The jumps season is over in the UK and Punchestown is grinding to an end, so our attention turns to Classic action on the Flat this weekend as once again the aim is to make Paddy and his Betfair friends as poor as possible.
Let’s start at Newmarket with Saturday’s 2.00pm, a handicap over 1m1f. I was originally going to back Truth or Dare but he’s a non runner. It’s quite hard to call without Truth or Dare, maybe look to Mutamakkin or the outsider in Revolutionist.
Gallop over to all the latest odds on PP.com
It’s the 5f Group 3 Palace House Stakes at 2.30pm, and again an eachway bet here with JUNGLE CAT for Godolphin and William Buick. He was dropped down to 5f at Meydan and appeared much improved, going close in Group 1 company. He’ll have a fitness edge over some and might be improving against some proven old timers. Surely Paddy’s Sole Power must be getting nearly as grey as him!
I always love the Group 2 Jockey Club Stakes over 1m4f at 3.05pm, and this year’s is a cracking renewal between Irish Derby winner JACK HOBBS and St Leger Heroine Simple Verse. The selection has to be the John Gosden-trained Hobbs, who could prove special this season.
It’s the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket at 3.45pm, and there’s no doubt AIR FORCE BLUE will take all the beating. I’m having a win bet on him to cover an eachway wager on MASSAAT, who I am told is training very well for Owen Burrows. It’s hard to believe he can reverse Dewhurst form, but he might run huge.
Over at Goodwood there’s a Listed race over 1m4f at 2.15pm. This is tough, but MISS MARJURIE was progressive last season and may well be able to give up to a 1lb to some of her rivals. Denis Coakley’s runner goes in any ground and has been running in much tougher races that this. There are improvers, but she may be too good at this stage of the season.
Finally, Goodwood hosts a tricky 7f handicap at 2.50pm. I’m backing RIGHT TOUCH eachway for Richard Fahey. He’s been down the field in both starts this season, but in terms of lengths has not been beaten far and has a reasonable draw to work from. Fingers crossed.
So best of luck for a Classic Saturday. I’ll be back with more news on Sunday’s 1000 Guineas shortly. Yeeehaaa!