Find all previous Seymour Biz racing previews in his weekly column: Saturday Horse Racing Tips.
After last week’s busy Saturday, it’s much quieter on the racing front this week, with the main meeting at Newbury, from where four races are being televised, two Class 1s and two Class 2s.
ITV Racing have sent their cameras to Market Rasen to cover the Summer Jumping Highlight, the Unibet Plate, a Class 1 race. This is backed up by a couple of hurdle races to fill out the programme.
Finally, the Group 1 Juddmonte Irish Oaks from the Curragh makes up the eighth race of the day, and I have looked through these for the best value. Here are my thoughts and this week’s Lucky Fifteen.
Saturday Lucky Fifteen
2.25 Newbury. Wonder Legend
2.57 Newbury. Khaadem
2.40 Market Rasen. Goblet Of Fire
3.12 Market Rasen. Sure Touch
Bet this lucky 15 on Bet365
Beginning at Newbury with the 2.25, the Back The Super Boost At BetVictor Handicap, this is a Class 2 race run over 2m 1/2f. The bookies’ favourite is Andrew Balding’s Wild Waves, who has not had the season his trainer hoped. He has failed to win after four attempts. He ran a fair third at Ascot last month. This is easier, but he has to be better.
Balding, who also runs Contacto, was consistent last season, winning twice, but he made no impression last month at Newcastle. He may be placed here.
Hughie Morrison’s Kyle Of Lochalsh was very consistent last season, but won only once, and disappointed on his only run this season at Southwell in April, finishing 6th.
Faye Bramley’s Almuhit won here at Newbury in a Class 4 last month after previously running fourth at Goodwood. This is tougher, but he may be placed.
The top weight takes my eye, James Ferguson’s Wonder Legend, who won twice on the all-weather earlier this season at Wolverhampton and Newcastle. He was last seen in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot, where, inexplicably, he was pulled up 4 furlongs out when well beaten. I give him another chance in handicap company despite carrying top weight.
The 2.57 is the Hallgarten And Novum Wines Hackwood Stakes, this is a Class 1, Group 3 contest run over the straight 6 furlongs. Diligent Harry is one of Clive Cox’s stable stars with a string of victories behind him, the latest of which was at Newcastle last month in a Group 3. He has a 3lb penalty for that win, and that may hold him back.
Karl Burke’s Elite Status won twice at Newbury last season, including this race, but he has 5lbs more to carry this time around. He has been unsuccessful after trying his luck in higher grade races this season and drops back to Group 3 company. He may be placed.
Jack Channon’s Ferrous has been making a name for himself in all-weather handicaps but could manage only third last month in Group company.
Edward Bethell’s Regional is highly fancied after a fine third in a Group 1 at Royal Ascot last month, and a bold run is expected.
James Fanshawe’s Kind Of Blue won a Group 1 on soft going at Ascot last October, but has disappointed so far this season. He needs plenty of rain.
Charles Hills runs the old warrior Khaadem, who in his pomp would wipe the floor with this lot. He is now a 9-year-old but has two Group 1 wins to his credit and several other Class 1 victories, including one over this course and distance. He clearly has the ability to take this.
Shifting codes to jump racing at Market Rasen and at 2.40 Unibet Same Race Multi Summer Handicap Hurdle, a Class 2 race run over 2m 1/2f. Olly Murphy’s Sir Galahad is having a wonderful summer, winning three Class 4 races, but moving up to a Class 2 may find him out.
The Killahena & McPherson trained Moon Chime won a Class 3 at Hexham in May and is another stepping up in class with plenty of weight.
D Day Arvalenree, trained by Kevin de Foy, won twice at the end of last season, then again at Cartmel in May this season. He fully deserves to step up in class and should hit the frame.
Fergal O’Brien’s Castel Gandolfo won this race last season and won again here at Market Rasen last month over this distance in preparation for this. He will go close.
I prefer Nicky Henderson’s Goblet Of Fire, who won twice last season at Southwell and Hereford. This season, he ran a credible third in a Grade 3 at Haydock in May. A reproduction of that form can see him prevail.
The 3.12 is the Unibet Summer Plate Handicap Chase, a Class 1 Grade 3 Premier Handicap which is run over 2m 5 1/2 f. Top weight is Emma Lavelle’s Hang In There, a past Grade 2 winner. He won a Class 2 race at Uttoxeter a year ago but has since disappointed, including three defeats this season.
Dianne Sayer’s Charlie Uberalles has won twice at Cartmel this season in Class 3 races. This is a huge step up in class.
Gary Hanmer The Flier Begley finished last term off with a flourish, winning twice in January and April. He won over this course and distance on his seasonal reappearance and deserves to make this step up in class; he can go well.
Courtland is trained by Mickey Bowen, whose father, Peter, won this race on eight occasions, so Mickey will be out to emulate him. The horse won five times last season, including over this course and distance, but this is a step up in class.
At the bottom of the handicap is an Irish raider, Ceanndana, trained by Ross O’Sullivan. he has good form from last season and ran a creditable third at Tipperary at the beginning of this month. He will go close.
I just prefer last year’s winner, Olly Murphy’s Sure Touch. He was highly tried after that win without success but returns with 14lbs less than he carried to victory last year. This is his seasonal reappearance. However, he seems to go well fresh.
Saturday Lucky Fifteen
2.25 Newbury. Wonder Legend
2.57 Newbury. Khaadem
2.40 Market Rasen. Goblet Of Fire
3.12 Market Rasen. Sure Touch
Bet this lucky 15 on Bet365
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