks a typical Autumn day in Britain with rain covering both Ascot and Kempton. With that in mind, it makes an interesting four to follow.

     

    Haydock

    My Gift To You

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    1:15 – Superior Mile Stakes (Group Three) – Cicero’s Gift @ 100/30 (William Hill, BetVictor, Boylesports)

    It looks a rather competitive Group Three on paper. But take ground into consideration and it’s more an open and shut case. With two runs under his belt, Cicero’s Gift is worth appeal at his price. He won on soft ground in the Coral Challenge by half a length and came out with a good excuse at Goodwood, saying he’d prefer slower ground. He’s got that today and is the only horse in the field with soft ground favourability. He’s a favourite who should deliver.

     

    Captain Jack

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    3:35 – Sprint Cup Stakes (Group One) – Bucanero Fuerte @ 8/1 (William Hill, BetVictor)

    For those who don’t know, Bucanero Fuerte roughly translates as Mighty Pirate into English. And this swashbuckling horse can certainly make an impact in this Group One sprint. He’s been off the track with an injury, but not before he achieved a Group Three victory at The Curragh. Read further into his form as a two-year-old and his win in the Phoenix Stakes speaks volumes, when beating Porta Fortuna by four lengths. Top rated and a force to be reckoned with.

    Each-way value belongs to Jasour, a sprinter who’s gone quietly about his business this season. He started off with a win in the Commonwealth Cup trial, before finishing third in the race proper. Then a sixth against the older horses wasn’t too harmful to his performance. The extended break has given him time to freshen up and is on the right side of the draw. 12/1 (BetVictor).

     

    Kempton

    A Group Three Phenomenon

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    2:35 – Unibet September Stakes (Group Three) – Hamish @ 2/1 (William Hill)

    In recent years this race has been used for a trail for the Arc in France. However, this year looks unlikely. But there’s one horse who’s won Group Three races at a canter. And that’s Hamish. In fact he won this exact race back in 2021. After the season he has had, it’s hard to abandon him after his blip at Newmarket, and Lion’s Pride doesn’t look a Group horse in any shape or form.

     

    Ascot

    Say A Little Prayer

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    2:10 – Chapel Down Heritage Handicap – The Reverend @ 4/1 (William Hill)

    The Reverend has put in a good shout for his past three performances. Especially his heavy form debut, gives him an upper hand against the opposition. His dam has produced middle distance horses before, so trip shouldn’t be an issue. However with five pounds raised for nearest rival Goodwood Odyssey, the weights for The Reverend look very attractive.

    The very best of luck!

     

  • Four To Follow: Two Hot To Trot

    Four To Follow: Two Hot To Trot

    After the Ebor Festival we resume some normaialty. But it’s all about the two-year-olds at Sandown with the Solario Stakes. Plus sprint action from Beverley and big handicap action over in Ireland too. It’s a normal-ish Saturday on Four To Follow

     

    Sandown

    Tam-fantastic

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    2:25 – Atalanta Stakes (Group Three) – Tamfana @ 11/10 (BetVictor)

    Dropping down from three Group One’s to a Group Three seems dramatic. So does stepping down half a furlong. But David Menuisier seems to be taking the right approach with Tamfana. She came close to winning the French Oaks, but maybe the Grand Prix de Paris was a bit too much for her. But don’t worry about her credentials over this trip, as her mare only ran at this mile. Plus, champion jockey-elect Oisin Murphy has been given the leg up. All positive signs for the French filly.

     

    Two Shakespearean

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    3:35 – Solario Stakes (Group Three) – Royal Playwright @ 5/2 (William Hill, BetVictor)

    This two-year-old race has produced some decent individuals in recent years. The likes of Masar, Too Darn Hot and Reach For The Moon come to kind. But Royal Playwright looks a good type. From the same family as Strensall Stakes winner See The Fire, he’s got a reputation with good black type in his pedigree. He won by three lengths on debut, on similar ground that it is at Sandown. The second got to within a neck of the winner at Goodwood, to suggest the form might pay dividends.

