Saturday
14:50 Haydock – Brandon Castle (Conor Murphy)
The draw out in 14 isn’t ideal for a front runner, especially given the short enough run to the bend over this course and distance. But ,with the way it’s worked out for BRANDON CASTLE, it’s hard to complain.
He shouldn’t have much challenge for the lead until he gets to the Ebor runner up Glencadam Glory from stall 6.
He’s been in great form over hurdles this summer and going back to the flat off a mark of 88 looks a great opportunity. He’s been rated much higher in the past, handles soft ground well and the booking of Hollie Doyle is certainly no bad thing.
15:05 Ascot – My Frankel (Niall O’Reilly)
MY FRANKEL was very impressive in a strong race at Kempton last time, and he could potentially be a group hors in a handicap for a trainer in Sir Michael Stoute who excels with these types.
He travelled really well at Kempton and put the race to bed decisively, beating some highly touted horses in the process in a good time – with useful sectionals for a stayer.
His mark of 96 is no gimme, though I do believe it was deserved for the performance and he still ranks as one of the least exposed in the field.
He’s got a good draw for this trip at Ascot, and has the excellent Ceiran Fallon onboard. It all means he looks set for a big run.
15:05 Ascot – Noble Masquerade (Dan Collins)
This looks one of the most competitive races of the day, but NOBLE MASQUERADE caught my eye last time when stepped up to this trip for the first time.
He had shown decent form in his first two runs over a trip much too short given his pedigree and, given a more forceful ride from Tom Queally, could have finished a lot closer to the re-opposing Coconut.
He is a stone better off with that rival in this race and, while there are any number of unexposed three-year-olds here, he gets a lot of weight off all bar one of them. Whether this race is too hot for him, I would expect a mark of 77 underestimates him.
17:35 Wexford – I’m Not Alone (Conor Magner)
I’M NOT ALONE has shaped at various stages like she is capable of winning for the Conor O’ Dwyer yard.
She ran with credit last time at Roscommon and has been eased another couple of pounds in the ratings.
This isn’t a strong contest and it looks an excellent opportunity for her to make her mark.
Sunday
13:30 York – Sucellus (Niall O’Reilly)
SUCELLUS was very eye-catching earlier the season in strong races, particularly at Epsom when far from ideally placed throughout, though shaping really nicely.
He hasn’t been great on his last two starts, though he has had excuses and the handicapper has dropped him 6lbs for those runs.
He’s run quite well here before and this represent a drop in grade, so I reckon he could go close – especially with the in form Hollie Doyle taking the ride.
Longchamp 15:25 – Romanised (Sean O’Sullivan)
ROMANISED shaped far better than the result in the Marois at Deauville when travelling up beautifully before not picking up in heavy ground, which we know he hates.
He gets faster ground now and was unlucky not to win this last year on the nod or in the stewards’ room.
With lingering doubts about the fav at the trip, that form is as good as any here and closely ties in with the likes of Siskin and the re-opposing Circus Maximus.
16:00 Longchamp – Hurricane Dream (Conor Murphy)
This Group 3 race is an all French/German encounter with some of the also rans in the French Derby to the fore. HURRICANE DREAM is the one I’d side with, he’s the most progressive of these with his only blemish coming in the Derby.
Last time out he did really well to win from the back and reel in Dawn Intello, who reopposes. He’s the best horse in the race and Pierre-Charles Boudot will ride him with a lot of confidence from the rear and should come out on top.
16:45 Ballinrobe – Chavi Artist (Conor Magner)
CHAVI ARTIST was an impressive winner of a handicap chase at Punchestown in January and followed up with a creditable seventh at the Dublin Racing Festival.
He can be forgiven two pulled up runs on heavy ground subsequently, and showed some life last time out over hurdles at Killarney.
He has a lovely racing weight here too.
* Prices on our snazzy new bet widget are bang up to date.
Traders tips summary:
Saturday
14:50 Haydock – Brandon Castle
15:05 Ascot – My Frankel
15:05 Ascot – Noble Masquerade
17:35 Wexford – I’m Not Alone
Sunday
13:30 York – Sucellus
15:25 Longchamp – Romanised
16:00 Longchamp – Hurricane Dream
16:45 Ballinrobe – Chavi Artist
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Horse Racing tips: Matt Chapman’s perfect 10 for Saturday’s ITV racing
- Horse Racing tips: Mick Fitzgerald’s 5 to thrive at Haydock & Ascot on Saturday
- Horse Racing tips: Jason Weaver’s 10 of the best for Saturday’s ITV Racing
- Horse Racing tips: Our four fancies at Navan and Wexford on Saturday
- Horse Racing tips: Timeform’s 7 sweet selections at Haydock on Saturday
- Horse Racing tips: Timeform’s terrific trio of punts at Kempton on Saturday
The Paddy Power Guide To Responsible Gambling – Everything You Need To Know
The latest racing odds are on PaddyPower.com now