Best Of Bets

Tag: Newcastle

  • Four To Follow – Got Gold?

    Four To Follow – Got Gold?

    One of the feature handicap highlights of the season falls upon us. Formerly the Hennessey, the who will take the prestigious Coral Gold Cup? Plus two more competitive handicaps at Newbury and Newcastle and the small matter of the G1 Fighting Fifth.

     

    Newbury

    A Gold Gamble

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    2:25 – Gerry Feilden Intermediate H’cap Hurdle (Premier H’cap) – Queens Gamble @ 5/1 (William Hill)

    Queens Gamble has been rather consistent returning to form after a break. Reading 121, she can make it four in a row over hurdles in a race she’s been trained for since returning from Summer. Although we would have liked to have seen her more last season she has form to act with Casa No Mento winning twice subsequently. The ground seems to be drying, in her favour, at Newbury too.

    Nicknamed “the Ferrari” Liari was an underrated horse last season, particularly in the British juvenile division. He returned with a decent third at Chepstow, where the winner subsequently placed on his next start behind a good horse in Givemefive. But before pulling up at Cheltenham, he bossed fields at Wincanton, Aintree and Musselburgh in the Scottish Triumph Hurdle. 7/1 (BetVictor).

    Another stand-out British juvenile was Salver, who makes his reappearance after finishing third in the G1 Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham. The second-placed horse that day finished second at Aintree and won at Punchestown, so the form stacks up. He may want a bit more juice in the ground, but this represents a big drop in grade. 9/1 (William Hill).

     

    Rank And File

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    3:00 – Coral Gold Cup H’cap Chase (Premier H’cap) – Colonel Harry @ 9/1 (William Hill)

    This goes without saying, one of the poorest renewals of the “Hennessey” for a while. Usually, you can identify a potential Gold Cup horse in this race, but this field don’t seem to have the capability.

    But it’s still a great betting race, and I’ve identified Colonel Harry as the potential winner. He’s a second season chaser and has already had a prep run, which is a big plus in this race. He runs for the same trainer jockey and owners of the great Datsalrightgino, last year’s winner, and has a very similar profile and book of form.

    Despite being a shorter price than the top pick Broadway Boy looked to have the credentials of a top-level handicap chaser when he won over this distance at Cheltenham back in December last year. He returned with a decent third, twelve-and-a-half lengths behind Senior Chief who reopposes today. It’s a question of whether he will suit a galloping track and slightly better ground than soft. Has been well-aimed at this race to try and deliver. 13/2 (William Hill).

    Henry’s Friend looks like a decent each-way bet, if you consider his Grade Two win at Ascot denying Kilbeg King in a thriller. He made a seasonal reappearance over hurdles, but suits fences much better. Runs for the Ben Pauling team who picked up a Grade Two winner yesterday. 12/1 (General).

     

    Newcastle

    Gold Gino

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    2:10 – Fighting Fifth Hurdle (Grade One) – Sir Gino @ 11/10 (William Hill, Boylesports)

    Super-sub Sir Gino replaces Constitution Hill. But he isn’t just some run of the mill second-season hurdler. This horse bolted up the hill and Cheltenham and went clear up the run-in at Aintree against the Triumph Hurdle second. Despite a well-bred Grade One winner in Mystical Power coming over to plunder a big prize for Willie Mullins, Sir Gino has shown more class.

     

    Bow To Redknapp

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    3:20 – Rehearsal Handicap Chase (Premier H’cap) – Bowtogreatness @ 15/2 (William Hill)

    Bowtogreatness showed great class in handicap company last time out, beating a decent Kim Bailey horse who won Chepstow beforehand. He also ran against two subsequent winners in a Cheltenham novice chase who have backed the form up for him to go well here, under a lenient four-pound rise for the in-form Pauling team.

    Neon Moon has been pretty consistent this season and put up an admirable performance against Chianti Classico at Ascot at the start of the month. He won first time out at Chepstow and looks to be riding the crest of a wave in the handicap. His window seems narrow, so this may the last chance to see the best of him before the spring. 8/1 (General).

