Saturday, 4th July 2020
The Coral Challenge at Sandown tomorrow has only attracted a field of 11 runners. I like a bigger field – and I’m sitting this one out…
A field of 17 goes to post for the Old Newton Cup at Haydock. That’s much more like it – and I’m playing….
The additional half-a-dozen horses might not seem like much. But those extra runners serve to create a whole new world of opportunity….
At least that’s how it is for me. A field of 20 delivers more value-hunting opportunities than a 10-runner race ever does….
But that’s a subject for another day….
Luke Morris has twice gone close to winning the Old Newton Cup – Haydock, Sunday @ 3.15….
Sir Mark Prescott’s Pallasator found one too good in 2014. Sylvester Kirk’s Gold Prince pulled the same trick in 2016. In the year between times, Morris was 4th on Penhill for Luca Cumani….
That’s a fair record – from just six race rides. Morris can polish the apple tomorrow afternoon on James Given’s INDIANAPOLIS. I’ve backed the pair at the general 14s….
The 5yo ran well in this race last year – 4th of 17 runners and beaten 2.75 lengths off a mark of 95 on quick ground….
He won next time at Ascot. Then he ran a fair race in adversity at York. The he won on heavy ground at Leicester….
This term he’s had a pipe opener at Newmarket – for which he was dropped a pound to 99. Then he ran out of puff at Ascot under Ben Curtis having done too much early work from out wide – but having seen money ahead of the off….
Morris comes in for a first-time ride tomorrow. James Given also applies a first-time visor – in place of cheekpieces. Both bits of equipment assist with concentration. Indianapolis was wearing first-time cheekpieces for the Ascot win last term. It’s a significant detail….
The win on heavy ground at Leicester revealed a different dimension to Given’s horse. It might be that underfoot conditions tomorrow suit Indianapolis more than the quick ground last term….
He’s an interesting runner at the price….
Nick’s contrarian picks….To recap on where my idea of the value lies tomorrow afternoon…. In the Old Newton Cup (3.15 @ Haydock).
That is my take on where the value lies – but you will no doubt have your own ideas and that’s exactly as it should be. |
That’s all from me for now....
I’ll be back on Tuesday with more handicap-focused insight, analysis and intelligence. Stay tuned....
All the best.
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