The pick of the Saturday prices....

Friday, 6th June 2024

The pick of the Saturday prices….

If last weekend’s meeting at Epsom was the racing equivalent of a high-quality portion of fish, chips, and peas – with all the trimmings….

…. this weekend’s fare is more like a tray of fish fingers, fried egg, and onion gravy….

In other words, it fills a hole….

…. but it isn’t necessarily what you want to see on the menu….

There’s just the one decent handicap to play in at Haydock – with 9 runners heading to post….

…. along with the G3 John Of Gaunt Stakes – which is worthy of a crack….

…. and then a C4 handicap at Beverley – which I’m entering into the spirit of simply because it’s being shown on ITV….

It’s a proper mixed bag….

…. but what’s the use of complaining when Royal Ascot is just around the corner….

It’s a weekend you could easily sit out – if so inclined….

…. but I take the view that we only live once – and there are bets to be had….

Let’s crack on….

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In the Betfred 'Play Fred's £5 Million' Handicap – Haydock 2.25….

It’s tight at the top of the market for this one – with four of the nine runners up at 11/2 or shorter….

Further down the list Max Mayhem – who’s won before off a long break – is respected on his first go for Hilal Kobeissi….

…. but – in terms of selection – pragmatics win out on this occasion….

Preference is for Rae Guest’s DIVINA GRACE at the general 4s – though there is still some 9/2 about and even a bit of 5s….

She was a good third at Goodwood on her seasonal reappearance where she was done for fitness in the closing stages by two horses that had already had a run….

You’d expect her to come on for that and she’s entitled to go close off a mark of 90….

Darragh Keenan took the ride that last day in West Sussex – but regular rider Callum Shepherd is back on duty tomorrow….

…. a big plus given that Haydock is a track he rides to particularly good effect….

The quick ground will suit and so too the trip….

…. the 4yo filly improved in each of her last four goes at 12f and there should be more to come tomorrow…. 

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In the John Of Gaunt Stakes – Haydock 3.35….

There’s plenty of early pace on in this one – which will play to Witch Hunter’s finishing burst….

…. but while I was happy to support him at a massive price in the G1 Lockinge at Newbury….

…. he’s a short price here down in class – and I’m happy to look elsewhere….

Back up in class is POINT LYNAS – and he’s a nice price at 16s….

This is a case of a horse that’s been running in handicaps stepping out and taking on the bigger dogs in the school yard….

…. but he did absolutely nothing wrong when winning a big mile handicap in game fashion and in a good time at York….

…. and the step back in trip – he’s not short of speed – might just be a clever move from trainer Edward Bethell….

On the evidence of the formbook the market has the right horse in as favourite – and Noble Dynasty will take the beating….

…. but Point Lynas is in good heart right now – and off a fast early pace his ability to get a mile – a strong mile – amounts to a useful weapon tomorrow….

Callum Rodriguez – another rider respected at Haydock – gets on well with the horse as form figures of 1622241 serve to illustrate….

The pair might well come up short at this higher level – but the horse is fit and firing, he deserves his crack at it, and the price is there to be swung at….

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In the bet365 Handicap – Beverley 3.15….

This is a lower class race than I’d normally get involved with….

…. but I’m a sporting man, it’s live on ITV, and I’m going to have a crack at it with ZAPPHIRE at the general 13/2….

Julie Camacho’s filly ran a decent enough return at Newcastle at the start of last month….

…. and it would have been better still but for a lack of room to run into in the final furlong….

Jockey Ryan Sexton took it easy on her once her chance had completely dissipated….

…. and she’s entitled to strip fitter still on her second appearance of the season….

She handles this track and trip – on the evidence of her run in a maiden last June….

…. she’s unexposed, potentially well-handicapped on 77 – and she’s a big player….

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• 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