  • FIVE To Follow: Double The Derby

    FIVE To Follow: Double The Derby

    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

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    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)

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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!

     

  • Four To Follow: Last Chance Saloon

    Four To Follow: Last Chance Saloon

    With three weeks to go until the Cheltenham Festival, some are running out of time to find an appropriate prep race. But Kempton could provide a last chance with three Grade Two races and a big-money handicap too. Plus, we look ahead to the Grand National with the Eider Chase and the Winter Derby moves up to Southwell from Lingfield, to complete this week’s Four To Follow.

     

    Kempton

    Patron Pay Day

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    2:27 – Pendil Novice’s Chase (Grade Two) – Le Patron @ 9/2 (William Hill)

    The Scilly Isles’ was his first no-show of the season, but it’s clear that he wasn’t suited by the front-running tactics of Nickle Back. Because of that, his jumping display was quite poor. With no identified pace in the field, it should be back to normal for Le Patron, who is a two-time winner at this level and will feel at home going right-handed at Kempton. Even with a five-pound penalty, he’s still the best rated horse and should be taken seriously.

     

    The Wizard Of Odds

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    3:37 – Coral Trophy Handicap Chase (Premier) – Blackjack Magic @ 13/2 (Boylesports)

    There’s a key bit of form for this race which comes from November. The Ascot Silver Cup’s top four horses have all won since. Two feature in this race today, including Blackjack Magic. He hasn’t set the world alight since winning the Badger Beers at Wincanton, but he’s handicapped back to a nice mark of 138. This was the same mark he was back in November, when making a mistake at the last when running a cracker. He as every chance of running another again.

    Unanswered Prayers doesn’t look the most attractive on recent form. A fall and an unseat, bookended by two fifths don’t’ make it for good reading. However, he ran a big race when battling for second at the last fence with Grand National Trial winner Yeah Man. His form for the next race at Ascot also holds up too. He’s off the same mark for the Sodexo Gold Cup and can run a massive race at a massive price, 25/1 (BetVictor, Boylesports).

     

    Newcastle

    Duck For Cover

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    2:08 – Eider Handicap Chase – Fenland Tiger @ 6/1 (BetVictor, Betfred)

    Fun fact: and Eider is a duck. But today is about the Tiger. Everyone may be looking towards Anglers Crag, but the handicapper has had a field day raising him a massive 11lbs after a hattrick of wins. That will be hard to overcome, when he’s stepping up in class too.

    Fenland Tiger can take advantage of that massive rise in the weights, and the heavy ground up at Gosforth Park. He’s likes extreme distances, winning over three-and-a-quarter miles at Doncaster at the start of the year. He faces another rise of seven pounds, but with the ground as it is he has to be favoured a little too big of a price.

    Tommie Beau is another who can take advantage of the boggy conditions. He’s won two ‘Nationals’ already (Durham and Southern) and second in the Sussex National too. Heavy ground + extreme distance suits him to a tee and the mark he’s been given won’t trouble him. Nice even price at 8/1 (General).

    One rain lover at a bigger price is Rath An Iuir. Despite making a big jump from class four to class two, he ran in last year’s Eider and is on a three-pound lower mark this time around. Heavy ground helped him in his win at Kelso over the Festive period and sneaks in at the bottom end of the weights. Each-way claims at 12/1 (General).

     

    Southwell

    A Last Hurrah?

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    3:20 – BetUK Winter Derby Stakes (Group Three) – Lord North @ 13/8 (General)

    Lord North has been a world class horse, but we haven’t seen him since he won the Dubai Turf at the World Cup Festival last year. It’s clear that John & Thady Gosden want him to come here, before one last big international plunder. He’s 11lbs clear of the rest on level weights, and it makes little to no sense why he’s odds-against.

    The very best of luck!

