Monday’s best bets, by John O’Hara
We have racing the length and breadth of the British Isles to digest on Monday and there are some fair betting opportunities.
In the opening race of the day, the seven-furlong maiden at Ayr, Three Duchesses (1.55) looks a decent bet to get off the mark at the third time of asking. Michael Bell couldn’t have his horses in better form presently and if this daughter of Dutch Art can reproduce her recent effort at Newbury, when third of 15, she should be a hard to beat.
Later on the same card, I think Dolphin Vista (5.10) is worth another chance after disappointing on fast ground at Sandown last month. He is back on his preferred surface at the Scottish track and should give a good account.
Cartmel is a very trappy track to pick winners at but I like the chances of Mixboy (3.55) in the 2m5f Beginners’ Chase. On his day, the six-year-old son of Fragrant Mix is a useful jumper, as he showed when winning at Sedgefield over hurdles in December. He has run twice more since that win and each time he finished second. This will be his first effort over fences and Keith Dalgleish, his trainer, appears to have found him a terrific opening.
Windsor’s Monday night gatherings continue this evening and there are a couple I fancy very strongly. Firstly, Makzeem (6.15) ought to win the Sky Bet Maiden over a mile and a quarter. Roger Charlton’s runner has shown the best form of this field in his three runs to date and, if he can maintain that level tonight, he will be very tough to beat.
My banker selection is also at the Thamesside track, as I think Go On Go On Go On (7.50) can run another huge race in the five-furlong handicap. Clive Cox landed our nap at this venue last Monday and I expect him to do the same again tonight.
The Medicean filly appreciated the drop to five furlongs last time and the Lambourn handler has kept her to the minimum distance again for this. She is only 3lb higher for that win and, despite this looking a competitive race, she is the one they all have to beat and, given natural progress for such a lightly raced horse, she is worthy of banker material.
Tipping competition - a new week
Congratulations to Toptrapper, who had another excellent week of longshot winners to get his second consecutive competition success. He followed up his Grand Prix de Paris winner with others at 20-1 and 5-1 on Friday for a final score of +39.90, comfortably ahead of chris1623 (+22.25), also on a fine score in second.
This week’s prize is a pair of Richmond enclosure tickets for the last day of Glorious Goodwood next week, Saturday 30 July. The beautiful Sussex track will stage the Nassau Stakes and the Stewards’ Cup that day, one of the most enjoyable cards in our racing year. If you don’t win, you can buy tickets here.
To kick things off, we’d like your selections, please, for these races: 4.55 Cartmel, 5.10 Ayr, 7.50 Windsor.
As ever, our champion will be the tipster who returns the best profit to notional level stakes of £1 at starting price on our nominated races, of which there will be three each day up until Friday. Non-runners count as losers.
In the event of a tie at the end of the week, the winner will be the tipster who, from among those tied on the highest score, posted their tips earliest on the final day.
For terms and conditions click here.
Good luck!
And post your tips or racing-related comments below.
