Hi all,
It’s Classic time across the Irish Sea as the Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas (3:40) takes centre stage at the Curragh. The fillies and older horses get their turn on Sunday, with the Irish 1,000 Guineas and Tattersalls Gold Cup on a cracking card.
Haydock hosts a strong supporting cast. The Group 2 Betfred Sandy Lane Stakes (3:00) brings together some of the top Commonwealth Cup contenders, while older sprinters clash in the Group 2 Temple Stakes (3:25). Earlier, the Betfred Silver Bowl (1:50)—always a lively betting heat—heads the handicap action.
ITV Racing brings us five races from Haydock, two from Goodwood, and both of Beverley’s key juvenile contests: the Hilary Needler Trophy (2:10) and the Bet365 Two-Year-Old Trophy (2:45). The Irish 2,000 Guineas will also be shown live.
I’ve already advised Rashabar each-way at 20/1 for the Classic, so I’ll leave that race alone for now.
Beverley
The juvenile contests aren’t hugely appealing as betting races, but Naval Light is of interest on debut in the 2:45. Karl Burke won this for Wathnan Racing last year and could double up.
That said, Old Is Gold has the experience edge and shaped well when third at Ascot. He should be winning soon and sets the standard. If Naval Light beats him, he’s useful—but I just prefer the proven claims of Old Is Gold, whose trainer won this in 2022.
Haydock
1:15 – Class 3 Handicap (1m)
Dashing Darcey ran better than the result suggests in the Lincoln and returns to the scene of last year’s C&D win. He’s well weighted, but stall 14 isn’t ideal. He was a tempting price when I first looked (22/1), but after support from Tom Segal and Paul Kealy, he’s now just 4/1.
1:50 – Betfred Silver Bowl Handicap (1m, 3yo)
I previewed the race in the column on Thursday.
King Casper clocked a good time when winning on seasonal return and is open to more improvement.
Dixieland Blues makes both his turf and handicap debut after a solid Southwell win. His pedigree suggests he’ll handle grass.
Teroomm falls just outside the ideal distance trend but is clearly improving. Roger Varian won this in 2021 and knows the type needed.
2:25 – Betfred Hedge of Oak Stakes (Listed, 1m2½f)
Running Lion is the class act on ratings and should win this if she’s on a going day. However, consistency isn’t her strong suit, and at short odds isn’t for me.
3:00 – Betfred Sandy Lane Stakes (Group 2, 6f)
Powerful Glory ended last season with a decisive win in the Group 2 Mill Reef. He’s 2-2 and could stamp himself a genuine Commonwealth Cup contender here. Richard Fahey won the Sandy Lane in 2018.
3:30 – Betfred Temple Stakes (Group 2, 5f)
Starlust has strong form—third in the Nunthorpe and winner of the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint. He’ll go close if ready but does give have to give 5lb away.
Rumstar won the Palace House Stakes and looks to be progressing well, even at five. She’s Quality was second that day and handles quick ground—solid each-way player.
Grande Marques shaped well when fifth in a Listed race on seasonal return at Cork. That run should have her spot on.
American Affair continues to improve. He won the Portland last year and added another success at York last week. This is a tougher ask, and while he deserves a shot at Group company, 3/1 is short—was expecting more like 6/1.
I have on Goodwood selection and it's still available to back at 10/1. If you want it you can get it here.
Good luck with your Saturday bets.
John