Author: Joel Roberts

1m (Row) Qipco 1000 Guineas Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions Series) (Class 1) (3yo) With the withdrawal of Fillies’ Mile winner Inspiral and impressive Leopardstown trial winner Homeless Songs, this has the shape of an excellent betting heat. Tenebrism is a Group One winning sprinter at Newmarket, but strides like a sprinter and is…

1m (Row) Qipco 2000 Guineas Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions Series) (No Geldings) (Class 1) (3yo) Native Trail is clearly the most likely winner and the only things against him now are price and flat racing’s frequent disregard for form and ratings. Objectively, the draw isn’t a negative but it…

2m½f (2m100y) Killashee Hotel Handicap Hurdle (Grade B) (4yo+) There’s such a strong case for ARDLA to be well handicapped off an opening handicap mark of 125 that he’s got to be backed. He’s finished up the backside of the 141 Martin Pipe winner Banbridge and the 138 rated Grand Jury, as well…

1m6f  Vintage Crop Stakes (Listed Race)  (4yo+) This trip is well worth a try for the classy LEO DE FURY, a half brother to Derby favourite Luxembourg and by Australia, a strong influence on stamina. He’s a Group Two winner who couldn’t find his best form last season but ran consistently well,…

2m  (1m7f216y) bet365 Novices’ Championship Final Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)  (Class 2) (4yo+) I don’t think the disappointing Knappers Hill is a worthy favourite here – whatever happened to him needing to go up in trip? It’s a proper handicap with nearly two stone separating top from bottom, though the top rated DOCTOR PARNASSUS…

7f (Str) Dubai Duty Free Stakes (Registered As The Fred Darling Stakes) (Group 3) (Fillies) (Class 1) (3yo) With respect to Wild Beauty and Jumbly, there’s unexposed depth to this race and it might pay to take a chance on HEAT OF THE MOMENT at 16/1. A 33/1 winner on debut, she showed a…

3m½f (3m149y) JRL Group Liverpool Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (4yo+) Flooring Porter was much the best at Cheltenham for the second year running but Aintree is an altogether different test and his exertions might level the playing field – he was very disappointing at Punchestown last year. THYME…

2m4f Betway Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (4yo+) I was sweet on WALKING ON AIR as a Ballymore contender before he was ruled out, and nothing puts me off here. He was uber impressive on debut and has always been spoken of by connections as a…

2m4f 20 Years Together, Alder Hey & Aintree Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (4yo+) A non-runner when put up at Ascot earlier this year, HIGHWAY ONE O TWO is worth an each-way bet in the opener. His Lanzarote Hurdle form – for which he only went up 1lb –…

2m4f (2m3f200y) (Mildmay) SSS Super Alloys Manifesto Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (5yo+) I’m not sure what PIC D’ORHY needs to do to be favourite here. He’s 7/2 and the clear form pick – confirmed by official ratings who have him 5lb ahead of next best. Flat tracks really suit him and…