     

    Beverley

    Royal Household

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    2:05 – William Hill Beverley Bullet (Listed) – Clarendon House @ 11/2 (William Hill)

    It’s surprising that Clarendon House has had a little drift at time of writing. Even with a penalty he’s still top rated and is dropping form a Group One to Listed level too. His last win over five at the Curragh was in Listed company. He loves firm ground too, but his draw could be a letdown. However, due to the lack of runners in the Beverley Bullet, draw shouldn’t matter that much as he’s drawn in the one next to outside stall. But top rated, and able to go on ground puts him in pole position.

     

    The Curragh

    Genuine Contender

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    4:35 – Irish Cambridgeshire (Premier H’cap) – Genuine Article @ 15/2 (General)

    Irish handicaps can be a tricky minefield to navigate. But luckily one stat is proven. Favourites rarely win. Last year saw the shortest priced winner in 10 years at 8/1, so it makes sense to look elsewhere for a bit of value.

    Genuine Article was last seen finishing second at the Galway Festival, after finishing third the time before. This signalled some attention when it came to this race. Only up three pounds, but a useful claimer takes three pounds off to leave him at the same mark as his last run, which should say he should go close. Good ground will suit him, and form suggests there’s been some preparation for this race.

    Johnny Murtagh always seems to target the big races as a trainer, just like he did as a jockey. Blues Emperor has been, very handily, reduced three pounds by the handicapper. But not only that, he has a five-pound claimer who got a winner five days ago. The son of Gleneagles finished a really narrow second this year and is five pounds lower too. There are signs he’s been campaigned with this race in mind. 14/1 (General).

    But it’s not one. It’s two for Mr JP Murtagh. Shayzaan for the Aga Khan also looks to have had this race in mind after he finished within a neck to Snellen of level weights. Before that he finished third in the big €52k Nasrullah handicap and has risen two pounds in his last two races. Quiet consistency and has preferred jockey Ben Coen on board. Interesting at 14/1 (William Hill).

    The very best of luck!

  • York Ebor Festival 2024 | Day Four Selections

    York Ebor Festival 2024 | Day Four Selections

    Racing heads to God’s Own Country as York hosts the prestigious Ebor Festival. Day four is jam packed with handicaps, including both the Melrose and the £500,000 Ebor handicap, the richest in the country. Who will see their name printed on a ticket to Melbourne t around 3:30, and what about the others. Find out below.

     

    Big Race View

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    The Ebor handicap is the big race of the day and there are plenty of factors and fancies in this race, so I’ve managed to whittle it down to about three. Criteria for me is performed on good-to-firm ground, won over a mile and four and at least raced over a mile and six, the trip for the Ebor.

    Magical Zoe could follow in Absurde’s footsteps by competing and winning in the two different racing classes. Known for her efforts behind Ebor winner Absurde in the County Hurdle, she won over a mile and five breaking her flat maiden. She then competed in a Group three at Fairyhouse, finishing a respectable third. Her mark is in the hundreds, and she has the shortest route around coming out of stall one.

    Fairbanks was a narrow loser at Glorious Goodwood, but comes into this handicap two pounds well-in, which is a huge advantage. Not only has he won over a mile and four, but has done it over a mile and six and proved that firm ground is suitable for him last time out. However, he’ll have to overcome a wide-ish draw to win.

    Naqeeb has been looking to build for this race. After below-par group efforts, he put in a good performance at Goodwood over two miles. As a three-year-old he won over 14 furlongs at Haydock, so he’s no novice to this kind of distance. And last time out also proved he can cope with conditions too.

    Big Race Bet: Ebor Handicap (Heritage H’cap) – Magical Zoe @ 10/1 (William Hill, BetVictor, Unibet), Fairbanks e/w @ 12/1 (General), Naqeeb e/w @ 12/1 (William Hill, BetVictor)

     

    Juvenile Jotter

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    Not top of the card, but the Julia Graves Roses Stakes is a hot little contest with form to watch out for.

    Despite Big Mojo’s fourth (blame the draw), Celandine has backed up the form for Mr Lightside. Clearly bred to sprint, he has to overcome stall 13 which is a negative. But with two-year-old races, they don’t often follow the form of the older horses and maybe Mr Lightside’s speed will get the better of the field.

