The feature race at York this weekend is the 57th John Smith’s Cup with 20 set to go to post. At the time of writing, James Fanshawe’s Arthenus was sitting at the top of the market at a general price of 7/1. His run in the Wolferton was eye-catching as…
Author: Paul Davidson
1pt win Maljaa @9/1, 0.5pt EW Mukaynis @14/1, 15:45 Epsom Downs, 'Dash'
The 5f Epsom ‘Dash’ is regarded as one of the fastest sprint contests in the racing calendar year, with a devilishly quick descent to contend with and 18 runners going to post this year. The ground was definitely riding on the slow side yesterday, so I do not expect any…
0.5pt EW Sennockian Star @14/1, 14:35 Epsom Downs, Friday
Dark Red goes in search of his fourth consecutive win with Ryan Moore aboard the saddle in the opening handicap of the Epsom Classic weekend. Ed Dunlop has got a highly progressive four-year-old on his hands, and there could be more to come despite a 20lb rise for his three…
1pt win Predominance @9/2, 14:50 Chester, Saturday
PREDOMINANCE went off a 6/1 favourite of the Victoria Cup, finishing rather disappointingly in mid-division. The ground may have been a bit quick for him on that occasion as he looked better than the bare result. His striking performance at Haydock in his previous run is one still to note,…
0.75pt each-way Dutch Connection @12/1, 15:55 Newbury, Saturday
Newbury hosts the Group 1 Lockinge Stage today. A race that has brought out the best in some fantastic milers over the years with the likes of Frankel, Canford Cliffs and Farhh all having tasted success. The clerks of the course spoke of a change in the going on Friday…
1pt EW Hold Tight @14/1, 0.5pt EW Mullionheir @20/1, 16:15 Ascot, Victoria Cup (UPDATE)
The weather has turned across the UK this week, and that means we are set to have an extremely quick Victoria Cup, where one of the first major big-field handicap prizes of the season is set to be won. There isn’t a huge draw bias at Ascot, but most of…
1pt EW Measureofmydreams @12/1, 0.5pt EW Shotgun Paddy @28/1, 16:10 Ayr, Scottish Grand National
The Scottish Grand National has been a graveyard for favourite backers in recent years with horses towards the top of the handicap generally worth avoiding. However, like the Grand National last weekend, this looks a much stronger renewal with class novices coming up against seasoned-staying veterans and we have a…
2016 Grand National Tips (Update): 1pt EW Gallant Oscar @18/1, 0.75pts EW Morning Assembly @25/1, 0.5pt EW Ucello Conti @33/1
Following our tips on Silviniaco Conti (12/1) and O’Faolains Boy (40/1 – now a non-runner) earlier in the week, we have three more selections for the 2016 Crabbie’s Grand National. The best part of a decade has passed since an Irish-trained horse won the Grand National. That was 2007 winner…
1pt win Bonny Kate @8/1, 0.75pts EW Another Hero @12/1, 0.5pt EW Bless The Wings @18/1, 17:00 Fairyhouse
In recent years, the Irish Grand National winner has tended to come from horses with the profile of an improving novice chaser. This was the case with Thunder And Roses last year, and Shutthefrontdoor the year before. There are plenty in this race that could be a similar type of…
1pt ew Cogry @8/1, 16:10 Uttoxeter
COGRY shaped with promise over an inadequate trip at Warwick last time out, when he finished behind the talented Taquin De Seuil, and Niceonefrankie. His performance in the Welsh Grand National the time before should be scratched, where like so many others, he never handled the conditions. He remains quite fresh this…