Friday, 3rd April 2026
In ATC today….
…. I bring you my best picks in Saturday afternoon’s biggest betting heats….
I’m on THE FLIER BEGLEY in the 3.20 at Haydock – up at 14s….
…. and I’m on JER BATT at 6s in the 3.42 at Musselburgh….
That’s the summary….
…. you’ll find all my reasoning below – as per usual….
Oh…. and if you’re looking for the standout place terms on offer – you’ll find them in the Bet Box below….
Read on….
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Before I get started on the Saturday action….
…. just a quick note to remind you to look out for me in your inbox on Sunday morning….
…. when I’ll be distributing my pick for Monday’s Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse….
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…. the Middle Distance Veterans' Handicap Chase - Haydock – 3.20....
THE FLIER BEGLEY won this race last year and at 14s I reckon he’s a good bet to go out and do it again….
His two best efforts over fences – the win in this being one of them – have been produced inside the last 12 months….
…. and on the back of a change of approach – with trainer Gary Hamner making much less use of the horse than had been the case previously and giving his charge time between races….
After winning this last year off a mark of 125 with a 3lb claimer on, he was given a couple of months off and then went and won the Summer Plate Trial at Market Rasen off 132….
He runs off a mark of 131 tomorrow claimer Ben Macey doing the honours in the saddle and taking off 5lb….
The 11yo’s only been seen twice this term – first qualifying for this final with a down the field effort at Market Rasen in January….
…. and next time over hurdles at Southwell towards the end of last month – an assignment that surely served a treble purpose….
…. of getting him towards full fitness….
…. protecting his mark….
…. and giving tomorrow’s rider some experience of the horse out on the track….
The Flier Begley ran well enough – considering he’s not a hurdler (you could see that how he jumped the last) – and he ran to the line well….
He’ll be plenty fitter for that run….
…. and it’s hard to avoid the conclusion that his whole season has been geared up towards another crack at tomorrow’s race….
I expect a big run at the price….
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…. the Scottish Sprint Cup - Musselburgh – 3.42....
JER BATT ran his best race of last season first-time up in this….
…. going down 0.75 lengths and a neck to American Affair and Jm Jungle….
Those two were rated 94 & 93 at the time….
…. and come into this new campaign on marks of 113 & 112….
Jer Batt was rated 92 in last year’s edition of the race and turns out this year on a mark of 85….
The first thing the Barron team did at the end of last season was give the 6yo a wind operation….
If that’s been beneficial to him then he’s very well handicapped and will surely go close at the general 6s….
Saffie Osborne is booked to partner the horse for the first time….
…. and she’s an interesting engagement – having won on three of the seven horses she’s ridden at the track to date….
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Now, just to recap….
The pick of the prices….To recap on my bets…. In the 3.20 @ Haydock….
e/w terms = Sky Bet pay 6 places. It’s 5 places generally…. In the 3.42 @ Musselburgh….
e/w terms = Sky Bet pay 5 places. It’s 4 places generally…. |
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That’s all for today….
I’ll be back with more on Sunday morning….
Meantime – contact me at – nick.pullen@spapublishinggroup.co.uk
And remember – win, lose or draw – enjoy the racing….
Stay tuned….
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