We have another busy Saturday ahead, with nine cards taking place. While there may not be a great deal of top class action, there are still plenty of punting opportunities as always. It is great to see jumps racing return after the summer break and, despite the ground being quicker than ideal, particularly at Market Rasen, there are some interesting races there and at Perth. It is also always nice to see Ripon host their big day, featuring the valuable Great St Wilfrid Handicap, while Newmarket stages its unique six furlong handicap specifically for grey horses. Hopefully we can bounce back after two disappointing selections last week, but unfortunately neither of this week’s selections represents great value, and I was hoping they would be nearer to 2/1.
15:13 Newmarket – EABHA (5/4 Generally)
This seven furlong fillies’ nursery presents a very good opportunity for Eve Johnson Houghton’s daughter of Space Blues to record her third career success. EABHA made her debut in a strong Newbury maiden and ran a huge race to finish third, beaten just a length and a quarter. The winner that day was Aperoll, who subsequently finished a close third in the Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot before winning a Listed race at Sandown. The runner up, Scommessa Sicura, has since won a Class 2 maiden at Newmarket and finished second in Listed company. Behind the selection was Avalon Queen, who has since defeated a beautifully bred and well fancied Coolmore filly at Glorious Goodwood, so the form looks extremely strong.
She disappointed on her second start but relished the step up to seven furlongs when getting back on track with a one length victory at Epsom. She followed up over this course and distance earlier this month, showing a fantastic attitude to rally after being headed before finishing strongly to win comfortably by a length. She will stay further in time, but she is clearly effective at this trip and likely has plenty more improvement to come.
The 5lb penalty should not prove too much of an obstacle, particularly with further progress likely. Billy Loughnane takes over in the saddle and the hat trick looks very achievable.
17:30 Market Rasen – PARK HALL (11/10 Generally)
There are a few with chances in this decent maiden hurdle, with several boasting some useful bumper form. Jentobello has a rating of 113 but returns from a long absence and has had several chances to get off the mark over hurdles. Centurion’s Sister has also had plenty of opportunities and isn’t certain to stay this trip. Way Maker disappointed at a short price here last month when having a good chance to score for the first time over timber.
Therefore, it looks worth siding with PARK HALL for the Skeltons. This mare receives a useful allowance from some of her rivals and looks capable of making a winning hurdles debut. She won her point before following up comfortably in a Newton Abbot bumper.
She returned to that venue and was unlucky not to defy a penalty, travelling smoothly throughout before being denied a clear run and having to switch to the near side to challenge, forfeiting valuable ground at a crucial stage of the race.
I have no doubt she would have won that day, and she has a good opportunity to make the perfect start to her hurdling career here. The ground should suit, the step up in trip looks ideal, and further improvement is expected.
SATURDAY SELECTIONS
15:13 Newmarket – EABHA (5/4 Generally)
17:30 Market Rasen – PARK HALL (11/10 Generally)
*Odds correct at time of posting – 9:27pm Friday 14th August
For those who aren’t already a member, you can become a racehorse owner with us from as little as £25 per share! View all of our horses available to purchase shares in HERE.
Please note that although Matt has uploaded the tips, he is not our Racing Club Insider – the insider will remain anonymous!