  • Four To Follow: A Stroke Of Genius

    Four To Follow: A Stroke Of Genius

    We’re all heading to Newbury this Saturday to escape some of the freezing weather up North. With Newcastle cancelled, and some more likely, all eyes are on Berkshire. The Coral Gold Cup, or Hennessey if you prefer, takes centre stage with some exiting novices to look out for too. It’s another Saturday Four To Follow

     

    It’s Cold Up North

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    1:40 – Coral Handicap Hurdle – North Lodge @ 15/2 (BetVictor, Betfred)

    Despite being off the track for 602 days, North Lodge looks like a class above here. He was last seen being placed in a Grade One novice hurdle at Aintree, beating the likes of Good Risk At All, Colonel Mustard and Stage Star. With a form book like that, there’s a weight of expectation for North Lodge to start with a win. And with the ground conditions a little firmer than usual, North Lodge should relish and outperform this significant drop in class.

    That being said, Get A Tonic provides a more definite outlook. After experimenting over fences, she’s back to hurdles and racing off a decent mark of 130. A drop of five pounds is significant and may enjoy the drop back in trip too. Offers similar value to North Lodge at 15/2 (William Hill), and has already had a run for the Skelton’s.

     

    Everything Is Under Control

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    2:15 – Gerry Fielden Intermediate H’cap Hurdle (Premier) – Under Control @ 13/8 (William Hill, BetVictor)

    My BestofBets colleague Ash Symonds has waxed lyrical since the start of the season about Under Control. And I’ve succumbed to agree with him, for this race at least. Nine wins for Nicky Henderson in this race, shows how much quality can come out of it. And beating Iberico Lord only makes a simpler task of picking him as the NAP of the day. Expect him to go off odds-on.

    And Our Champ could also turn up at a rather inflated price. He was well beaten on soft ground last time out, but the ground will be more to his liking today. Rex Dingle will be hoping for another determined performance after Dashel Drasher’s narrow win yesterday, but he may have to settle for second with and impressive winner at the start of this season. Each-way claims at 16/1 (BetVictor, BetUK).

     

    Behold, My Genius Plan

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    2:50 – Coral Gold Cup Handicap Chase (Premier) – Monbeg Genius @ 15/2 (Betfred, Boylesports)

    Probably the most improving horse in the field, Monbeg Genius has every right to be up there for this one. Ignore his Ascot run, when he was hampered, and you have a horse worthy winning any big handicap.

    The main formline is the Ultima from March, a Grand National winner and a horse who has beaten the Gold Cup winner twice is something worth noting. And, keeping it in the family, Minella Missile (Tipped on this page) won at Cheltenham and is two from two.

    Ground is no object, weight is perfect, trainer in form. What could possibly go wrong?

    Stolen Silver may look like one that’s been thrown in the deep end by the handicapper. But with Ahoy Senor’s addition, the weight he’s carrying looks doable. A win in the Native River at Chepstow assured the fact he would easily get the three-mile trip.

    Whilst it may look he wants soft ground, he will go on any. Sam Thomas is a good placing trainer and I expect he has had Stolen Silver ready for this tilt. Worth having on your side at 12/1 (William Hill, Betfred, Boylesports).

    And an outsider that could get in those extra places, Kitty’s Light. It may not be his time of the season yet, but you feel with his chasing mark he has to go for these big handicaps. He’s weighted favourably for this race, and he’s coming in here off the back of two underwhelming hurdle runs.

    He’s much better over the bigger obstacles and possesses so much quality, he’s hard to ignore at 20/1 (BetVictor, Betfred, Boylesports).

     

    Chest-Nutz Roasting

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    3:25 – Jim Joel Memorial Trophy H’cap Chase – Elixir De Nutz @ 11/2 (General)

    Master Chewy has been well backed after taking to fences well. But Elixir De Nutz displayed the quality of a six-year-old when winning the Haldon Gold Cup in fantastic fashion. Go back to the run in last year’s Game Spirit and you’ll see him plugging on when the pace got hot. Freddie Gingell is back after his big break at Exeter and can find some form for the duo.

    The very best of luck!

