The pick of the Friday prices....

Thursday, 10th October 2024

The pick of the Friday prices….

The flat season is rolling inexorably towards its conclusion….

…. and we’ll soon be switching codes and focusing on the jumps….

But the next 48-hours gives us an opportunity to go out with a bang….

…. with good target races at Newmarket & York on Friday and Saturday….

Friday delivers the Old Rowley Cup at Newmarket (4.10)….

…. where 15 go to post for the 12f contest on ground described this morning as good to soft (good in places)….

Up at York we have the Autumn Handicap (1.30) over the straight mile….

…. 16 line-up on ground that’s currently heavy (soft in places)….

On we go….

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I’m having a swing of the bat in the Old Rowley Cup at Newmarket (1.30)….

…. and having a few quid on DUE TO HENRY at the general 12s….

He’s got to improve on what he produced last time when coming out on top against Mustazeed at Newbury in a C4 handicap – but there’s every chance he will….

He was perhaps a little fortunate to beat Harry Eustace’s horse that last day given that his opponent was slow away….

That proved crucial because Due To Henry stole a march in the straight under a savvy Tom Marquand ride….

…. and – despite making up loads of ground late on – Mustazeed was unable to overhaul him….

Mustazeed was out again at the same track the following day and won the valuable Dubai Duty Free Handicap in decisive fashion – earning himself a 6lb rise….

…. and I reckon there’s more to come from Due To Henry too (in addition to Mustazeed, the 4th and 7th horses have come out of that Newbury race to produce subsequent winning performances and the form looks healthy)….

Tomorrow’s race is a big step up in terms of class and he’s racing over 12f for the first time….

Perhaps connections are just rolling the dice before stumps are pulled on the season….

…. but there were surely easier options to earn a few quid than this off his mark of 89….

…. and I reckon they must think he’s a player over the extra quarter mile on the autumn ground….

…. with William Buick an eye-catching booking in the saddle…..

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At York in the Autumn Handicap (1.30) I expect a big run from Navagio….

…. but – all things considered – I’m siding with THUNDER ROAR at the general 10s….

He’s been saved for just the type of ground he’ll encounter on the Knavesmire tomorrow….

…. he was unlucky not to reward connections on his return at Haydock in September – where he suffered outcome-defining interference at a crucial stage….

…. and he ran better than the bare result suggests at Ascot last week – in a conditions race where he was up against it at the weights….

He’s yet to win at a mile – but he didn’t miss by much in the Spring Mile on bad ground at Doncaster at the start of the season….

…. and he’s 3lb well in at the weights running off 83….

The winner that day at Doncaster reopposes tomorrow – but probably prefers Doncaster to York….

…. whilst Thunder Roar has won at York at this time of year….

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That’s all for today….

I’ll be back in your inbox tomorrow with picks for Saturday….

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

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

Stay tuned….

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