We’re aiming for handicap heaven at York and Newmarket this week
Published:
There’s no excuse for not being excited by the racing we have in store this Saturday, with a whopping 10 races shown live on Channel 4.
The pick of the bunch is undoubtedly the July Cup at Newmarket, where Commonwealth Cup winner Muhaarar takes on Diamond Jubilee Stakes runner up Brazen Beau.
We discussed that race, along with two others in our latest podcast…
But it’s the handicaps we are interested for our best bets this week.
With Ladbrokes offering a free bet if you can find a winner at 4/1 or bigger*, these big-priced shouts are worth an interest each-way or otherwise.
Tim Easterby will be hoping blinkers do the job of helping this son of Dutch Art get his head in front for the first time in two years.
Don’t be opposed to backing him each-way because of that though, as he more often than not runs his race.
He’s been dropped another pound for a defeat at Ayr where he was just run out of the places and is now just 1lb higher than when he was second in the Thirsk Hunt Cup in May.
Much was thought of this horse during his unbeaten three-year-old campaign, and with conditions in his favour and a drop down the weights can make the frame here.
You have to forgive a below par run last time out at Haydock for Richard Hannon’s colt, but his three runs before that suggest he is well overpriced here.
A victory on the Rowley Mile off a mark of just 3lb higher than he runs off here looks even better when you consider the runner-up Gibeon has gone on to chase home some very useful types, including on the July Course on Thursday.
Prior to that he saw off Intilaaq, who was sent off an 8/1 chance for the Guineas at Ascot, and although that horse was well beaten, he looks to have plenty of class.
It appears the market is writing off this chestnut after one bad run, and with a bit of faith can bounce back at a price.
A winner over 5f on his two-year-old debut it may be somewhat of a surprise to see him lining up in a 10f contest here.
But having got within 5l of Group performer Western Hymn on ground that was against him on only his second start at the trip, looks a thoroughly unexposed middle-distance horse.
Beaten just half a length by the improving Basem at Sandown last time out, there is reason to believe there is more to come now upped in trip off the same mark.
He’s a Group 3 winner and will certainly have conditions in his favour with the rattling ground forecast on the Knavesmire.
With Ladbrokes paying out on the first five home (online bets only), it makes sense to take an each-way chance on Rod Millman’s horse.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
Fancy a flutter? Sign up today to claim up to £25 in free bets.
