Sport

Weekend Betting Tips: Kingsgate Native ready for a bold performance

SATURDAY

HAYDOCK PARK

2-40 BETFRED.COM TEMPLE STAKES (GROUP 2) – 5 FURLONGS

Kingsgate Native returns to defend his title and this nine year old veteran showed that he was still very much at the top of his game when just denied by the re-opposing Sole Power at Newmarket last month. Sole Power had a fitness edge on him on that occasion but with the cobwebs well and truly blown away, he can reverse the form. Jim Crowley is once again booked to ride and the horse will appreciate a return to this track.

Sole Power was beaten over a length by the selection in this race last year and it could be a case of déjà vu. Sole Power once again has the assistance of Ryan Moore in the saddle and he looks to be the biggest threat. Hot Streak travelled ominously well at Newmarket when finishing third in the same race. His best form to date has been shown on ground with a bit of give and connections will be praying that some rain arrives.

Jack Dexter is another who would appreciate any softening of the ground whilst Justice Day seems to have it all to do following a mediocre reappearance at York last week. Kingsgate Native loves to hear his hooves rattle and loves this track. He should be capable of a very bold showing.

THE CURRAGH

3-20 TATTERSALLS IRISH 2000 GUINEAS (GROUP 1) – 1 MILE

War Command can leave his disappointing effort in the English 2000 Guineas well and truly behind and can give Aiden O’ Brien a fourth straight win in this race. He has run well on both previous visits to this track including when scoring a facile success here last August. The Ballydoyle runners tend to need their first outing of the year so a more determined effort can be expected this time around.

Kingman is likely to prove all the rage given his brave run at Newmarket last time. He was just caught by the wayward Night Of Thunder but the fact remains that he is not yet proven at a mile and he looks a very short price in the market.

Mustajeeb made rapid progress for Dermot Weld last season and returned in fine style with a fluid success at Leopardstown. He has something to find with the selection based on their meeting last season, but he could prove the most likely threat. Richard Hannon has supplemented Shifting Power for this trip across the Irish Sea but in fairness the yard has had better chances in the past and he looks to have a place prospects at best.

War Command should appreciate this return to The Curragh and with Joseph O’ Brien renewing his partnership with the three year old the combination ought to go close.

HAYDOCK

3-45 BETFRED MOBILE CASINO SILVER BOWL STAKES (H’CAP) – 1 MILE

Bilimbi made his seasonal debut at Musselburgh last month and created a favourable impression with many. He looks to have improved throughout the winter months and this lightly raced individual could still have any amount of improvement to come. Ryan Moore takes over in the saddle for the first time this afternoon and from near the foot of the weights the duo look sure to make their presence felt.

Shot In The Sun has run well on both of his recent starts and he has found just one too good on both occasions. This return to a mile will suit the son of Kodiac as will this better ground. He is likely to be right in the mix once again. Born In Bombay enjoys a nice pull at the weights with recent conqueror Hors De Combat. It would be no surprise to see Andrew Balding’s charge reverse that form on those terms. Red Stargazer won well over the course and distance last time but will find this much tougher giving weight away all around.

Bilimbi will improve for his recent outing and with William Haggas in good form his claims are hard to deny. Horses at the lower end of the handicap tend to do well in this particular race and he is one to stay on the right side of.

SUNDAY

CURRAGH

3-55 ETIHAD AIRWAYS IRISH 1000 GUINEAS (GROUP 1) – 1 MILE

Lightning Thunder should appreciate this stiff finish at the Curragh and can continue the current British domination of this race. She was desperately unfortunate not to collar Miss France at Newmarket in the English alternative but without that rival in the line-up she can make amends.

My Titania is bred to be a class act being a daughter of Sea The Stars. She did win her last two starts but the form was let down following the subsequent run of Chicago Girl. There is every chance that My Titania will need this run and it would have been ideal to get a prep run into her. Vote Often is a previous course and distance winner and represents the very much in form Dermot Weld stable. She will need to take another step forward but certainly deserves to take her chance. Aiden O’ Brien and Ballydolye have three entered for this race and Palace looks to be the best of them. She was beaten in a lesser grade last time and is passed over on this occasion

Ollie Stevens has made a decent start to his training career and this exciting three year old can give him his biggest training success to date.