Saturday, 16th July 2022
One weekend it’s Super Saturday – with multiple big handicaps at tracks up and down the country….
The next weekend is something of a breather – with not a single big-field handicap set to be run anywhere in Britain….
But it’s not a blank in betting terms because at least we have the Super Sprint Stakes at Newbury (3.30)– where 21 juveniles head to post for a 5f war in which the winner takes home a cool £98k….
Weight carried is related to the price the horse was bought for rather than its official mark. Fillies get an allowance. And penalties for previous wins are applied on a sliding scale….
It’s a set of conditions that mean a horse can be highly rated – seen as better than its opponents by the official handicapper – but actually be in receipt of weight from lesser horses….
That’s certainly the case with race favourite – Maria Branwell. She’s the top-rated horse in the race – running off a mark of 100….
But because she was an inexpensive filly and she hasn’t been doing too much winning – David’ O’Meara’s charge gets into the race carrying just 8-11 and gets weight from horses she’d be giving weight to in a handicap….
Perhaps the only other positive she could have going for her is to be trained by Richard Hannon rather than David O’Meara. Hannon’s complete race record reads four winners from 28 runners – with additional participants finishing 2/22, 2/23, 5/25, 5/24, 6/24 & 6/24….
Swift Asset and Miami Girl are all in the top 5 in the betting for the yard this time around….
At the general 9s this morning, my preference is for Ed Walker’s UNION COURT….
Big field experience can go a long way in a race like this for young horses. Many in this afternoon’s field will be having their first taste of battle surrounded by opponents. Not all will enjoy the experience….
Fancied horses Maria Branwell (3/21 in the Queen Mary at Royal Ascot) and Eddie’s Boy (3/24 in the Windsor Castle at the same meeting) have already shown they can excel in such circumstances….
I think Union Court will too. She also ran in the Windsor Castle – finishing 9/24 and beaten 6-legnths. But the performance was a sight better than those bare figures suggest….
She missed the break, never got into it but finished her race off well. She gave the impression that had things been different she’d have been in and amongst it at the front end – and she might well be underestimated this afternoon….
Each-way backers take note: You can get 1/5 the first 5 generally….
Nick’s Dark Horse….To recap on my idea of the dark horses capable of running big races at tasty prices in the big handicaps this afternoon…. In the Super Sprint Stakes (3.30 @ Newbury)….
Advised prices are correct at the time my column is submitted for publication. But prices are subject to fluctuation. There’s nothing I can do about that. Be sure to consult Oddschecker – you may find a quote better than advised…. |
That’s all for today. Back next time….
Meanwhile – enjoy the racing. It’s not life and death – it’s a game we play for fun. It’s good sometimes to remind ourselves of that fact….
Stay tuned.
Operated by Spa Publishing Group Ltd (Company No. 15830286) 