  • Four To Follow: Cheers To The Beers

    Four To Follow: Cheers To The Beers

    It’s Badger Beers Day at Wincanton, which is always a great handicap to watch early in the season. There’s a strong contingent from the Paul Nicholls’ stable at his local track to look out for. A bit further up North, we’ve action over the National fences at Aintree and the rescheduled November handicap at Newcastle.

     

    Wincanton

    The Old Ones Are Best

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    2:25 – 62nd Badger Beers Handicap Chase (Premier H’cap) – Frodon @ 18/5 (BetVictor)

    Frodon performed so well in the Badger Beers last year, you feel as though this is the best opportunity to get a win this season. The 12-Y-O is possibly one of the most loved horses in racing and it will be sad when he leaves the scene. For today, he’s back on the same wining mark as he was last year and can go on any ground at all. I think Nicholls’ other runner, Threeunderthrufive, will be aiming for bigger prizes later this season.

    Blackjack Magic was an very progressive chaser last season, and goes well fresh too. He won’t want the ground drying out too much, as he is a mud lover. But I think we’ll be seeing much more of Blackjack Magic in these types of races this season and is certainly interesting at 9/1 (BetUK)

    Ballygriffincottage was on my radar at the start of last season, but things went awry, and we never saw him at his best. His jumping wasn’t great on seasonal reappearance at Newton Abbot and needs to rediscover his form from Haydock this time last year. He’s off the same mark as that win and can give a good account of himself if he jumps well. 16/1 (William Hill) is a fair price.

     

    Maybe Not Nicholls

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    2:25 – Elite Hurdle (Grade Two) – Hansard @ 7/4 (William Hill, Betfred)

    This isn’t a Grade Two by any standards. With four runners, and two of them far clear of the other pair. It’s a match with Rubaud, who shaped well at Kempton last time out. But Hansard is a talented individual as well, and has beaten good-looking chaser Master Chewy over timber. He won’t mind the conditions, and can reverse the form from the Dovecote in February.

     

    Aintree

    Banging The Drum

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    2:45 – Boylesports Grand Sefton H’cap Chase – Percussion @ 8/1 (BetUK)

    This race is for the mud lovers, as the National course passed a 9AM inspection yesterday. Percussion is 1/1 on heavy ground, in a bizarre finish at Fontwell (Well worth a watch). Percussion also has the added advantage of competing over the National fences, finishing third in this race last year and the Becher Chase. He’s on a lower mark than both of those races and can be up there at the elbow.

    Frero Banbou is another that catches the eye. Despite not competing over the National fences, and only once over two-and-a-half miles, he looks the sort that could relish the conditions. Venetia Williams is hitting a purple patch of form, and she has one that can perform on the conditions. Similar price to the main selection, 9/1 (General)

     

    Newcastle

    A Wily Choice

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    3:45 – November Handicap – Teumessias Fox @ 6/1 (General)

    Teumessias Fox has a great record on the All-weather; two wins and two thirds. So, it’s safe to say he’ll be up there. He comes in the race fresh and has Callum Hutchinson claiming a crucial three pounds, which brings him down to the level he was in the Spring. Top weight won’t be much of a problem and can land the last big prize handicap of the flat.

    Chillingham for Ed Bethell is another runner I find interesting for this contest. He both finished and started his seasons with wins in 22/23 and could do the same here. His form on soft ground will suit the tapeta and is only a pound higher than a narrow loss at Ripon in July. Off a break, he’s another that could go well on the Tapeta; one race, one third. 13/2 (General) is a price to be had.

    Further down the market, Struth makes a bit of appeal. An established front-runner, he may face problems up the run-in. He’s down to a likeable mark, at which he was headed off the line at Ascot in August. If he runs a hot race, he may be hard to peg back. Unexposed on AW. 18/1 (BetVictor, Boylesports)

    The very best of luck!

  • Premier League 2023/24 | Game of the Week betting

    Premier League 2023/24 | Game of the Week betting

    Opening day was full of controversy and entertainment. So, what does Gameweek 2 have in store for us?

    The Premier League is back and the sporting world is all the better for it.