    Juvenile Jotter Bet: Julia Graves Roses Stakes (Listed) – Mr Lightside @ 11/4 (BetVictor)

     

    Handy Handicap Guide

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    For this handy handicap I’m looking at the Constantine handicap, the newest heritage handicap on the calendar.

    Summerghand is looking for a third victory in the race, and he isn’t without a shout even if he has been below par in the majority of his races this season. Maybe a heartfelt wager would be suitable.

    But Elmonjed has pretty much everything going for him in the race. He is drawn in stall two, where the bias has been all week. Can handle the firm conditions and finished third in the Macmillan Sprint earlier this season. On top of that he’s only been raised three pounds for his latest win at Windsor and has risen one pound throughout his three-year-old career, after dipping into the eighties. A clear improver and a favourite worth backing.

    Handy Handicap Bet: Constantine Handicap (Hertiage H’cap) – Elmonjed @ 11/2 (General), Summerghand e/w @ 9/1 (William Hill)

     

    Selections:

    13:50 – Strensall Stakes (Group Three) – See The Fire @ 5/2 (William Hill), T/Cast: See The Fire, Alyanaabi, Phantom Flight
    14:25 – Melrose Handicap (Heritage H’cap) – Spaceport e/w @ 16/1 (General), Going Remote e/w @ 16/1 (William Hill), Mo Ghille Mar e/w @ 25/1 (General)
    15:00 – City Of York Stakes (Group Two) – Audience @ 11/8 (William Hill), F/Cast: Audience, Lake Forest
    15:35 – Ebor Handicap (Heritage H’cap) – Magical Zoe @ 10/1 (William Hill, BetVictor, Unibet), Fairbanks e/w @ 12/1 (General), Naqeeb e/w @ 12/1 (William Hill, BetVictor)
    16:10 – Constantine Handicap (Hertiage H’cap) – Elmonjed @ 11/2 (General), Summerghand e/w @ 9/1 (William Hill), Harry Three e/w @ 18/1 (William Hill)
    16:45 – Julia Graves Roses Stakes (Listed) – Mr Lightside @ 11/4 (BetVictor)
    17:20 – Finale Handicap (Heritage H’cap) – Ron O @ 7/1 (William Hill), Oviedo e/w @ 17/2 (William Hill), Chasing Aphrodite e/w @ 18/1 (William Hill)

    Best of Luck!

  • York Ebor Festival 2024 | Day Three Selections

    York Ebor Festival 2024 | Day Three Selections

    Racing heads to God’s Own County as York hosts the prestigious Ebor Festival. Day Three is all about the Nunthorpe Stakes. It’s Big Evs vs Asfoora for the third time this season. Who’s going to come out on top? Find out with selections for all seven races below.

     

    Big Race View

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    This looks to be a two horse race once again between Britain and Australia. It’s 1-1, so who will come out on top this time?

    As ever the draw is key. And this year far side runners, or low numbers, are preferred. This means that Asfoora has a big advantage over Big Evs who’s drawn one form the stand side rail. With the rain coming, does that suit Big Evs a little, I think not. However, they should run out a belting finish

    Out of the others Starlust has particular appeal to me, given that his record at York is near perfect (211). Asking him to repeat his wins this season at Group One level might be too much. But he should run on for a place.

    Big Race Bet: Nunthorpe Stakes (GROUP ONE) – Asfoora @ 13/8 (William Hill), Starlust e/w @ 16/1 (Boylesports). Asfoora/Big Evs – F/cast. Asfoora/BigEvs/Starlust – T/cast

     

    Juvenile Jotter

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    Once again this looks another tight York two-year-old contest, but a Goodwood one-two-three should be the form to follow. Winners of this race have come from the Glorious meeting, which is often the form to follow in the Gimcrack.

    Big Mojo was getting closed down by Aesterius in the final furlong at Goodwood. But, I’m adamant when I watch the race again he should hang on for the extra furlong. He steps up to the extra furlong today, he should be able to deliver on his big promise from Goodwood.

