While much of the horse racing focus is on the 1000 Guineas on Sunday there is a decent support card to the big race as well as a couple of meetings elsewhere over the course of the afternoon. We’ve picked out another bet from HQ and one from Hamilton to get stuck into.
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2.55 Newmarket
Preview
An excellent 6 furlong Class 2 handicap immediately precedes the 1000 Guineas & 16 runners battle it out. 2 of the last 3 winners were trained by crack Northern trainer Richard Fahey & both of those horses take their chance here. Mr Lupton was last year’s winner & his chances look solid after a series of good efforts over the course of last season. He did, however, only manage to get his head in front.
Fahey’s other previous winner was Eastern Impact who has a superb record at this track. Not only did he win 3 years back, he was 2nd to Mr Lupton 12 months ago & finished 3rd on his reappearance to another of today’s runners Aeolus on his reappearance.
Betting
However, the one I like is another of the beaten horses in that Aeolus race, Ekhtiyaar. The selection finished 5th that day but that was just his 8th career start & I’m expecting this unexposed 4 year old to progress into pattern company this term. There’s plenty to suggest he might.
Stepping out of handicap company for the first time last year, he finished 2nd in a hot Doncaster handicap off 85 where he had now 110-rated Accidental Agent over a length back. That was off level weights. He then got his head in front over course & distance in this grade. That was on good to soft but the jockey that day suggested he’ll be better on better ground. He then did ok off his revised mark at York in a top handicap before winning again here, off 94, albeit on the July course.
Again, he just did ok after a break off today’s mark & similar finished 5th on his reappearance off the same mark. What is evident to me is that the quicker ground will suit & he’s a winner waiting to happen. On his reappearance, he was drawn widest of all & saw too much daylight throughout the race. He pulled hard early but travelled into the race well & looked the winner a furlong out. His run then petered out, probably through a combination of a 6 month absence & racing too keenly.
He has a mid draw today & will get plenty of cover. He’ll also be much fitter today &, off the same mark, should go well as he’s definitely the one open to most progress.
Tips
Back Ekhtiyaar (e/w) for a 1/10 stake at 7.00 Ladbrokes BOG (¼ odds 1-4)
Back it here:
3.45 Hamilton
Preview
Away from HQ, there’s an interesting little contest over 6 furlongs. This Class 4 handicap has attracted a field of 15. There is quite a warm favourite with Rapid Applause trading around 3/1 following a facile win at Beverley last month. Now a 6 year old, I’m not sure where the progression is coming from & he will have to progress having been raised in grade & 8lb in mark.
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Betting
Ma Fee Heela is expected to be the one to take advantage. A 4 year old with 11 races to his name, this ex-Irish gelding has some good form to his name & is now with a top Northern trainer who should be able to find the key to unlock his undoubted potential.
As a 3 year old, he finished 2nd on his debut run to a 110-rated O’Brien horse & then was 5th behind 2 more 100+ rated horses. After winning his maiden is good style, he ran some good races in defeat, most notably when 4th in a big Premier Handicap at the Curragh off a mark of 89. He gets in here off just 79.
Moving over Ireland, he was dropped 8lbs to 81 before reappearing in a decent sprint at Ripon on soft ground. He ran ok after his 6 month break, finishing 8th of 20 (4th in his group of 10). That run was on soft ground & I’m pretty sure he’ll prefer better ground (his best runs from last year suggest as such).
He’s been dropped another 2lbs to 79 & this race is easier than the one he was in last time. Stable jockey takes over & rides for a trainer in excellent form at present. Conditions look ideal &, in a competitive race, he looks the most likely.
Tips
Back Ma Fee Heela (e/w) for a 1/10 stake at 7.50 Coral BOG (⅕ odds 1-4)
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