Saturday AND Sunday Suggestions This Week - I Really Spoil You!

ALL VIEWS ARE MY OWN

Its all about the tax here in the UK (isn’t it always) as racing get together to oppose the frankly ludicrous idea of the current government to “harmonise” the different taxes charged on racing bets (currently 15%) – or casinos and slots (currently 21%). If you were a cynic, you may even see this as a cash grab by a skint government (surely not) but lets face it – harmonisation won’t see the higher rate dropped, but it may see the lower rate on racing increased. The figures put out by the powers that be quote losses to the racing industry of £66 million which is bad enough, but I live far lower down the food chain and have other more mundane issues. They may think they are taxing then bookmakers but let’s face it, trickle-down economics works best in this industry and you can bet that all costs will be passed down to the poor punter via restrictions worse odds – and as they are already walking away in droves, I shudder to think of the eventual consequences if the Whitehall mandarins get their way – so do write to your MP telling them the error of their ways (I have a draft letter ready for anyone who wants a copy).

Looking for good news isn’t easy these days but the beaming smile of jockey turned trainer Richard Hughes made my day after his 66/1 chance No Half Measures won the July Cup at Newmarket last Saturday, his first Group One winner in his second career. Sometimes we all need reminding just why we love this sport (I know I do), and to see such unbridled joy (pun intended) brought a smile to my own face, allowing me to forget all the political nonsense trying to ruin our sport for a fleeting moment, and soak up a little bit of joy on a hot summer’s day.   

On to the racing….

Saturday

Newbury 2.57pm

It feels like an each way kind of day and we will start with a small each way bet on the Charlie Hills trained Khaadem who is currently available at odds of 25/1 ahead of the Group Three Hackwood Stakes from Newbury, and due off at 2.57pm. Admittedly he is now a nine-year-old, so we cannot really expect any improvement, but he is officially rated 116 but the handicapper, level with Kind Of Blue who is a third of his price. Already the winner of nine races including two Group Ones, and heading towards £2 million in win and place prize money, the problem is he hasn’t been seen on the track since September last year, but trip and going look ideal, and he is already a course and distance winner, which says to me he is each way value in the hope he is fit and raring to go.

Newmarket 7.38pm

Sticking with the old boys for no particular reason, and Dutch Decoy looks all set for another huge run ahead of the 7.38pm at Newmarket tonight on the July course. Interestingly, he has never won on the Rowley mile, but his record on this course reads first, first, first, third, sixth, first, a record of four wins from six starts (67%), and with five career wins off marks higher than this evening’s and a win last time out, he ticks a lot more boxes than most and looks worth a bet tonight.

Market Rasen 3.12pm

Market Rasen put on a decent summer jumping card this afternoon, and I am happy to take an each way risk on Courtland ahead of the 3.12pm. The Summer Plate Handicap is always a highly competitive race and this year is no exception, but a look through past records tells us all that the Bowen yard target this, and have won three of the last seven runnings which is a quite remarkable statistic. My suggestion was off the track from April 2024 until last month where he returned with a perfectly acceptable third at Cartmel which should put him spot-on for this, and when you note he has won seven races over fences, two of those off higher marks than he suffers here, and with a win and a second from two starts over course and distance, if he is cherry-ripe this afternoon he has every chance of keeping up or even enhancing the stable record.

Sunday (for a change)

Stratford 2.42pm

With Redcar failing to float my boat I am stuck with summer jumping this afternoon, so I suggest you reduce your bet sizes accordingly. Starting at Stratford, and I was impressed with Hope Rising when the four-year-old won with any amount in hand at Uttoxeter. Making all he was value for further than the official margin despite a few mistakes late on when I felt he got lonely, and if he progresses at all for that he can hold off Nap Hand who looks his biggest rival.

Newton Abbot 2.57pm

Moving on to Newton Abbot and Joseph O’Brien sends Dignam over hurdles for the first time and if this was a Flat race, he would eat these alive. It isn’t, so we have to assume he has schooled well enough for the journey to the West Country, and if he has, he should prove way too good for these, though at what price, only time will tell. A winner at the Tipperary from 10 starts on the Flat and currently rated 88, J J Slevin heads over to ride, and I see that as a hint in itself.  

Newton Abbot 3.32pm

One last suggestion this Sunday and My Girl Katie gets the vote after her course and distance win last time out,, She heads off to the 3.32pm where she has to carry 1lb more than her handicap mark thanks to the presence of top-weight Great d’Ange, but with proven stamina, course experience, and an easy win that won’t have taken too much out of her, I am hoping Conor Ring has little more than a steering job this afternoon for trainer Grace Harris.

Sean’s Suggestion:

Courtland each way 3.12pm Market Rasen