    Billboard Star has a lot on his side too. His form from Newmarket has been backed up by Whistlejacket in the Prix Morny and Aomori City at Goodwood. That second came on good-to-soft ground and he should finish for a place on that basis.

    Cool Hoof Luke finished ahead of Billboard City in the Vintage Stakes and should take liking to good ground, and all ground, if going on sires form. This looks to be the race of future sires and expect it to be competitive, with plenty of value on offer.

    Juvenile Jotter Bet: Gimcrack Stakes (Group Two) – Big Mojo @ 7/2 (William Hill, Unibet), Billboard Star e/w @ 18/1 (888Sport, Boylesports), Cool Hoof Luke e/w @ 20/1 (General)

     

    Handy Handicap Guide

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    We’re taking a look at the fifth race on the card, the mile-and-a-quarter Fillies’ Handicap, where there’s definitely value to get stuck into.

    Albeit, it’s with the favourite, but Power Of Destiny should not be up a solitary pound for finishing within a head last time out at Windsor. Ground-wise he should be able to go on anything good to good-to-firm, which should be the ground reading by about 12:30 in the afternoon. One pound plus a consistent debut season should not go ignored.

    Neither should Bint Al Daar, becasue she finished second to Karmology in her one but previous start. Who, if it wasn’t for Scenic, would have finished much closer in the Galtres Stakes. As it happens, she went and won her race at Wolverhampton for team East and is only up four pounds for the run. She should have ability to run all grounds if that win is to go by.

    Handy Handicap Bet: York EBF Fillies’ Handicap (Hertiage H’cap) – Power Of Destiny @ 5/1 (General), Bint Al Daar e/w @ 16/1 (William Hill)

     

    Selections:

    13:50 – Sky Bet Heritage Handicap – Lieber Power @ 8/1 (William Hill, Betfred, Boylesports), Track Of Time e/w @ 40/1 (William Hill, Boylepsorts)
    14:25 – Lonsdale Cup (Group Two) – Quickthorn @ 12/1 (General), Quicktorn/Point Lonsdale/Vauban – T/cast
    15:00 – Gimcrack Stakes (Group Two) – Big Mojo @ 7/2 (William Hill, Unibet), Billboard Star e/w @ 18/1 (888Sport, Boylesports), Cool Hoof Luke e/w @ 20/1 (General)
    15:35 – Nunthorpe Stakes (GROUP ONE) – Asfoora @ 13/8 (William Hill), Starlust e/w @ 16/1 (Boylesports). Asfoora/Big Evs – F/cast. Asfoora/BigEvs/Starlust – T/cast
    16:10 – EBF Fillies’ Handicap (Hertiage H’cap) – Power Of Destiny @ 5/1 (General), Sound Angela e/w @ 14/1 (William Hill, Unibet), Bint Al Daar e/w @ 16/1 (William Hill)
    16:45 – Convivial Maiden – Ultrasoul @ 9/2 (William Hill, Unibet), Arabian Angel e/w @ 16/1 (William Hill, BetVictor, Unibet), Bowen Island e/w @ 33/1 (William Hill)
    17:20 – Mile Handicap (Heritage H’cap) – Dosman @ 9/2 (General), Mount Teide e/w @ 7/1 (William Hill, BetVictor, Unibet), Tokenomics e/w @ 14/1 (William Hill)

    Best of Luck!

  • Ebor Festival 2024 | Day Two Selections

    Ebor Festival 2024 | Day Two Selections

    Racing heads to God’s Own County as York hosts the prestigious Ebor Festival. Day Two is full of mouth-watering contests, including the Yorkshire Oaks which sees an open field, including a progressive three-year-old, the one-two from the Irish Oaks and a fans favourite. Who come out on top? Find out with selections for all seven races below.

     

    Big Race View

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    This is a very open renewal of the Yorkshire Oaks, with no definite favourite and plenty of horses with support.

    Queen Of The Pride has excelled this season. She cut her teeth at Haydock by winning the Lester Piggott Stakes narrowly in June and scorched clear of another improving horse, Tiffany, in the Lancashire Oaks. The long straight suits her, but firm ground is an area she hasn’t covered before and could be her Achilles heel.