    Each week of the season, BestofBets will showcase the pick of the crop each weekend, so what takes top billing this time around? And what are the latest Premier League betting odds?

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    Manchester City vs Newcastle United, Etihad Stadium, Saturday (8pm BST)

    It’s two from two for Newcastle in BestofBets’ game of the week.

    Last time out they delivered a statement of intent to thrash Aston Villa 5-1 – in what many thought would be a closely-fought contest.

    Eddie Howe has added some serious firepower to one of the league’s meanest defences. Alexander Isak was razor-sharp last week, notching two goals, while Sandro ‘Toonali’ got the dream debut after his arrival from AC Milan, scoring inside six minutes.

    Can the Magpies inflict an early dent into Manchester City’s hopes of a fourth straight title?

    Haaland v Botman

    The league’s premier striker against one of its most underrated, yet effective, centre-backs should be a battle for the ages.

    Botman has the size and strength to contend with Haaland, and in the past year he’s taken to the Premier League like a duck to water.

    Yet, the Norwegian goal machine started the season in ominous form last weekend, bagging a brace to see off Burnley. And he looks hungry for more.

     

    Grealish v Trippier

    The all-England battle on City’s left, and Newcastle’s right, should be good to watch.

    Trippier is the Geordies’ Mr. Dependable. Hardly anything gets past him – except £100m Grealish might.

    The low-socked, slaloming City No.10 is now at home in sky blue and doing Pep Guardiola’s bidding with delight. Trippier will have to be on his mettle to keep Grealish at bay on Saturday night.

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    Changing the record

    The one thing standing in Newcastle’s way this weekend is their appalling record at Eastlands.

    City have won the past eight home matches against the men in black and white, by an aggregate score of 30 goals to three. The Magpies have been walloped on almost every visit down the M1 and M62.

    Even their sole victory was in the League Cup. You have to go back to September 2000 for Newcastle’s most recent league win away at City; the Etihad wasn’t even built.

    But things are different now, under Howe. Last season’s 3-3 draw at home to City will breathe confidence into the Toon Army, who will travel down in numbers on a balmy Saturday evening in Manchester.

    Premier League betting: No value in City win

    A City win is 4/6 with bookmakers Bet365, which represents little to no value.

    Far more interesting are the odds of a Newcastle win (4/1) or a draw (3/1).

    It’s always hazardous betting against City at the Etihad Stadium, but if they’re ever going to slip up, it could be in an early season clash against in-form Newcastle.

    Find more Premier League betting odds here.

  • Four To Follow: Northumberland Plate & Irish Derby

    Four To Follow: Northumberland Plate & Irish Derby

    We’re all on the come-down from Royal Ascot this week, but there is still top-class action to be had. There’s big handicap action up at Newcastle, with the Northumberland Plate the feature on Saturday, and two Group One’s over at The Curragh this weekend. Here are four Best Bets over the weekend.

    KEEP IT BRIEF

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    12:55 – Chipchase Stakes (Group Three) – Brad The Brief @ 4/1 (BetVictor)

    Brad The Brief is making his seasonal reappearance for Hugo Palmer, a little later than predicted. The ground on the all-weather at Newcastle is Standard to slow, which does give an advantage to those horses that prefer it a bit softer on turf. Secondly, his record fresh isn’t bad, winning twice out of five, those two coming in similar contests. He hasn’t run on the UK all-weather since a two-year-old at Wolverhampton. Price represents good value, against a horse who has an excellent record on the All-weather, in Tiber Flow.

    PLATE IT UP

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    14:05 – NORTHUMBERLAND PLATE (Heritage H’cap) – ADJUVANT @ 6/1 (BetVictor, Boylesports)

    The Northumberland Plate is one of those races where you can, more often than not, find the winner. In the past 10 runnings of the race, the biggest priced winners were 33/1 and 16/1. If you head towards the market, you should land on the winner. Which is why I’ve gone with Adjuvant. He’s been kept fresh since winning a class three handicap at Newmarket, and was raised four pounds for that win. He was a regular feature in big three-year-old handicaps last year, being placed in the Melrose his best result. Talented Billy Loughnane gets the leg up, and rode a double at Bath this week, and jockey form like that can’t be ignored. And last time he was at Newcastle, he rode a treble. Step up in trip won’t be a problem, and all-weather should suit, given he’s making his debut on the surface.

