Hi all,
Newmarket hosts day two of the Future Champions Festival. The top juvenile colts take centre stage in today’s Group 1 Dewhurst Stakes (3:00), a race that’s produced legends like Nijinsky, Mill Reef, The Minstrel, Frankel, and, last yeat, City Of Troy. However, for many punters, the betting highlight will be the Club Godolphin Cesarewitch Handicap (3:40).
ITV are covering five races from Newmarket and three from York, including the Coral Sprint Trophy Handicap (2:40). There's also some quality National Hunt action at Chepstow today, featuring some competitive handicaps, though these won't be shown on ITV.
I wasn’t feeling well on Friday afternoon—had pins and needles in my left arm and leg—which made it tough to get everything typed up, so I’m surprised I managed to get anything out today.
Newmarket
The card is dominated by juveniles with plenty of short-priced favourites, aside from the Cesarewitch Handicap. I’ve already previewed the latter here, so I won’t go over old ground. In truth it’s not my ideal kind of card apart from the Cesarewitch.
Group 1 Darley Dewhurst Stakes (3:00)
This year’s race features only six runners, with three from Aidan O’Brien and two from Charlie Appleby.
Regular readers will know I’m on The Lion In Winter for next year’s 2,000 Guineas, and I’m hoping he wins this to solidify his favourite status for next year’s classic. Ideally, the ground continues drying, as I believe he wants good or quicker going.
Shadow Of Light, supplemented by Godolphin after his Middle Park Stakes victory, seemed to enjoy some cut in the ground last time. The drier it gets, the less confident I am in him following up. His stablemate Ancient Truth shouldn’t be forgotten, though. He impressed when winning the Group 3 Superlative Stakes in July. Despite William Buick opting for Shadow Of Light, Ancient Truth could surprise and is worth serious consideration.
For those following my lay service, Friday saw six successful lays, making it 14 in the last seven days. I’ve got five more for today, and while a loss is inevitable at some point, consistent profits are the key. If you want steady returns, you can get my lay selections here.
Good luck with your Saturday bets.
John