    Content has been another progressive horse this season. She was the best three-year-old in the Pretty Polly Stakes, then was denied a clear run in the Irish Oaks but rallied well to finish second. However, it looks like she wants rain having raced on fast ground three times and never won.

    You Got To Me may have been a surprise winner of the Irish Oaks, but she held on well and has a little boost from Royal Ascot too. The firm ground should suit her front-running style, but front runners aren’t usually favoured at York, yet Ryan Moore judged City Of Troy’s ride from the front perfectly yesterday.

    Or can Kieran Shoemark finally break his big race curse and deliver Emily Upjohn for the Yorkshire Oaks. She has been disappointing, barring her terrific run in the Pretty Polly. But I favour the three-year-olds more.

    Out of the four top names mentioned, Content is the pick. With a clearer run she should have caught You Got To Me at The Curragh. That’s not to say she’ll face a big fight from a lot of rivals, but she looks a tough horse.

    Big Race Bet: Yorkshire Oaks (GROUP ONE) – Content @ 3/1 (General), You Got To Me e/w @ 9/2 (General) – F/CAST

     

    Juvenile Jotter

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    This looks a tight contest for the fillies. Plenty of angles from a mixture of races make it hard to find the right form race to follow. The history of this race also varies with no one path being the right one. However, those bred by sprinters seem to be the ones who come out on top.

    In which case Miss Lamai makes sense. She has two wins to her name and has some Listed form to her name too. Bred by Mehmas, she is a future group sprinter and the step up to six won’t bother her at all. Karl Burke also has a good record in the Lowther, winning it twice since 2019.

    Juvenile Jotter Bet: Lowther Stakes (Group Two) – Miss Lamai @ 8/1 (William Hill)

     

    Handy Handicap Guide

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    The Clipper Handicap is often very volatile. Very few at the top of the market win this race and we’ve been treated to a few shocks in recent years. 40/1 Ropey Guest last year and 28/1 Cruyff Turn in 2021 hammer home that there is potential throughout the market.

    Two grab attention for me. James McHenry has had a consistent season with a win and two seconds, including losing to La Trinidad at Thirsk last time out. He remains on the same mark whilst La Trinidad suffers with a penalty. He also has won on firm ground which is a big plus and steps up into the big handicap company with a workable weight.

    Metal Merchant started his season with a win in the Spring Cup but has fallen under the radar in requisite runs. However, he’s been dropped a pound for finishing a length behind in the International Stakes at Ascot in fourth and also comes into the race two pounds well-in. Signs look postitive for this York racecourse debutant.

    Handy Handicap Bet: Clipper Handicap (Hertiage H’cap) – James McHenry e/w @ 11/1 (General), Metal Merchant e/w @ 12/1 (William Hill)

     

    Selections:

    13:50 – Lowther Stakes (Group Two) – Miss Lamai @ 8/1 (William Hill), Tales Of The Heart e/w @ 14/1 (William Hill)
    14:25 – Goffs Premier Yearling Stakes – An Outlaw’s Grace @ 4/1 (William Hill), Territorial Knight e/w @ 11/1 (William Hill), Sensorium e/w @ 22/1 (William Hill, BetVictor, Unibet)
    15:00 – Clipper Handicap (Hertiage H’cap) – James McHenry e/w @ 11/1 (General), Metal Merchant e/w @ 12/1 (William Hill)
    15:35 – Yorkshire Oaks (GROUP ONE) – Content @ 3/1 (General), You Got To Me e/w @ 9/2 (General) – F/CAST
    16:10 – Galtres Stakes (Listed) – Sea Just In Time @ 9/4 (William Hill, Unibet)
    16:45 – EBF Nursery – Spell Master @ 7/1 (William Hill), Original Outlaw e/w @ 13/2, Hot Property e/w @ 14/1 (William Hill)
    17:20 – British EBF Fillies’ Handicap (Heritage H’cap) – Alfa Kenellic @ 8/1 (William Hill), Sunfall e/w @ 11/1 (General), Queen Of Mougins e/w @ 12/1 (William Hill)

    Best of Luck!

