Sport

Weekend Betting Tips: First Mohican worth a punt in York

SATURDAY

YORK

2-20 STOWE FAMILY LAW LLP GRAND CUP (LISTED) – 1 M 6 F

First Mohican returned to something like his best when only beaten a length by Mount Athos at Newbury a fortnight ago. A return to this track is certainly in his favour and the softer the ground the better are his chances. He is proven over a lot further than this trip, so he should have enough stamina to see him through when others have cried enough.

Sirvino always saves his best for this track and the nine year old comes here in good heart. David Barron also has his yard in top form so he may prove a credible threat. Godolphin have landed the last two renewals of this race but it looks a lot harder this time around. They are represented by Cap O’ Rushes and Statutory but neither are proven on a soft surface. With relatively high draws to also contend with they are both passed over on this occasion.

Clever Cookie is a useful dual purpose performer who has proven a real money spinner for Peter Niven. He won a competitive handicap at this track a fortnight ago and if lasting out this extra distance must have sound claims once again. First Mohican has been specifically targeted towards this race by his owner and they can reap the rewards.

NEWMARKET

2-25 STALLIONS MAIDENS STAKES – 6 FURLONGS

Secret Brief can make the most of his previous experience on the track and shed his maiden tag at the second time of asking. He was fast into his stride at Ripon on debut and if he does the same here he can leave his lesser tried rivals in his wake. It is often pays to be out in front on soft ground and getting the lead should not be too much of a problem for this son of Shamardal. He is bred to act on the surface and he looks primed to go well.

Skygazer made his debut at Nottingham less than a fortnight ago. His debut performance was the complete opposite of the selection. He was slowly away out of the stalls and was always under pressure. He will have learned plenty from that and with Charlie Appleby’s formidable strike rate with juveniles at this track, he cannot be completely ruled out.

Richard Hannon is another excellent trainer of two year olds and Burnt Sugar is another that commands plenty of respect on debut. If he is sharp enough at the first time of asking, he could well give the selection something to think about. Secret Brief looks to have an ideal draw in stall one and with Dane O’ Neill booked to ride the combination can go close.

HAYDOCK

2-40 TIMEFORM JURY STAKES (GROUP 3) – 7 FURLONGS

Eton Forever returned to winning ways on his seasonal reappearance at Leicester. He managed to put some three lengths between himself and his rivals on that occasion including the re-opposing Breton Rock. The form of that race is working out well as both Breton Rock and Gabriel’s Lad have come out to win good races since and now that the selection is back on his local track it will be of little surprise to see him follow up.

Breton Rock is clearly at the top of his game and these deteriorating conditions shall suit. He too is a previous course and distance winner and he has to be considered a very live threat despite having to find three lengths with the selection.

Garswood drops back in trip having been trounced on his seasonal reappearance. He was bitterly disappointing behind Tullius at Sandown and connections shall be hoping for a much better display today. The booking of Pat Smullen suggests that a big run is expected but there has to be reservations about him following that lacklustre display.

Eton Forever is clearly in good heart and comes here race fit. He should be able to reverse form with Amarillo on ground that the German raider will not enjoy. Frankie Dettori rides the selection for the first time this afternoon and the duo should go well.

3-00 BETFAIR SUPPORTING THE ANIMAL WELFARE TRUST HANDICAP – 6 FURLONGS

Regal Parade is becoming a dangerously well handicapped individual. He may have only been seventh last time out, but that was in a twenty runner cavalry charge at York and it certainly hinted that a return to winning form may not be far away. He has his optimal conditions this afternoon and with him being a battle hardened warrior well used to fields of this size, he should put in a decent effort.

Dominate is useful when there is plenty of give underfoot. His two career wins to date have come on soft surfaces at Windsor and Sandown. He has dropped to three pounds below that last winning mark and he looks the biggest threat to the selection.

Goldream provided something of a shock win over this course and distance last time out. His best form seems to come when the ground is good to firm and that will not be on offer this afternoon. Much of this field would prefer better ground including the likes of Zanetto, Hadaj and Peterkin. Regal Parade is versatile and could just be on his way back at the right time and he ought to be right in the thick of things here.