Tom Stanley gives you a quick synopsis of what he and the team are backing on Saturday!
Yes, it’s Arc weekend, but we’re focusing on the ITV action for Saturday, and it’s Group 1 action at that.
Some very open betting accompanies a great looking renewal of the Sun Chariot heats with five fourteen-runner plus fields. Hopefully, some fairly-priced rewards as a result. Plus a new member to welcome to the Matchbook team too in the form of ITV Racing’s Nats Jane Green
Sun Chariot (14:55 Newmarket)
We start with the feature, and the consensus is that the course and distance 1000 Guineas winner Mother Earth is overpriced here. The panel suggests we’ll be dealing with soft ground, but she doesn’t seem ground dependent and is Adele’s best bet on the day. Nats and I also like Saffron Beach from what could be a favourable draw.
- Tom – Saffron Beach
- Adele – Mother Earth
- Natalie – Mother Earth/ Saffron Beach
- Sam – Mother Earth
10f Fillies’ Handicap (13:45 Newmarket)
Sam and I are in the same camp with Achelois, who should appreciate the return to easy ground. Nats gives a good shout to the lightly raced Ensemble whilst Adele is with handicap debutant Swoon.
- Tom – Achelois
- Adele – Swoon
- Natalie – Ensemble
- Sam – Achelois
Rous Stakes (14:05 Ascot)
Two camps here, one for favourite Hurricane Ivor and the other for course and distance winner Tis Marvellous. And Sam even manages to talk himself into a Dakota Gold bet to join Adele! The biggest price of the lot is the returning Minzaal win and place for Nats.
- Tom – Hurricane Ivor
- Adele – Hurricane Ivor / Dakota gold
- Natalie – Tis Marvellous / Minzaal to run a big race
- Sam – Tis Marvellous / Dakota Gold
Tatts Auction Stakes (14:20 Newmarket)
This is tough, but the panel consensus is that Fearby could well be a class above, and the ground should be ok. Nats thinks there’s more to come from the Harry Dunlop filly, and I also fancy Holiday could be overpriced given a fair effort last time.
- Tom – Fearby / Holiday
- Adele – Fearby
- Natalie – Adaay In Asia
- Sam – Fearby
Cumberland Lodge (14:40 Ascot)
Not for me, but Adele has found one at a massive price (29.0 at the time of recording). Nats and Sam have minor reservations about Hukum but suggest he’s still the one to side with, and Nats also saves a mention for a horse who did very well to win last time.
- Tom – No bet
- Adele – Wells Farhh Go win and place
- Natalie – Hukum / Quickthorn
- Sam – Hukum
Bengough Stakes (15:15 Ascot)
Good looking race and an open one at that. Two votes for Glen Shiel, and this Group 1 winner does look attractively priced. Nats is with another likely front runner in the form of Diligent Harry, and I’m hoping it all sets up for a closer in Vadream, very much win and place.
- Tom – Vadream
- Adele – Glen Shiel
- Natalie – Diligent Harry
- Sam – Glen Shiel
2yo Trophy (15:35 Redcar)
Too tough for me, this. Adele and Nats are with Richard Fahey’s Vintage Clarets, and the trainer has an excellent recent record in this. Both make the point that paddock shots of the horses will be necessary, particularly at this time of year. I Felt Sam made a decent case for Anadora.
- Tom – No bet
- Adele – Vintage Clarets
- Natalie – Vintage Clarets
- Sam – Anadora
Challenge Cup (15:50 Ascot)
A couple of best bets going up here, Sam with River Nymph and me with Fresh. I’m also having a little on Adele’s main shout in Al Rufaa, and Adele also wants a previous Group 1 winner on side. Nats thinks that the return to easier ground will suit course and distance winner Aldaary.
- Tom – Al Rufaa / Fresh
- Adele – Al Rufaa / Accidental agent ew
- Natalie – Aldaary
- Sam – River Nymph
Best Bets
- Tom – Fresh
- Adele – Mother Earth
- Natalie – Vintage Clarets
- Sam – River Nymph
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