With the National Hunt season coming to a close after the Grand National at the weekend, all eyes and attention now turns to the flat scene for the next few months. The first Classics of the campaign are getting closer and meetings take place in the UK and Ireland on Tuesday.
The Craven Meeting gets underway at Newmarket on Tuesday while there is a meeting at Gowran Park over in Ireland. A full study of each card has thrown up a bet on each to form out betting interest across the day.
3.00 Newmarket
Preview
The only real betting proposition on Day One of the Craven meeting is the Close Brothers handicap run over a mile. The Gosden’s Unforgotten is a worthy favourite having run 6 times to date, winning 3 and finishing 2nd on his other 3 runs. However, this is his first venture away from the all weather on soft ground and with the Newmarket undulations, so he may be opposable. Harswell Duke won the Spring Mile on heavy so is feared off just 3lbs higher whilst Empirestateofmind is another who should go well with conditions in his favour.
Betting
Ashky – The selection has 3 wins from 8 career starts and has finished 3rd on a further 4 occasions so it could be argued he’s a cert to get in the money. Add to that all his wins have come here, albeit 2 of them on the July course, and he’s definitely one to fear at a bigger price. He’s 5lbs higher than his last winning mark but did run well off this mark when 3rd over course and distance where the stop start pace didn’t help as he was a bit keen. A strongly run mile, which he should get today, will suit and I’m drawn to the jockey booking; one of the best in the business who is 2 from 2 on the horse. This is his first start on soft ground but that actually could bring about improvement. He’s bred to appreciate the surface and is also bred to stay further so there’s little to fear on that score too. At the odds, he looks the best each way bet of the day at HQ.
Tips
Back Ashky (e/w) for a 1/10 stake at 10.00 Skybet BOG (⅕ odds 1-5)
Special Offer
Open up a BetVictor account during the flat season and bet £5 on any race to get £30 in bonuses! Click the image below to take advantage of this fantastic offer! 18+ T&Cs apply Gamble Aware.
18+ New customers only. Opt in, bet £5 at odds 2.00+ within 7 days of registering, no cashout. Get 2x £10 Free Bets, set events at odds 2.00+. Plus a £10 Slot Bonus, selected games, wager 20x to withdraw max £250. 7 day bonus expiry. Card payments only. T&Cs apply, see below. begambleaware.org | Please gamble responsibly
4.38 Gowran Park
Preview
A fairly low grade handicap over a mile has attracted a field of 16 and, with 5 places on offer, it’s a race of interest. A turning track where it’s often difficult to make up lots of ground, I typically lower drawn prominent types. Asisaid is the favourite after he won at Leopardstown recently beating the reopposing Barnhill Rose and Rock Etoile. An 8lb penalty is somewhat offset by the new jockey booking, claiming 5lbs, but whether he wants the extra furlong is a slight question mark. The Bog Bank was 4th last time out behind Tellthemimhere but was 6 lengths behind the winner.
Betting
Narlita – One place in front of The Bog Bank at Bellewstown was the selection and whilst she’s 1lb worse off, she was well over 2 lengths in front and should frank that form especially with the longer trip likely to suit. She stayed on really well in the straight, closing gradually at the line, running a massive race at huge odds of 50/1. A hood goes on today which should help whilst the juice in the ground suits this German-bred filly. She likes to race prominently which is a positive as is her draw in stall 3. In an open race where there’s a lack of genuine contenders, I think she’s overpriced to, at least, run into the frame.
Tips
Back Narlita (e/w) for a 1/10 stake at 12.00 Sky Bet BOG (⅕ odds 1-5)
Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2023
