Sport

Weekend Betting Tips: Western Reserve on track for Newmarket

SATURDAY

NEWMARKET

2-00 BET365 MILE (HANDICAP) – 1 MILE

Western Reserve was far from disgraced on what was his turf debut at Sandown last month. Always prominent, he tried to make all and was only collared in the dying strides by Awesome Power. This slight drop in trip looks a sensible move by Lady Cecil and with similar ground conditions in effect here, he could well prove hard to peg back if allowed an uncontested lead. Pat Smullen is a noteworthy jockey booking by the soon to be retired trainer and the combination look destined to go well here.

Great Park is trained by Martyn Meade and he will be hoping that his charge can make it three from three when racing on this track. His win over the course and distance last time was a career best and this fast improving son of Vale Of York has to be high on any shortlist. Fergus Sweeney knows him inside out and he has once again been engaged to ride.

Oracolo has won three of his last four starts including twice at Doncaster. Jamie Spencer gets on well with him and this trip seems to be their optimum. The faster the ground the better his chances and he is another that can make the frame.

Western Reserve is the least exposed runner in this line-up and he should have plenty more to offer. Connections will be hoping for a massive effort as they continue to wind down their operation and a win here would ease that burden significantly.

3-10 BET365 BUNBURY CUP (HANDICAP) – 7 FURLONGS

Heaven’s Guest has won at this meeting for the last two years so it is of little surprise to see him featured amongst this nineteen strong field in the Bunbury Cup. He is only four pounds higher in the ratings than when landing this race last season and Richard Fahey is bound to have him primed to run well. So far this season he has picked up wins at Thirsk and Naas but he really comes into his own around this time of year and he has to command utmost respect.

Ayaar looked to have every chance when last seen out in the Royal Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot last month. He flattered to deceive though and ultimately ran out of puff inside the last furlong. He is likely to appreciate this drop back to seven furlongs and this previous course and distance winner looks a chief danger to the selection.

Firmdecisions loves it around here and sneaks into the race at the foot of the handicap. Despite this being the toughest opposition that he has faced to date, he is clearly thriving for Dean Ivory and could well feature amongst the placings.

Heaven’s Guest is partnered by a talented apprentice in Jack Garrity and his three pound claim could make a massive difference in a race of this nature. Connections will be hoping that a bit of rain will arrive in order to see their five year old perform to his absolute best. In a race full of uncertainty, it could pay to follow this proven performer and he should go well.

YORK

3-25 56^TH JOHN SMITH’S CUP (HANDICAP) – 1 M 2 F 88YDS

Balty Boys ran an absolute screamer of a race when defying huge odds to finish a close up fourth to GM Hopkins in the Royal Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot last month. Brian Ellison has the six year old in excellent form and will be hoping that it can continue as he bids to land this competitive race for the first time. Balty Boys looks to have a decent position in stall fifteen and with him being versatile regarding ground conditions he should be capable of producing another decent run.

Arab Dawn was an imposing winner when landing the Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes at Royal Ascot for Hughie Morrison. His stamina for this trip is certainly assured as the further they went in that last race the better he looked. A five pound rise in the weights may not be enough to stop this improving four year old grey and he looks a potential threat.

Mark Johnston also has his runners in terrific order at present and Sennockian Star is lurking towards the bottom of the handicap here. Proven at the trip and with the assistance of Franny Norton in the saddle, he too should be capable of another good run and can get amongst the places.

Colm O’Donohue is an intriguing jockey booking for Balty Boys and this slight step up in trip could well unlock yet more potential from the son of Cape Cross. The Ellison team have had a great season so far and they will seek to continue that this afternoon.