There’s some excellent racing to look forward to this weekend, and having studied the cards, I think there are a couple of good bets to get stuck into. This week’s selections come from York and Newmarket, including one of my favourite horses in training lining up in the Group 1 on the latter card.
3:45 York – RESPOND (12/1 Generally Each Way)
The John Smith’s Cup is a race Andrew Balding has a fantastic record in – he’s won the race three times in the past seven years, and I think he could have another excellent chance this year with RESPOND.
The 4YO has clearly improved from last year, winning twice and placing in his other three runs this year, whilst putting in his two best efforts in his last two races. He won nicely at Chester in May, before bumping into a handicap blot in Sallaal at Epsom last month. He still did best of the rest that day and remains on the same mark here.
His draw could have been kinder (stall 20), but Andrew won this race last year with Fox Legacy drawn in stall 19, so I’m optimistic he should be able to overcome the draw. I believe he’s overpriced at 12/1 and feel he represents great value in here – I’d make him my E/W bet of the day.
16:35 Newmarket – VENETIAN SUN (3/1 Generally)
The July Cup looks an absolute cracker of a race, and it means we get to see one of my favourite horses in action. VENETIAN SUN looks an absolute superstar filly and I think she has a huge chance of landing her third Group 1 win on Saturday.
The 3YO is a perfect 6/6 over sprinting distances, including being 5/5 over six furlongs, with her only two defeats coming over seven furlongs and over the mile trip on seasonal reappearance. She’s a course and distance winner, having landed the Duchess Of Cambridge Stakes last year, and her win in the Commonwealth Cup was another impressive effort.
Her trainer Karl Burke has labelled her ‘The best horse he’s ever had’ and I’d have to agree with him. She looks the sprinting star for the future and should have too much speed and class for her rivals here, with her age and filly allowance meaning she receives weight all around. This will be an electric race to watch, and I’m confident we’ll see Venetian Sun land the honours.
SATURDAY SELECTIONS
15:45 York – RESPOND (12/1 Generally Each Way)
16:35 Newmarket – VENETIAN SUN (3/1 Generally)
*Odds correct at time of posting – 10:15am Friday 10th July
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Please note that although Matt has uploaded the tips, he is not our Racing Club Insider – the insider will remain anonymous!
