Author: Joel Roberts

7f (Str) Watership Down Stud Too Darn Hot Greenham Stakes (Group 3) (Colts & Geldings) (Class 1) (3yo) Wide open as top of market looks very beatable. I’m backing SARACEN who is one of the least exposed runners having won easily in his maiden at Curragh last season, quickening off a slow galop to…

1m4f (1m4f11y) Longines Dubai Sheema Classic (Group 1) (Turf) (3yo+) There’s so much value in these international Group Ones. Calandagan has excellent form but he’s not had a run since his second in the Champion Stakes whereas the Japanese raiders all come here fit after their season. DANON DECILE, the Japanese Derby winner,…

3m½f (3m149y) Ivy Liverpool Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (4yo+) This is a great market for a bet as so many of them just aren’t up to this Grade. Most of these you can rule out and I’ve never warmed to Teahupoo, who apparently needs to be fresh…

2m4f Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (4yo+) KOKTAIL DIVIN is a horse on the up. He’s got something to find on domestic form but ran his best race of the season last time out and seems to be progressing at a time his yard have…

3m1f (3m210y) (Mildmay) Huyton Asphalt Franny Blennerhassett Memorial Mildmay Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (5yo+) I don’t think DANCING CITY likes Cheltenham. Twice he’s disappointed at the track and maybe he shouldn’t be judged on his efforts there. He won three Grade 1s over hurdles including one…

2m4f William Hill Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (4yo+) KOPECK DE MEE has the potential to blow this handicap field apart off a mark of 136. He was all the rage for the Martin Pipe and a huge antepost gamble – connections clearly thought he was a…

2m4f (2m3f200y) (Mildmay) EBC Group Manifesto Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (5yo+) This is really competitive. Arkle winner Jango Baie has an outstanding chance with course, distance and conditions to suit but he’s well found in the market and won’t drift much. The bet is GIDLEIGH PARK…

2m1f (2m179y) (New) William Hill County Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (5yo+) We’ve already backed KARGESE antepost here off the strength of her Grade 1 juvenile form behind Majborough and Sir Gino, and the anticipation of Paul Townend riding her. That’s looking spot on right now but…

2m1f (2m179y) (New) William Hill County Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (5yo+) The brilliant Galopin Des Champs goes for his third Gold Cup and odds of 4/7 look fair with only eight opponents and a clear class edge on all known form. He looks as good as ever this season and I…

2m4½f (2m4f127y) (New) TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (5yo+) Jagwar is all the rage but he has to prove as effective with a 7lb rise in deeper waters. I like two in this race. JORDANS has some classy Grade 1 novice chasing form behind Impaire Et Passe and is only…