Beverley Bullet Preview

Hi all,

In today’s main piece, I’m turning the spotlight on Saturday’s Beverley Bullet.

Pace Maps: How Useful Are They?

In Tuesday’s column, I discussed how the idea that you needed to keep up with the pace at York on Saturday was turned on its head in both the Melrose and Ebor Handicaps. While there was a headwind, it’s uncertain how much that influenced the race outcomes. The reality is that at a track like York, it’s important to avoid generalisations and assess the pace on a race-by-race basis.

However, even when you predict the pace correctly, it’s not always a guarantee. How often do we expect a race to be filled with early speed, only to see it play out differently?

Pace maps can be a useful tool, but they aren’t infallible. Connections and jockeys have access to them too, and they can adjust their strategies, sometimes rendering the maps less reliable. Nonetheless, pace maps are particularly effective in smaller fields over fences, where identifying a lone front-runner can provide a strong betting edge.

Like sectional timing, pace maps are a valuable part of your betting toolkit, but they’re not a magic formula. The key lies in using them in the right contexts. Certain tracks, such as Lingfield and Plumpton, are particularly profitable for potential front-runners.

Looking Ahead To The Weekend

It is another action-packed day on ITV albeit more quantity than quality. The Sandown highlights are the Group 3 Atalanta Stakes (2.25) and Group 3 Solario Stakes (3.35). Charlie Appleby has won the last two running’s of the Solario but doesn’t have an entry in this year’s race. Recent winners of the race include the likes of Kingman. Masar, Too Darn Hot who all went onto Group 1 success.

Beverley’s feature race is Listed Bullet Sprint (2.05). The 5f contest is one of two races live on ITV from the Yorkshire track. The Listed Chester Stakes (3.15) is one of two races from Chester you can also watch live on ITV.

Across the Irish Sea there’s Group 3 races at the Curragh alongside the Paddy Power-sponsored Irish Cambridgeshire (4.35).  I have a couple of strong fancies for the latter race and if you want them and my other Saturday picks you will be able to get them here.

Beverley Bullet

Is it really a year since I last looked at the Beverley Bullet? It feels like just a few weeks ago. Since 2008, there have been 173 runners in the Beverley Bullet, and as expected for a five-furlong race, high draws have struggled. Horses drawn in stalls 10 and higher have produced 0 winners from 41 runners, with only 4 placing. Last year’s race, however, had only six runners, and this year’s field is only slightly larger, with 11 entries confirmed on Monday.

Stalls 1 to 4 have been more successful, producing 11 winners from 59 runners, yielding a profit of +24.5. Horses that ran in a Group 1 or Group 2 race last time out have also fared well, with 8 winners from 32 runners (+14), with 15 placing. Among this year’s entries, Clarendon House and Desperate Hero fit this profile.

Sky Bet Solario Stakes: Sandown Insights

The Group 3 Sky Bet Solario Stakes at Sandown promises to be an intriguing contest. Fifteen horses remained at Monday’s final confirmation stage, and if the top contenders all show up, we’re in for an exciting renewal. Seagulls Eleven brings solid form after finishing runner-up to Ancient Truth in the Group 2 Superlative Stakes at Newmarket. However, he’ll face some promising rivals, including Royal Playwright, trained by Andrew Balding. A half-brother to stablemate See The Fire, Royal Playwright made a striking debut at Salisbury last month. He’s one to keep an eye on.

Wednesday Racing

I have a consultant’s appointment on Wednesday morning to get the results of a recent scan and biopsy, so I haven’t had the chance to dive into today’s action.

However, yesterday’s ‘lay or play’ selection, Queens Road Revue, was another for the layers.

Good luck with your Wednesday bets!

John