The pick of the prices on Day 2 at Newmarket....

Friday, 3rd May 2024

The pick of the prices on Day 2 at Newmarket….

It’s a big weekend….

…. with the Guineas meeting at Newmarket marking the start of the flat season proper….

That starts this afternoon and runs through to Sunday….

…. the big G1s – the 2000 Guineas and the 1000 Guineas – are the feature events….

…. and there are several strong supporting handicaps….

Bottom line: there’s no shortage of betting targets….

I’m having one bet this afternoon at Newmarket….

…. I sent that out yesterday….

…. but if you missed it – you can catch up here….

Moving on now to tomorrow’s business….

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STERLING KNIGHT is a fair bet at the general 16s for the William Hill Extra Place Races Handicap (1.45)….

He races off 90 – a mark he’s won from previously – and he ran well on seasonal return at Doncaster last weekend….

…. working his way through runners from the rear….

…. perhaps not getting the best possible passage….

…. and looking like a horse ready to rock and roll….

He could be better tomorrow for that run – and I think he’ll appreciate the stiffer test tomorrow’s track presents at the trip….

It was soft ground at Doncaster – but not as soft as advertised according to race times…

…. and I think this lad’s shown he’s versatile enough to handle conditions tomorrow ….

He had his half-regular 5lb claimer on his back last weekend. This time around David Probert – whose won on him twice before – takes over for this early-season shot at a real pot….

I’m two-against-the-field in this one and my other pick is APOLLO ONE….

He was really unlucky not to land a big pot last year….

…. – finishing 3rd in this race (off 97) on seasonal debut….

…. 2nd in the Tokyo Trophy at Epsom (off 97)….

…. 2nd in the Wokingham at Ascot’s Royal meeting (off 97)….

…. and 2nd in the Stewards Cup at Goodwood (off 100)…

He runs again off that mark of 100 tomorrow….

…. it’s not beyond him….

…. and if he turns up in the first-time-out shape he was in last term then he will run a big one….

The general 9s is a fair price….

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It’s not intentional but I find myself siding with Probert again in the Suffolk Stakes (2.20)….

He rode MAJESTIC for the first time in the big mile handicap at last month’s Craven meeting – where the pair went well until very late in proceedings….

Given the 6yo’s record on this 9f strip….

…. he won the 2022 Cambridgeshire off 86….

…. he was 4th in last season’s renewal of that race off 89….

…. and he was well-fancied (off 93) for last season’s renewal of tomorrow’s race – before deteriorating underfoot conditions found him out….

…. I can’t believe last month’s race was the primary early-season target….

Instead, I think it was an opportunity for Probert to get to know the horse….

…. to get a feel for him on this track….

…. and an opportunity for the trainer to work Majestic toward full fitness….

To some extent the horse has suffered for his consistency….

…. and it would take a better man than me to make the case that he’s terrifically well-handicapped….

But he ran a good seasonal debut….

…. showing up well for a long way….

…. he’s entitled to come on again for that….

…. and if there’s one strip of turf you’d want to back this horse on – it’s this strip they run on tomorrow….

I think he’s a fair bet at the general 10s….

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QUEST FOR FUN at the general 10s is the pick for the Thirsk Hunt Cup (2.40)….

This will be his first go at the mile – but it’s not the most testing track at the trip….

…. and on his final two outings last season….

…. 2nd in a big-field handicap at York on a turning track….

…. and winner of a small-field event – again on the turn – at Catterick….

…. Tim Easterby’s charge gave the impression he can handle further than 7f….

He’s already been seen this term when running well for a long way at Musselburgh a fortnight back – despite racing wide and despite having lost a fore shoe….

That was off a career high mark – but he gave the impression there could still be more to come….

He probably just needed that race and –  stripping fitter for it – he’s a player at a price tomorrow on a track he’s won on before….

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Back at Newmarket the G1 2000 Guineas (3.35) is the feature race and City Of Troy – no better than 8/11 – is priced up like it’s pretty much nailed on….

Perhaps it is but – like I said earlier in the week – I’m opposing him anyway….

…. and I’m going to do it with Ralph Beckett’s TASK FORCE at the general 22s….

Not seen since splitting Vandeek and River Tiber in the Middle Park over 6f at Newmarket last term….

…. this was his target beforehand and has been ever since….

…. and – given that he’s by Frankel – I’d expect him to improve markedly for the step up in trip….

That’s what I’m looking for – something off-the-radar with the scope to improve massively and available at a big e/w price….

There are no guarantees of course – not with any of them….

…. but Task Force improved in spades for each run last term….

…. he did little or nothing wrong….

…. he got some good course education that last time….

…. they’ve prepared him at home – out of the sight of the market….

…. and he’s got every chance of being on the premises here if he’s fit enough and good enough….

All things considered – I’m happy to take my chances on him at a big price….

• Finally….

That’s all for today….

I’ll be back tomorrow with my take on Sunday’s action….

Meantime – Contact me direct at nick.pullen@oxonpress.co.uk  

And remember – win, lose or draw – enjoy the racing….

Stay tuned….

Against the Crowd