  • Ebor Festival 2024 | Day One Selections

    Ebor Festival 2024 | Day One Selections

    Racing heads to God’s Own County as York hosts the prestigious Ebor Festival. Day One is full of mouth-watering contests, including the Juddmonte International which sees City Of Troy face his biggest challenge yet on the Knavesmire. Can he step up to the challenge? Find out with selections for all seven races below.

     

    Big Race View

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    This is by far the best renewal of the Juddmonte International for a long time. 13 runners head to post, led by the Ballydoyle superstar City Of Troy. What challenges await him, and is he up to the challenge?

    First he has to overcome his issue of hanging to the right. At Epsom, he was led away by a loose but there was no excuse at Sandown. It’s a half-mile straight at York, and his big galloping style will definitely suit and he should iron out that issue. And despite not running on firm ground, he’s by two horses that relish fast conditions. He’s value whilst he’s odds-against.

    Looking down the market, Ambiente Friendly should also run a good race. Bred for this distance by a miler and out of an unbeaten mile-and-quarter mare, he should relish the drop in trip after two tough Derby tests.

    Value is undoubtedly with the French horse, but not Calandgan. For me, Zarakem ran a stormer of a race in the Prince of Wales’s at Ascot, and was close to running down Auguste Rodin. It’s his preferred distance and seems to go on any ground. I don’t think he’ll win, but he’ll be mighty close.

    Big Race Bet: Juddmonte International Stakes (GROUP ONE) – City Of Troy WIN @ 11/8 (General), Ambiente Friendly e/w @ 15/2 (William Hill), Zarakem e/w @ 12/1 (William Hill)

     

    Juvenile Jotter

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    This race has been deemed an open and shut case by the bookmakers. There’s a 15.5 point gap between second favourite The Lion In Winter and third favourite Wimbledon Hawkeye. Only one favourite has won in the past 10 years and Charlie Appleby has never won the race. Aidan O’Brien has not won the race since 2000, so it makes sense to look elsewhere.

    Yaroogh is my choice, as all horses from the last ten years have come out of either maidens or novices races. He’s one of the more experienced after last in a hot Newmarket maiden in April, then readily won at Haydock with the form backed up from that race. He’s yet to prove himself on firm ground, but he’s progressive and should be stepping up to middle distances at three.

    Juvenile Jotter Bet: Tattersalls Acomb Stakes (Group Three) – Yaroogh @ 22/1 (Boylesports)

     

    Handy Handicap Guide

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    This meeting is peppered with handicaps, with Northern trainers all aiming there horses throughout the season for these valuable races. No less so than in our first race the Symphony Handicap. This sprint race has been won seven times out of the last 10 years by Northern trainers, and one horse has been aimed specifically for this race.

    Jm Jungle, who finished a tight third in last year’s contest hasn’t had a great season. But he is racing off a mark of 88, four pounds lower than last year. He’s also in a significant place in the draw. He’s in the low numbers, where there is an identified pace setter. Knowing he’s been targeted at this race, on a lower mark than last year and in a nice draw make the choice a bit easier in a highly competitive race.

    Handy Handicap Bet: Symphony Group Handicap (Hertiage H’cap) – Jm Jungle e/w @ 10/1 (General)

     

    Selections:

    13:50 – Symphony Group Handicap (Hertiage H’cap) – Jm Jungle e/w @ 10/1 (General), Tees Spirit e/w @ 25/1 (General), Squealer e/w @ 33/1 (William Hill)
    14:25 – Tattersalls Acomb Stakes (Group Three) – Yaroogh @ 22/1 (Boylesports), Diablo Rojo e/w @ 25/1 (General), Rajeko e/w @ 25/1 (General)
    15:00 – Great Voltigeur Stakes (Group Two) – Los Angeles @ 13/8 (William Hill)
    15:35 – Juddmonte International Stakes (GROUP ONE) – City Of Troy WIN @ 11/8 (General), Ambiente Friendly e/w @ 15/2 (William Hill), Zarakem e/w @ 12/1 (William Hill)
    16:10 – Stayers Handicap (Heritage H’cap) – Knightswood @ 15/2 (William Hill), Forza Orta e/w @ 9/1 (General)
    16:45 – ITM Fillies’ Handicap (Heritage H’cap) – Got To Love A Grey @ 11/2 (Betfred, Boylesports), Designer e/w @ 10/1 (William Hill)
    17:20 – Nursery Handicap – Artagnan @ 6/1 (William Hill), Cayman Tai e/w @ 17/2 (William Hill)

    Best of Luck!