    Staying at the top of the shop, Omniscient for the legend that is Sir Mark Prescott can’t be ignored. Makes his reappearance, off the back of a win at the end of last season, on the all-weather. He may have had a steep rise in the handicap, but Prescott must feel that it is a fair mark for him. He’s at a 33%, which shows evidence of his shrewdness and knowledge, and has a good chance to add the Pitman’s Derby to an illustrious CV. Omniscient with each-way claims at 10/1 (General)

    AN O’BRIEN FAIRYTALE

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    15:25 – Pretty Polly Stakes (Group One) – Never Ending Story @ 5/1 (BetVictor)

    Looking at this race on paper, it doesn’t scream Group One. We’ve had a few races like this, this season, and the quality doesn’t fill me with much joy. Which is why I’m taking advantage of the massive allowances that two of these fillies get. Never Ending Story is one of these, and has raced in two Group One’s this season. Both were in France, and both times she lost to Blue Rose Cen. In the Prix de Diane, she ran a second and was more suited to the trip. She may be playing second-fiddle, but I think everyone’s on the wrong O’Brien horse.

    Sunday

    STATE THE OBVIOUS

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    3:40 – IRISH DERBY (GROUP ONE) – Proud And Regal E/W @ 40/1 (BetVictor)

    Auguste Rodin will win it. The market says so, and everyone else does. He performed to his absolute best at Epsom, and should be as on song as he was at Epsom three weeks ago. Sprewell and White Birch did run on well in behind, but I feel that Sprewell isn’t group one quality, and White Birch is second-best. But Proud And Regal at 40/1 is an each-way shout that I can’t be having. It was the wrong decision to make him step down in trip for the Irish Guineas, but hat form stood up at Royal Ascot which benefits him. He was third behind Sprewell on heavy ground over 10 furlongs, and you felt that a step up in trip would be better than stepping down. The ground will be to his liking, and he’s a Group One winner (in France), which everyone seems to have forgotten. He’s also bred for a Derby, by Galileo, and related to a few middle-distance horses.

    The very best of luck!

  • Football transfer rumours today, news, reports and gossip

    Football transfer rumours today, news, reports and gossip

    The summer transfer window is gaining momentum and football transfer rumours today showcase some big clubs making making moves in the market. Today, we at BestofBets bring you some of the biggest transfer rumours circulating in the media. Please note the source of each of the football transfer rumours is mentioned in brackets.

    Football transfer rumours today:

    Arsenal open to selling Thomas Partey this summer as part of an overhaul of their midfield. (Telegraph)

    Chelsea continue further talks for Ecuador midfielder Moises Caicedo after Brighton reject £60m offer. (Mail)

    Arsenal set to win the race to sign Kai Havertz from Chelsea after Bayern Munich left it too late to sign the German. (Sky Germany)

    Bayern Munich said to be in advanced negotiations to sign Kyle Walker from Manchester City on a permanent deal. (Sky Sports)

    Monaco defender Axel Disasi is a target for Manchester United as Kim Min-jae is now set to join Bayern from Napoli. (Fabrizio Romano)

    Chelsea still interested in signing Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen despite signing Nicolas Jackson. (90min)

    Arsenal likely to sign Declan Rice from West Ham. West Ham will try to replace him with Fulham‘s Joao Palhinha. (Fabrizio Romano)

    Marcus Rashford will become Manchester United‘s top earner with a new £375,000-a-week deal. (The Sun)

    Manchester United favourites to sign £50m-rated Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana after Chelsea ended their interest. (Evening Standard)

    Newcastle United will try to sign Nice’s France midfielder Khephren Thuram after being frustrated in their attempts for Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella. (Football Insider)

    After leaving Barcelona this summer, midfielder Sergio Busquets is close to signing a deal to join former team-mate Lionel Messi at MLS club Inter Miami. (Mundo Deportivo)

    _________________________________________________________________________

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    Want to know who are the greatest attacking trios in Premier League history? – Click here to know more!

