Alan Thomson, the former Racing Editor at the Daily Record, puts up five tips at Newmarket, Ascot and Wetherby on Saturday. View selections below.
Lightly raced GETHIN (3.25) can take another step forward in the James Seymour Stakes, a 1m 2f Listed contest at Newmarket.
Owen Burrows re-introduced his colt at Newbury back in April and Gethin had more than three lengths in hand of his nearest pursuer before finding one just too strong over a longer trip at Saint-Cloud (heavy) last month. This event looks well within his compass.
Karl Burke pocketed this nice pot with Bolster 12 month ago and the winner is back for another crack. He hasn’t been in such rampant form this season, however, and stable companion Liberty Lane, last October’s comfortable Cambridgeshire winner, looks the stable’s first string.
Andrew Balding’s Royal Playwright made all when beating a couple of rivals at Goodwood, building on his solid third in the Group 3 Winter Stakes at Windsor.
ALEXAI (3.10) races off the same mark following last month’s excellent second to Celtic Dino in the Welsh Champion Hurdle and Joe Tizzard’s gelding can take full advantage of the assessor’s leniency in the two-mile handicap hurdle at Ascot.
Washington holds an advantage over Moveit Like Minnie on their recent Chepstow running but precious little separates the pair on today’s terms.
The Tizzard yard have high hopes of landing the valuable Sodexo Gold Cup Handicap Chase with THE CHANGING MAN (3.45).
The eight-year-old scored by 24 lengths when making all over course and distance in February and trumped that performance when finishing second under a big burden in the Ultima Handicap Chase at Cheltenham the following month.
Kim Bailey’s top weight Two For Gold, fourth in this event 12 months ago, is now 4lb lower and could hit the frame once again, with some firms offering four places each-way.
Courtlands and Bhaloo filled the places in the competitive Summer Plate at Market Rasen in July and should be involved.
Earlier on the card, BOOTHILL (2.05) can underline his liking for the track by defying top weight in the two-mile handicap chase.
Harry Fry’s gelding, a three-time course and distance winner, had four lengths to spare over First Flow here last November and looks likely to be sent off at an attractive each-way price.
Dan Skelton’s L’eau Du Sud reeled off four straight victories around this time last season and the stable keeps churning out winners.
Martator, successful in this event 12 month ago for Venetia Williams, has little in hand of runner-up Issar D’airy and both can be expected to put up another bold show.
The bet365 Charlie Hall Chase carries the feature tag at Wetherby where STRONG LEADER (2.22) can justify favouritism in the supporting three-mile bet365 Hurdle.
Olly Murphy’s gelding scooped the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury last November and comes to hand early in the season.
Tally Ho
Alan
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NB. All odds shown are correct at time of publishing and are subject to change.
