Newmarket Thursday

masterK

Here are my selections for Newmarket today, I'll be backing the first 2, not sure about the rest yet.

1:10 River Royale
Trotted up at Warwick a few weeks back, has the benefit of a race under his belt and one of the few to have already won over this distance.

1:45 Patavellian
One of the best sprinters around if in the mood, doubts over his fitness, but if fit should take a lot of beating.

2:20 Iceman
A wide open race, very little to choose between Iceman, Etlaala and Montgomery's Arch on previous meetings, Rob Roy could be anything so I'll stick with proven consistency in Iceman.

2:55 Santa Fe
Beaten under a lenght in better quality race than this on last outing. Trainer has started season well. 3lb weight received from Rebel Rebel could prove the difference.

3:30 Puskas
Haven't really a clue in this as most of the field have yet to race, always prefer a horse that's had a run under it's belt and with Mick Channon off to a flyer this season this should go well.

4:05 Oranmore Castle
The clear form pick, although no surprise to see something improve past it.

4:40 Alrafidain
Won a maiden by 15 lenghts a few weeks back, will be fit and distance no problem.

Philbert

masterK wrote:

1:10 River Royale

Thanks was thinking the same myself.

masterK wrote:

2:20 Iceman
A wide open race, very little to choose between Iceman, Etlaala and Montgomery's Arch on previous meetings, Rob Roy could be anything so I'll stick with proven consistency in Iceman.

Hmmm..Might go for Etlaala in this one.

scargill

2:20 Rob Roy

I'm going for this one. I've backed it at 16/1 for the 2000 Guineas - really hope he wins well today and shortens up again for the Guineas so I can lay off my bet!

scargill

Rob Roy was unlucky in running - got a bit boxed in and never really got a clear run until it was too late. Put in a good performance and is already shortening up for the Guineas - happy enough with the result.

masterK

One thing that has become very clear from the early season flat racing is that horses that are fit and have already had a run have a major advantage. River Royale and Quito were among only a few that had already run in their respective races and both won while in the 2:20 the only horse to have run this season was Kandidate who came 3rd at 50/1.

Definitely something to keep in mind when betting so early in the season.

fade2black

Good strike rate considering the race types. Well done.

masterK

3 winners from 7, I only backed one of them though. From what I've read Iceman was unlucky. Did anybody back Quito, he is one of my favourite flat horses but I just couldn't see him winning on Good to Firm ground yesterday?

Crumbs

masterK wrote:

From what I've read Iceman was unlucky.

Yep, both Iceman and Rob Roy were unlucky. It was a very messy race but I thought it was a great ride by Kevin Manning on the winner. He made all the right moves at the right times. But don't take the result literally for future form-reading.