Our form expert has five selections for Saturday’s ITV Racing action from Goodwood, Haydock and York.
Linfoot’s Goodwood Selections
At Goodwood, Linfoot suggests a 0.5pts e.w. on Richie’s Rocket in the 13:25 race at 22/1 (Coral, Ladbrokes 1/5 1,2,3,4,5). He also recommends a 2pts win for Golden Story in the 14:00 race at 7/2 (Sky Bet, Paddy Power).
Haydock Best Bets
Moving to Haydock, a 1pt win is advised for Astrazar in the 14:20 race at 10/1 (General). Linfoot also suggests a 1pt win for Five Ways in the 14:58 race at 11/1 (bet365, William Hill) in the Group 2 William Hill Sandy Lane Stakes for the three-year-olds over six furlongs.
Linfoot feels this looks a good race for a bet, singling out Venetian Sun, Coppull and Division Ascot Commonwealth Cup Trial form. However, he is happy to take them on with Andrew Balding’s son of Kameko who should improve plenty on his second start of the season back up to six furlongs.
He wasn’t beaten far by Coppull in a Middle Park where he raced too keen last year and he should’ve learnt loads racing against his elders over five in the Palace House behind the aforementioned Night Raider.
His dam liked Haydock, winning her maiden here while finishing third in an Achilles Stakes, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he takes a significant step forward from Newmarket.
Also at Haydock it’s the William Hill Silver Bowl Handicap over the mile and there are plenty of likely types in here headed by Princling who is probably much better than his mark of 87.
It’s no surprise to see him favourite, but I thought ASTRAZAR offered a spot of value at double-figure prices after his luckless return at Newbury last time.
The son of Starman got no run whatsoever up the stands’ rail but he travelled well and he travelled well and he also looks likely to improve from his current rating of 85.
Indeed, on his two-year-old form at York that’s a very fair mark, as he finished amongst horses now rated 100-plus at the Ebor Festival and he beat three 90-plus rated horses at the same track in October.
York Each-Way Selection
Finally, at York, a 0.5pts e.w. is suggested for Squealer in the 14:40 race at 28/1 (Paddy Power 1/5 1,2,3,4,5,6).
Busy Weekend of Racing
It’s a busy weekend with Irish Guineas action at the Curragh and it’s all about the sprinters at Haydock with a really competitive William Hill Temple Stakes headlining the action.
I thought Shagraan might reverse Newmarket form with Night Raider on his second start for Clive Cox, but several people must feel the same as he’s disputing favouritism and I was hoping for a little more bang for my buck.
Ed Walker’s runners are always worth monitoring at this track (20% strike-rate overall) and this horse might just have the gears to thrive over a mile here.