Wednesday’s best bets, by Greg Wood
Three of the original nine runners originally declared for the 3.10pm, the most interesting race of the day at Lingfield, have fallen by the wayside, but five of the remainder are priced in single figures. Even California Lad, the 14-1 outsider of the party, was a course and distance winner last time out – and has a pumped-up Silvestre de Sousa holding the reins.
De Sousa has five rides on the card while Jim Crowley, his main rival for the jockeys’ title, has four. Al Shahaniya (3.10), by contrast, is Frankie Dettori’s only ride on the card and looks like the best bet of the afternoon.
John Quinn’s filly has failed to register a subsequent win after being raised 3lb for a one-and-a-quarter-length success at Carlisle in June, but she was beaten only a short head at Brighton last time when stepping up to Wednesday’s trip for the first time. That was despite becoming unbalanced on the camber under an inexperienced jockey and, on a more straightforward track, with Dettori back in her saddle for the first time in seven outings, Al Shahaniya stands every chance of extending her trainer’s excellent run of form.
Katrine (3.40) should also go well in the nursery on the same card. She finished last when Mark Johnston stepped her up to Group Two company in the Queen Mary at Royal Ascot after a successful debut at Ripon in May and then last in her next two starts as well. She returned to form after moving to join William Knight’s stable, however, finishing a half-length second at Brighton nine days ago. That gives her something to build on, racing from the same mark on Wednesday.
Relight My Fire (6.50) may have a better chance than the betting suggests against the warm favourite, Glengarry, at Carlisle this evening, while Zaakhir (3.30) and Tamujin (4.00) will go well at Bath.
Tipping competition, day two
Our winners so far: Tuesday: Highland Acclaim 6-1; Paco’s Angel 8-1; Lincoln Rocks 9-2
And our leader is: wiggy12 +13 ... who had Highland Acclaim AND Paco’s Angel. He is chased by the three of you who had Highland Acclaim and Lincoln Rocks, who are on +9.50.
Today, we’d like your tips, please, for these races: 4.30 Bath, 6.50 Carlisle, 7.10 Newton Abbot.
This week’s prize, somewhat prematurely, is a copy of RFO’s Jumps Guide for the 2016-17 season, which will be posted to you on publication in October. A tremendously useful prep-guide for all jump racing fans, the annual promises interviews, horses to follow, analysis of last season and tips for forthcoming winter highlights. If you don’t win you can buy a copy 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 -3.
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.