  • Cheltenham Countdown: Notes from weekend racing

    Cheltenham Countdown: Notes from weekend racing

    As the countdown to Cheltenham 2023 enters its final fortnight, festival fever is percolating nicely ahead of the opening race a week on Tuesday.

    On the back of this past weekend’s racing not only in the UK but across the Irish Sea, it was a Saturday of revelations.

    But what have we picked out that might influence our Cheltenham picks?

    Read on.

     

    Punters should stick to Scriptwriter

    One of the big fails of the weekend was Scriptwriter’s no-show in the Coral Adonis Juvenile Hurdle at Kempton.

    Backed at 6/4f, Milton Harris saw his 4yo struggle in the extra and somewhat unexpected rain that fell last Wednesday.

    Sticking with the field for most of the piece, Paddy Brennan laboured with the Irish gelding over the final fences, fading to sixth.

    Scriptwriter was an assumed close-to-a-sure-thing this weekend and now after successive losses has taken a hit the market.

    But it is worth observing a healthy dose of perspective.

    Even with less than fortnight until the festival, this could yet serve as a pivotal learning curve.

    Yes, the fashion of his defeat has seen his odds lengthened significantly in the SkyBet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle but that shouldn’t deter an e/w bet.

    After all, though back-to-back defeats have been rather chastening, three wins on the spin beforehand are not be sniffed at.

    A full 66/1 with bet365 to open Cheltenham week, Scriptwriter could now be a something of a shot to nothing.

     

    Nusret earns glances for Boodles Juvenile

    With Scriptwriter’s misfortunes, it was JP O’Brien who celebrated his lone victory of the weekend with the impressive Nusret.

    Still a fairly short price for Saturday’s contest at 7/2, a second win of the term along with Daryl Jacob was punctuated by a wonderful leap over the last.

    So impressive a showing, the British 4yo saw his odds slashed for the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle.

    It may be easy to tag along for the ride with this pick at Cheltenham, but his prior two wins have come at The Curragh and Punchestown.

    Nusret has shone on real Irish proving grounds.

    When the juveniles head out for the final race of opening day, this lively colt will fancy his chances.

    Currently third favourite at 7/1 with William HIll, it would be no surprise to see the price for Nusret shorten.

     

    Our Power delivers

    Not to blow our own trumpet, but Our Power was magnificent in the Coral Trophy.

    Having tipped up Sam Thomas’ season debutante, the gelding was smashed up in the markets and went off at 11/2.

    Pushed by an extremely game runner-up in Flegmatik, Sam Twiston-Davies made it three wins from four aboard the 8yo.

    Living up to his name to surge home over the final furlongs, Our Power was a cut above.

    The pressing question now however, is this: how might he fair in the Ultima Handicap Chase?

    Whilst The Goffer and Into Overdrive may be getting a good deal of Antepost attention, this horse has pluck.

    Looking to make it an English successive treble at Cheltenham, Our Power holds a healthy 16/1 punt with Ladbrokes.

     

    Zenta worthy of Novices’ gamble?

    Finally, across the Irish Sea at Fairyhouse meanwhile, one name who might now be finding her way onto our Cheltenham betslip is Zenta.

    A 4/9F winner in the Norman Colfer Winning Fair Juvenile Hurdle, the 4yo was part of a Willie Mullins’ winning Saturday double in County Meath.

    Willie Mullins? Cheltenham? You got it.

    Over the four days in Gloucestershire, Mullins is expected to again romp to Leading Trainer.

    And, of his longer-shot prospects this year, this French filly could just be the ticket for punters.

    Third on debut on home French soil at Clairefontaine, Zenta has now picked up successful wins after a maiden victory at Auteuil.

    Taking the winning post on her first away trip with just three races under the belt, Zenta should be marked for the Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle.

