Newmarket 3.00 Handicap - Class 2 - 1 mile 6 furlongs - Good to Soft - 12 run

 

At the top of the market Fairbanks is upped in trip and Fox Journey also has a step up in trip and Going concerns. Beamish is hard to quantify at the moment after an injury break, Knightswood is intriguing as the Johnston yard have targeted this race in the past with similar types upped in trip. If there is one "at a price" to note for a possible small side bet it may well be the consisted Zoffee who was 3rd in this race in 2022 on Good to Firm Going and who might not want any more rain but has plenty of proven form at this trip and this grade.

 

My clear top two rated though would be BAGUE D'OR  who has won at both this Course and the Rowley Mile, so clearly at home in the expanses of Newmarket Heath, he handles Good to Soft and looks a very solid each way proposition IF the younger types don't deliver fully on what is potential and not yet proven form. The same applies to TIDES OF WAR who was a cosy winner at this trip at Goodwood last time out, there may be more scope yet for this one and a 4lbs penalty does not look excessive.

 

(DT)

 

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York 3.50 Handicap - Class 4 - 1 mile 2 and 1/2 furlongs - 16 run - Good to Soft

 

At the top of the market here we also have unexposed types like Whiskey Pete, an unexposed Ralph Beckett 3 year old, Solomon for Haggas who makes turf and handicap debut after 3 AW runs and Karmology off top weight, a lightly raced 4 year old for Karl Burke.

 

I'm keen to take all three on with a couple whose handicap form is proven and who may be ideally suited to conditions here.

 

Of the remainder, Bint Al Daar was poor on recent Course run but has won since but is a little inconsistent, Glistening Nights is a progressive 3 year old for Richard Fahey but in considerably deeper waters here, 

 

I'm very keen though on TITIAN for Julie Camacho, a Course and Distance winner who handles soft and Good to Soft and wh0 looks primed and targeted at this race. I'm equally confident about the chances of STRESSFREE who looks to be running in to some form and a bit unlucky a few times, if it gets a clear run this one, who is just below its last winning mark considering a 3lbs claim can go very close.

 

With 16 declared and enhanced places, a small punt on MASAKELA who is in the Tracker already and who is definitely one to follow, may be a smart move as this is another one that just looks to be close to grabbing a nice win or big priced enhanced place. (TA)

 

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Kilbeggan 7.20 - Handicap Hurdle - 3 miles 1 furlong - 14 run - Good (3 reserves)

 

The top of the market is absolutely stacked with penalised recent winners, Western Model up 12lbs and Rising Dust up 9lbs lack Course experience and this is a quirky track, whilst Cenandonna is upped in trip and returns to Hurdles. Saffron Et Bleu does have winning Course and Distance form and just got up here last time so a 6lbs penalty may be a bit excessive. They are all obvious winners but I think there is real depth in this field and real value elsewhere.

 

I certainly would not rule out Townhill Penny or Warmer Days Ahead who are 1st and 3rd reserve if running and will TRACK Warmer Days Ahead forwards.

 

RESERVE JUDGEMENT was also a Course and Distance winner last time out, overlooked by the market a bit though and I do think this one has the scope to out run a 5lbs penalty. The real market value though lies with DINOLAND tipped and unlucky last time when pulled up but subsequent vets reported soreness caused by an over-reach, he deserves another chance. DR VAL is in the TRACKER and a very big price but the return to Hurdles bang on the last Hurdle win mark should see this horse transformed and I hope for a big run tonight and an even bigger one just down the line if not tonight and worth a punt at the prices. (Sean)

 

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