It’s Dewhurst day at Newmarket on Saturday and for those who like to beat the bookies there’s the Cesarewitch as well – and every chance of an Irish winner. You hear me Paddy? That’s not good news for you.
Let’s get on with it as ITV is showing some action from both Newmarket and York on Saturday.
The coverage at Newmarket starts at 13.50 with the Listed Zetland Stakes over 1m 2f. Sydney Opera House is just ahead of NORWAY in the market on Friday, but the latter is really going to appreciate the step up in distance. He has to improve masses on his win last time, but he may just do that for Aidan O’Brien over this extreme juvenile trip.
Next at Newmarket is the Group 3 Autumn Stakes over 1m at 14.25. Karl Burke has a fascinating challenger in KADAR, who cost €700,000 and impressed on debut at Haydock over a mile. In testing conditions with high winds, he may stay best in this contest.
The feature Group 1 race, the 1m Dewhurst Stakes is for juveniles at 15.00. No inspiration here I am afraid as favourite TOO DARN HOT will take all the beating after his 7f Group 2 Champagne Stakes romp at Doncaster.
This will be a lot harder with Anthony Van Dyck and Sangarius in the field, but John Gosden’s favourite for next season’s 2,000 Guineas and Epsom Derby looks exceptional. Have a few quid on before the race if you fancy him for next season’s 2,000 Guineas. He’ll only shorten for that if he wins.
And finally the Cesarewitch over the marathon trip of 2m 2f at 15.40. STRATUM might be favourite, but he’s still decent odds and I think he will run a huge race for Willie Mullins.
Top jock Ruby Walsh has given Paddy his low-down on the Mullins runners here but Stratum was desperately unlucky at York in the Ebor, and prior to that had won well at Newbury, having got a little outpaced at Royal Ascot. This trip is made for him.
Over at York, ITV show three races, including the handicap over an extended 1m 2f at 14.05. Pity there are less than 16 runners, but an each-way chance here with HIGHBROW, who has been running over further for trainer Dave Simcock. Expect a late run from him under Jamie Spencer now that he’s down in trip.
Also on the show is the 6f Listed event known as the Rockingham at 14.40. I have no strong opinion here, but a little each-way on KINKS might not be a bad way to go. Bet Paddy loves this one, the Kinky old boy. My selection hasn’t won recently, but he’s been performing well and didn’t get a good run at Chester last time.
And finally at York, the big sprint handicap over 6f at 15.15. I’ll take a place chance with STAXTON for Tim Easterby. My hope is in the grip of the handicapper, but returned to form last time and had a terrific effort at York earlier in the campaign. Rachel Richardson could be in for a big win.
Let’s hope for some Yeeehaaas. You hear me Paddy?
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