Although there isn’t much in the way of Group race action this weekend, there are still plenty of decent races taking place across the UK. Friday’s cards at Chester, Sandown and Salisbury are all worth a second look.
Last week I backed Nezar in the big sales race at York and he ran well enough to suggest that the nursery at Chester (4.05) is his for the taking. He was slowly away but made up ground steadily in the closing stages to be a never-nearer third at the line. Frankie Dettori takes over from Johnny Murtagh on Friday and even a draw in the outside stall shouldn’t prevent him from winning here.
Over at Sandown, William Buick teams up with John Gosden’s Breden in the 3.55. This horse had to be driven right out to win at Newmarket last time but holds some big entries including the Cambridgeshire. The handicapper has put him up only 4lbs for that victory and I’m hoping that there is more improvement to come. He delivered his challenge on the far side that day and very few horses won from there at the meeting.
Buick may not be in the best mood after the news that James Doyle will step into his shoes for the Prince Khaled Abdulla horses in future, starting on Saturday with 2000 Guineas favourite Kingman. With the likes of Remote and Excess Knowledge also now likely to be ridden by Doyle, Buick may feel that he has a point to prove in the coming weeks.
Salisbury provides the main evening entertainment with the feature race being the Listed Stonehenge Stakes. This looks booked for Washaar for Richard Hannon and Paul Hanagan. He may not be one of the stable starts but he was never going to be beaten at Ascot last time and I think he can see off his rivals here.
Hannon can strike again at his local track when Go For Broke runs in the maiden race at 5.45. I think you can best describe his first outing as “educational” after he was nursed into fourth place at Windsor. Roger Varian’s newcomer High Accolade is an unknown quantity but hopefully Go For Broke won’t live up his name!
Luca Cumani’s Don Padeja hacked up at Leicester last week and turns out quickly with a 6lb penalty. He won with any amount in hand and should be able to follow up in the 7.45.
Nezar 4-6 Bet365
Don Pedija 6-4 Bet365
Washaar 4-5 Ladbrokes
Go For Broke
Breden 7-2 Bet365
Betfair:
Bet on Henrik Stenson to become the BMW PGA Championship Winner.
Paddypower:
Back Australia to take the Ashes home with them.
Betway:
Back Rafael Nadal to become the Mens French Open Winner.
Coral:
Back One For Arthur to win the Grand National.
Bet365:
Back Mexico to win the Confederations Cup.
