Tom Stanley is here to guide you through the Energumene vs Shiskin showdown at Ascot as well as the best podcast bets from another eight races live on ITV this weekend.
The weekend really is all about one race. So often in recent seasons, we’ve bemoaned the lack of competition pre-Cheltenham but this Saturday we see the two best two-mile chasers from either side of the Irish Sea go head-to-head, and last year’s winner shows up too in that Clarence House.
We start with the Lingfield feature before tackling the Saturday action.
Friday Podcast Best Bets:
Cazoo Hurdle (14:25 Lingfield)
Again a difference of opinion with Adele liking the freshness angle with Calva D’Auge. Donn thinks Emitom is the best of these on his day whilst Deasy feels the favourite has everything in his favour for all he pulled up last time. I’ll take a chance on Top Ville Ben back over hurdles.
- Tom – Top Ville Ben
- Donn – Emitom
- Adele – Calva D’Auge (non-runner)
- Deasy – On The Blind Side
Friday Best Bets
- Tom – No bet
- Donn – Emitom (14:25 Lingfield)
- Adele – Progressive (16:00 Newcastle)
- Deasy – Colonial Dreams (15:00 Lingfield)
Saturday Podcast Best Bets:
Clarence House (15:35 Ascot)
Fascinating race to preview and we’re split. Donn and I feel Energumene is the bet at the prices, going right-handed being the main plus. We both think Cheltenham won’t be so ideal. Adele has gone through the sectionals of the main players and can’t see Shishkin beat. Deasy says Shishkin is too good for all the closest he came to a bet in this was with First Flow.
- Tom – Energumene
- Donn – Energumene
- Adele – Shishkin
- Deasy – Shishkin (no bet)
Supreme Trial Rossington (13:25 Haydock)
Not overly competitive and I’m the only one of the panel putting up a bet. Thought Adele made an interesting point about the track and saddling area helping keep a lid on Jonbon who she feels is tricky. I think Might I is worth backing against him and also in the without the favourite market.
- Tom – Might I
- Donn – Jonbon
- Adele – Jonbon
- Deasy – Jonbon
Bet Now
Holloway’s Handicap Hurdle (13:45 Ascot)
Three shouts for Stellar Magic who shaped really well on his first start of the year last time and that’s the best form. He’s best bet material for Adele and Deasy. Donn has Garry Clermont as his best bet of the day for whom he thinks the step back up in trip will be a big plus.
- Tom – Stellar Magic
- Donn – Garry Clermont
- Adele – Stellar Magic
- Deasy – Stellar Magic
The New One Hurdle (14:00 Haydock)
Not an overly interesting betting heat, personally. The panel are with the favourite but nobody is scrambling to back him. Donn was surprised to hear Tommy’s Oscar is an intended Champion Hurdle runner for all he’ll be tough to beat here.
- Tom – No bet
- Donn – Tommy’s Oscar (no bet)
- Adele – Tommy’s Oscar
- Deasy – Tommy’s Oscar
Mares’ Hurdle (14:20 Ascot)
Donn argues My Sister Sarah has too much class for these for all she has a couple of pounds to find on ratings. Plenty of agreement here but Adele thinks Molly Ollys Wishes is the one to beat now back up in trip.
- Tom – My Sister Sarah
- Donn – My Sister Sarah
- Adele – Molly Ollys Wishes
- Deasy – My Sister Sarah
Peter Marsh Handicap Chase (14:35 Haydock)
Again three shouts for one horse with the majority of the panel wanting last time out faller Empire Steel on side. He may have won if standing up but ultimately it was too early to tell. Deasy makes a case for previous course winner Lord Du Mesnil at 9.0 at the time of recording.
- Tom – Empire Steel
- Donn – Empire Steel
- Adele – Empire Steel
- Deasy – Lord Du Mesnil
2m5f Handicap Chase (14:55 Ascot)
No strong opinions per say but Deasy and I feel Killer Clown won well enough last time to suggest he can go in again with the tongue-tie retained. Donn and Adele are also with a last time out winner though Adele is a little concerned about Palmers Hill’s constitution having misused a few recent engagements.
- Tom – Killer Clown
- Donn – Fanion D’Estruval
- Adele – Palmers Hill
- Deasy – Killer Clown
Saturday Best Bets
With most of the Best Bets in the same races, myself, Adele and Deasy have all put up a next-best bet (NB) if you would like to do a multiple.
- Tom – Empire Steel (14:35 Haydock) / Ash Tree Meadow (NB) (13:05 Navan)
- Donn – Garry Clermont (13:45 Ascot)
- Adele – Stellar Magic (13:45 Ascot) / Empire Steel (NB) (Haydock 14:35)
- Deasy – Stellar Magic (13:45 Ascot) / My Sister Sarah (NB) (14:20 Ascot)
Best of luck!
If you’re looking for Cheltenham ante-post previews, producer Daniel Hussey and Micheál Deasy have previewed the Gold Cup, Stayers Hurdle and Arkle Chase. Read them here.
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