Thursday’s best bets, by Greg Wood
The Oaks will be run at Epsom in just 15 days’ time, but there is still time for a late arrival to squeeze into the field and three of the fillies engaged in the Listed Height Of Fashion Stakes at Goodwood this afternoon were left in the Classic at the latest entry stage yesterday.
Those three are also the most likely winners this afternoon - Jellicle Ball (4.25), Lady Of Dubai and Arethusa - and while Jellicle Ball’s disappointing run when among the favourites for the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket last time is a concern, there does at least appear to be an explanation. It emerged after the Guineas that Jellicle Ball was heavily in season, and if that poor performance is forgiven, she has something in hand of today’s field.
Jellicle Ball had also been fast-tracked to the Newmarket Classic after just two previous runs, and so remains open to plenty of improvement. Today’s step up to 10 furlongs should suit too on pedigree and a small each-way interest at the 25-1 available for Epsom, rather than 11-10 for today’s trial, could be a more interesting way to go.
The best bet on the card at Goodwood is Lead A Merry Dance (5.35), who was racing for the first time since November when successful on her seasonal debut at Bath last week. She looked like the best horse in her previous race at Lingfield too, where she had nowhere to go in the straight, and should not struggle to confirm her improvement under a 6lb penalty.
At Sandown, Yorkidding (7.00) is another runner under a penalty with every chance of following up, while Dartmouth (7.35) and Courier (8.35) are others to consider on the same card.
Tipping competition, day four
Our winners so far:
Monday
Newera 7-2
Third Time Lucky 7-4
Mutatis Mutandis 6-1
Tuesday
Free Code 9-2
Sail With Sultana 16-1
Harrogate Fair 4-1
Wednesday
War Singer 5-1
Classy Anne 11-1
Chief Executive 8-1
And our leader is ...
GForce1 +17.75
... despite his fears that his “little sojourn” at the top was a thing of the past. He was one of three to pick Classy Anne and now has a handy lead over Blitzwing (+12.50) and Copshaw (+8).
Today, we’d like your tips, please, for these races: 3.15 Goodwood, 4.25 Goodwood, 7.35 Sandown.
This week’s prize is a pair of tickets to the Duchess Stand on Derby day, generously offered by Epsom. If you don’t win, you can buy tickets to this most prestigious of racing events here.
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. If you have not joined in so far this week, you are welcome to do so today, but you will start on -9.
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!
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And post your tips or racing-related comments below.
