Sport

Weekend Betting Tips: Kingston Hill set to make his mark

SATURDAY

NEWMARKET

2-05 QATAR RACING SUFFOLK STAKES – 1 M 1 F

Trumpet Major is a dual course winner who is taking a big drop in class here. He shall certainly have improved for his recent outing at Kempton and the yard are in excellent form. His last win came around this time last year when he won the Bet365 Mile at Sandown when partnered by Richard Hughes. The Irishman has been on board for half of this five year olds six career wins so far so it is of note to see him back in the saddle this afternoon.

The biggest threat to the selection could come from Bold Sniper. Owned by The Queen and trained by Sir Michael Stoute it is interesting that he has been kept in training. Despite getting beaten at a lower level than this last season he is bound to have strengthened up over the winner and he commands respect.

Stand My Ground represents another yard that can do no wrong at present. He would have preferred to see the heavens open though and he is passed over as he is untested on ground as quick as this.

Rock Choir won two races last season for Cheveley Park Stud and William Haggas last year. He needed a run or two to get fully wound up last year and that could yet again be the case.

Trumpet Major does have to give weight away all around this afternoon but he is a proven Group 2 winner and he has dropped in the ratings by the handicapper. If he can get back to anywhere near his peak he ought to take stopping.

3-50 QIPCO 2000 GUINEAS – 1 MILE

Kingston Hill is unbeaten in three previous starts and this talented son of Mastercraftsman could very well be the forgotten horse of the race. He won his maiden at Newbury and beat the well touted Exchequer before scoring in listed company over this course and distance. He was once again upped in class when supplemented for the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster where again he emerged victorious.

Toormore was actually the highest rated two-year-old that raced last season and like Kingston Hill he has proven himself over this course and distance. He is unbeaten in four starts and comes here on the back of a recent win so is considered a major player.

Aiden O’ Brien is adamant that Australia is one of the best horses that he has ever trained. The master of Ballydoyle should know what type of horse it takes to land this first classic of the season having won it no fewer than six times since 1998. The form of the stable is a cause for concern at the moment though and both Australia and War Command should be watched for future potential.

Kingman has been all the rage since winning a Group 3 race at Doncaster on his seasonal reappearance. The fact remains that he is unproven at Newmarket and is not guaranteed to see out this extra furlong. On balance he therefore has something to find with the selection. Kingston Hill has the ability to land a huge prize for Roger Varian.

PUNCHESTOWN

4-20 CHAMPION FOUR YEAR OLD HURDLE (GRADE 1) – 2 MILES

Tiger Roll was impressive when landing the JCB Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham back in March. The form of the race was given a significant boost following the subsequent success of the third placed Guitar Pete, who himself landed a Grade One race at Aintree only a few weeks later. Gordon Elliott’s exciting youngster should still have some potential to unlock and he can continue on an upward curve.

Guitar Pete meets his Cheltenham nemesis once more and as tough and as brave as he is, it will be difficult for him to reverse that form. Despite that Dessie Hughes has been amongst the winners at Punchestown this week and although his runner has endured a long season he should be able to make the frame yet again.

Kentucky Harden has been off the track since finishing second to Tiger Roll at Cheltenham. He has been campaigned sparingly this season and it may be him that causes the biggest threat to the selection especially with the assistance of Barry Geraghty in the plate.

Tiger Roll should have no problem stepping back ever so slightly to this two mile trip and he ought to give Davy Russell a great chance of another winning ride at the Festival this week.

NEWMARKET

4-25 HARBOUR WATCH AT TWEENHILLS HANDICAP – 6 FURLONGS

Perfect Alchemy made it two wins from just four starts when landing a four runner event at Kempton Park on her seasonal reappearance. That makes her two from two on an artificial surface but she is no mug on turf either. She made the frame in her first two runs at Windsor and over this course and distance last season. Her recent run should have cleared away any cobwebs and she should be capable of stepping up on that effort here.

Stars Above Me is bred to be fast and to appreciate this lightning fast surface. His trainer Roger Charlton has won with the last three runners that he has sent to the races so he is a clear threat. It is worth bearing in mid though that no horse carrying more than nine stone has ever won this race and he may also just need the run.

Words Not Deeds managed to score a hat-trick of wins last season and is another that will come on from his seasonal reappearance. Despite having to give weight away to most of his rivals he does have a touch of class that could see him make the frame.

Ralph Beckett has sent out nine winners from his yard in the last month and he has a great partnership with Jim Crowley. Perfect Alchemy should be able to build on what she has shown so far and can go close here.