The pick of the prices on Day 3 at Newmarket....

Saturday, 4th May 2024

The pick of the prices on Day 3 at Newmarket….

It’s a big afternoon of racing….

…. with the 2000 Guineas, the Suffolk Stakes, and a big 6f handicap to keep us entertained at Newmarket….

…. plus there’s the Hunt Cup up at Thirsk….

I sent out my betting recommendations yesterday – catch up here….

This morning it’s about tomorrow’s card at Newmarket….

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BAGUE D’OR has some nice bits of handicap form to his name….

…. he was 2nd to Trawlerman – subsequent Ebor winner – in the 2022 Summer Cup renewal at Goodwood….

…. and then – on one of just two assignments since joining James Ferguson at the start of last season – he was 2nd in the Sky Bet Handicap at York last August….

He’s 4 from 11 in handicaps overall….

…. I think he’s got more to offer yet off his current mark of 91….

…. and he’s been very progressive – with form figures reading 112 – at the 1m6f trip he gets again tomorrow in the William Hill Handicap (3.00)….

He’ll have to do it at the first time of asking….

…. but I’m not too concerned about that because he’s got a good record on seasonal return and seems easy enough to get fit back at base….

He’s got some encouraging form in the book at Newmarket….

…. and the surface looks set to be sound enough for him….

Mickael Barzalona is a head-scratcher of a jockey booking on first reading….

…. but I think it’s probably the case that Daniel Muscutt is unable to do the weight….

…. and – in his absence – Ferguson seems to adopt a policy of taking the best option available at the track….

Is that Barzalona? Who knows….

…. but one thing is for sure, Barzalona is riding with confidence – producing eight winners over the last fortnight….

At 11/2 and in as second favourite – this horse is not a typical pick for me….

…. but sometimes pragmatics win out – even with old Nick Pullen….

I think he’s well-handicapped and – with nothing jumping out at the bigger quotes – I’d rather put him up than reach for a price just for the sakes of it….

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In any case, I’m pushing the boat out in the 1000 Guineas (3.40)….

…. a race which regularly throws up big improvers running big races at big prices….

ROLICA fits the bill this time around at 66s – a big e/w price….

She’s not had a typical prep – winning a maiden just over a fortnight back….

…. but she improved markedly for the step up to the 7f trip….

…. needed every yard of it – and ran strong to the line – suggesting the step up to a mile tomorrow will be right up her street….

…. and she got some invaluable experience of tomorrow’s track….

She should come on for that run and while she’s got it all to do on form ratings….

…. speed figures suggest she could be underestimated….

She’s tough and she could improve a hell of a lot tomorrow under Hollie Doyle….

She cost 320,000 guineas – so it’s not like she’s out of place in this line-up….

…. she’s bang on her game right now….

I just think she’s a very lively outsider….

…. open to mounds of improvement….

…. certain to like the mile….

…. certain to handle he track….

…. and I can’t resist having a swing at the big price with the bookies paying out on 4 places….

• Finally….

That’s all for today….

I’ll be back next week….

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

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

Stay tuned….

Against the Crowd