    Yes, the field is stacked in terms of opposition and yes, this is a big step up.

    Yes, Nicky Henderson’s Luccia is favourite and unbeaten in four races; nevertheless, this remains a very open 2m1f.

    Zenta’s current price is mighty intriguing though and a 20/1 shot with Betfair, now could be the time to jump – at the very least – to place.

  • BestBets: Coral Trophy and Eider Handicap

    BestBets: Coral Trophy and Eider Handicap

    Pinch yourself punters.

    There are just three weeks remaining until Cheltenham fever sweeps the country – nay globe – once more.

    This weekend sees one of the last chances for names to make a final statement ahead of the trip to Gloucestershire in mid-March.

    With race cards at Kempton and Newcastle in mind on Saturday, two Handicap Chases stand out from the crowd.

    As the Group 1 Coral Trophy Chase at Kempton headlines, the Vertem Eider then plays a more than able role as support act.

    So, as we continue our build-up to Cheltenham, here are our four weekend punts.

     

    15:00, Kempton, Coral Trophy Handicap Chase (Group 1, 3m, 5yo+)

    In arguably the big race of the weekend, the Coral Trophy Handicap Chase in Surrey sees three front-runners already penned in for the Ultima at Cheltenham.

    However, one name yet to confirm his trip to the festival is Cap Du Nord.

    Having only recently made his debut at Cheltenham, Jack Tudor rode the somewhat startled 10yo home in flat last on New Years’ Day.

    A sizeable setback, yes, but the duos’ last two outings together have been significantly improved.

    With a runners-up spot behind Cooper’s Cross – also racing here – in the SkyBet Handicap at Doncaster last month, Cap Du Nord then won impressively last weekend at Ascot.

    A seven-length winner in the Swinley, the French gelding also comes into this as defending champ.

    So can Cap make it back-to-back wins on successive weekends?

    A 5/1 shot with Coral and Ladbrokes looks a good bet and it could also provide vital prep if the expected journey to Cheltenham emerges.

    Elsewhere in the going, we noted the three front-runners present here and of the trio set to go in the festival curtain-raiser, Our Power is pricking up our ears.

    Though this will be the first outing of the season for Sam Thomas’ gelding, the 8yo wrapped up last term in glowing fashion with Charlie Deutsch in the saddle.

    Winning the London Gold Cup at the end of October, Sam Twiston-Davies rode Our Power to a memorable win in the PaddyPower Silver Plate on this very same course.

    Could Our Power muscle his way to a second win at Kempton and an eighth career win?

    An 8/1 price with BoyleSports says yes.

     

    15:25, Newcastle, Vertem Eider Handicap Chase (Group 2, 4m1½f, 5yo+)

    Around 25 minutes afterwards, we switch north to Newcastle for a step down in class for the Vertem Eider but a contest which looks just as appealing for punters.

    Whilst most of the pre-Cheltenham field have assembled south of London, the in-form Eva’s Oskar has opted to stand out from the crowd here.

    An 8/1 winner of the Dahlbury at Cheltenham at the end of last year, the 9yo was unfortunate not to have had two wins up the hill having been beaten by Does He Know in the race prior.

    Sixth in at Sandown earlier this month but set for the Ultima also, Eva’s Oskar looks a very decent 9/1 with bet365.

    In the same race and for a slightly bigger price, we have also got our eye on Houston Texas.

    Winless in three, the Irish son of Dylan Thomas book-ended last season and the new term with wins at Carlisle at short odds.

    Rather going against the argument, in four previous forays to Newcastle, Houston Texas has yet to pick up a win.

    Yet, trainer Nicky Richards saw his own Aubis Walk absolutely bolt up to a 23-length romp a short trip away at Sedgefield on Thursday.

    Visibly bullish of the chances of another winner to come this weekend, eagle-eyed watchers of Sky Sports Racing may have noted a cause for optimism. 

    Here, Richards’ horse is bigger 16/1 punt with William Hill but with more than a hint of form to come.