Friday, 7th October 2022
Selections for today’s big-field handicaps at Newmarket and York were distributed yesterday….
The focus today is on tomorrow’s target races at those tracks – the Cesarewitch and the Coral Sprint Trophy.
Down to business….
A turnout of just 24 for tomorrow’s Cesarewitch at Newmarket (3.40) is disappointing and another illustration of the problems British racing faces. In the last 20-years no renewal fell short of 30 runners.
This field size issue persists – particularly at midweek meetings. But big handicaps suffer too. The Cambridgeshire was under-subscribed. Now the Cesarewitch….
Meetings have been held in London. Top hats of factions in racing recently convened in secret to find ways forward. A draft of Peter Savill’s Premier Racing plan was leaked to the Racing Post….
It proposes a revamp of the C1 & C2 structure…. recommends ‘Premier’ fixtures over flat and jumps…. and raises the prospect of more big races on Sundays – televised on ITV….
Now is not the time to go into the detail. But let’s hope someone has a viable plan….
…. otherwise, more of our better horses will head for the big money in Australia, the US, Hong Kong, and Japan – whilst threadbare British racing takes on the status of a second division feeder system. Worrying times….
Hughie Morrison’s VINO VICTRIX appeals at 16s….
He’s had 5 goes at the 2m trip in a 14-race career to date with form figures of 14221. The last win came at Goodwood in August – the runner-up subsequently doing his bit for the form when going in at Ascot….
It’s surely significant that the 4yo was partnered with tomorrow’s rider – 3lb claimer Benoit De La Sayette – for the first time that day. It bears all the hallmarks of a ‘get-to-know-you’ assignment ahead of the big one….
The horse ran on well – giving every impression tomorrow’s extra quarter mile will suit. He’s 3lb well in, loves going right handed, runs from a low stall and – assuming he handles decent ground – he’s every chance of improving again. Which would put him in the mix….
I reckon tomorrow’s race has been the plan for a while and this horse is a proper stayer – he’ll be sticking on late when others have wilted. There’s a lot to like about his price….
The one bug bear would be the race profile. He’s been doing his work in small fields but the Cesarewitch is a markedly different test. That said you never get it all your own way with dark horses. There’s always a negative factored in. But – in this instance – there are sufficient positives to encourage me….
Vino Victrix is my nap selection for readers who like to back one horse per race – be it win or e/w. But I ‘m two-against-the-field and my other selection is ZOFFEE – at 14s….
He’s gone well all season at staying trips on turf – showing up well in multiple decent staying handicaps. He didn’t get home over 2m4f at Goodwood in the summer – but tomorrow’s trip might well prove ideal….
He’s drawn in 1 and Franke Dettori – who partnered the horse in July’s bet365 Trophy – was booked early in the week. I take that as a positive….
Zoffee’s had a freshening break ahead of this end of season target – and he can most certainly figure….
David O’Meara’s won 7 handicaps worth £20k+ to winning connections this term from 74 qualifying runners. An additional 18 horses hit the frame. That’s equates to a total place strike rate of 33.7% – pretty good in these types of races….
He’s got another good opportunity to strike tomorrow in the Coral Sprint Trophy at York (3.15) with old-hand GULLIVER – up at 11s….
He’s 0 from 6 this term but tomorrow could well be the day he comes good. He’s at the track he loves, over the trip he excels at – and Danny Tudhope is onboard for the first time in a while….
Tudhope has only ridden Gulliver 9 times in his 73 run career. But in big field handicaps the pair have recorded form figures that read 3/24; 5/15; 6/18 & 5/21. When they get to together in big-fields, Gulliver gets it together….
And tomorrow Gulliver runs off just 94 – having been rated 103 this time last year. He goes well at the back end but doesn’t need it soft. He’s got plenty of good form on a sounder surface and I’m happy to roll the dice….
For sure, Gulliver can throw in bad runs. Can’t they all? But it’s all set up for a big one tomorrow and the 11s is fair enough. Watch out for him making ground in the second half of the race from his wing draw….
Nick’s Dark Horses….To recap on my dark horse bets…. In the Cesarewitch (3.40 @ Newmarket)….
In the Coral Sprint Trophy (3.15 @ York)….
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. Stay tuned….
Meantime – put the kettle on and enjoy the racing….
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