  • Four To Follow: Rare Visit To Ripon

    Four To Follow: Rare Visit To Ripon

    We’re setting up camp in North Yorkshire this week. With the Ebor Festival next week, we head to the dales to visit Ripon for their premier meeting. The Great St. Wilfred handicap is full of your favourite sprinters, whilst down at Newbury there’s group action and the Irish St. Leger Trial at the Curragh.

     

    Ripon

    A Queen Classic

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    3:20 – William Hill Great St. Wilfrid Handicap – Radio Goo Goo @ 10/1 (General)

    There’s been a lot to like about Radio Goo Goo this season. She had her first win of the season at Ripon over C&D, then won at Chester before two close finishes at Newmarket and in the Racing League at Chepstow last time out. She should overturn that result with Manila Scouse and she’s drawn in the paciest part of the field. Firmer ground tends to favour stand side horses, but those drawn low have pace to latch on to today.

    Almarada Prince is either on it or off it, and hopefully today he’s on it. He was impressive finishing in behind the well finishing James’s Delight in the Macmillan Sprint but didn’t go one better next time out on the all-weather. However he’s on a competitive mark and likes to get a good toe into the race. Another positive for him is that Ripon on a dry day suits front runners. 16/1 (General).

    Emperor Spirit has been running at five furlongs this season, but has always ran at six furlongs for much of his career. Last year he finished seventh off a mark of 92 and is three pounds lower this time around. Going on evidence this season, he can be hot and cold and needs a repeat performance of his performance at Ascot when beaten a head by Albasheer. Definitely eye-catching at the price, 18/1 (William Hill, BetVictor).

     

    Newbury

    Freer Gear

    1:50 – BetVictor Geoffrey Freer Stakes (Group Three) – Al Qareem @ 7/2 (William Hill)

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    It’s really a race between the top two, as Sumo Sam needs soft ground, Roberto Escobarr’s best days are behind him and it’s Go Daddy’s first time in a British Group race.

    So why Al Qareem over a highly impressive Al Aasy? Well, Al Aasy hasn’t raced at this trip since winning the Bahrain Trophy, whilst Al Qraeem is an out and out stayer. Al Qareem was also unlucky here at the start of the season, but did give Hamish a run for his money. This looks to be a race that will really suit him.

     

    Hunger-y For More

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    3:35 – BetVictor Hungerford Stakes (Group Two) – Kikkuli @ 11/4 (William Hill, Boylesports)

    Kikkuli was really disappointing in the Group One Prix Jean Prat, but maybe he wasn’t ready for the top level, just yet. Ignore that race and look to his great battle with Haatem in the Jersey Stakes. He battled hard and just needed that little bit more to pass. English Oak seemed to struggle in his foray into Group company, and is worth opposing again.

    Folgaria also is a fancy at the prices. She won the Fred Darling Stakes, often used as a trial for a 1000 Guineas, but didn’t find her feet in the two requisite Group Ones, but she could not have fallen into a better form race if she tried when racing in the Coronation Stakes. She may need a bit more dig in the ground come post time, but I like her chances at 14/1 (BetVictor).

     

    Curragh

    Crazy Horse

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    4:35 – Irish St. Leger Trial Stakes (Group Three) – Absurde @ 3/1 (William Hill)

    Willie’s in the bumper, anyone? Absurde is a high class horse in both disciplines, and after his victory in last year’s Ebor he ticks every box for a stayer on the flat. Grosvenor Square ran a hearty race against his elders in the Curragh Cup, but was second string that day. Absurde, despite giving weight away, will handle pretty much anything in his way and his price makes appeal.

    The very best of luck!