What a Saturday of racing ahead with the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby, a super competitive card at Ascot, the Grade 1 Champion Chase at Down Royal and the final race day of 2021 at Newmarket.

The Champion Chase at Down Royal is a fascinating renewal, and it would be great to see Frodon come out on top here, however the Gold Cup winner Minella Indo is a worthy favourite. At Wetherby in the Charlie Hall Chase Cyrname is rightly favourite and goes well fresh but last season’s form figures of 1PP do not inspire total confidence and the exciting Shan Blue Unibet 11/4 could turn over the market leader here.

Enjoy whether #athome or on a racecourse.

Cheers

The Wine Tipster

2.10 Ascot – Bateaux London Handicap Hurdle Listed Race (1m 7½f)

Soaring Glory looked the real deal when winning Newbury’s big February handicap and then didn’t quite hit the level in the Supreme at Cheltenham when fourth to the top class Appreciate It. However, he is more than capable of striking here, having won on debut at Chepstow last season beating Bravemansgame and Soaring Glory has a bumper win at Ascot on his CV too.

Unibet 5/1 win

Global Citizen has plenty of top-class form with two Grade 2 Hurdle wins and two Grade 2 Chase successes. Of course, last season’s form figures aren’t enticing with PPP but he was racing in very competitive races and this nine-year-old cab bounce back. Global Citizen has dropped to a mark of 142 and was second in this race three years ago on seasonal debut. His trainer Ben Pauling has his yard in top form right now.

Unibet 18/1 each way

2.23 Newmarket – Handicap (1m)

Noble Dynasty had absolutely no luck in running at Haydock last time out when finishing fifth and surely is better than his current mark of 95. He has finished second on his two appearances on the Rowley Mile and can go one better day with cheekpieces fitted.

Unibet 2/1 win

3.20 Ascot – Bateaux London Gold Cup Handicap Chase Grade 2 (3m)

Sojourn (nap) looked impressive when winning a good Handicap Chase at Carlisle on seasonal debut last year with the placed runners having performed well since. He was then a good second to Sam’s Adventure (subsequently won Eider) in the Tommy Whittle at Haydock ahead of being pulled up quickly in the Grand National Trial, having suffered a wound in his right-hind leg. Whilst he is seen as a heavy ground performer, he won a bumper on good going, has a great record fresh and a breathing operation may help too.

Unibet 6/1 each way

One More Fleurie won four of his last five starts last season and looked so visually impressive at Ayr on Scottish Grand National Day when jumping impeccably to win the Novices’ Champion Handicap Chase easily on good going. He has to prove he is as effective going right-handed and he did win on soft at Warwick, with little rain forecast for today at Ascot ground should be fine.

Unibet 10/1 each way

3.55 Ascot – Stella Artois Novices’ Hurdle (1m 7½f)

Peking Rose is a very interesting hurdling debutant for Unibet Ambassador Fergal O’ Brien. Peking Rose won on debut at Carlisle and then on his last start in April finished second to Knappers Hill (won this month on hurdling debut) when doing all his best work at the finish in a hot bumper at Aintree.

Ground will suit and if he settles well he has a good chance here.

Unibet 100/30 win

Summer truly begins when the gates open on the first race of the Möet & Chandon July Festival at Newmarket Racecourse. These three days of world-renowned racing and fashion are a must for any racing fan. Here, The Wine Tipster shares his advice for a memorable July Festival so read on for top quality wine recommendations, food pairings, celebration ideas and racing tips whether you are marking the festival at home or in person.

Thursday 8th July is Ladies Day

The Official Racecard will be available the day before each raceday so you won’t miss any of the top quality racing. On Thursday, The Wine Tipster is especially excited for the

Big Race Entries of the day will all be covered by Racing TV and include:

• 1.50 1m 5f (July) Bahrain Trophy Stakes (Group 3) (3yo) ITV3
• 2.25 6f (July) Tattersalls July Stakes (Group 2) (2yo Colts & Geldings)
• 3:35 1m4f (July) Princess Of Wales’s Tattersalls Stakes (Group 2) (Class 1) (3yo+) ITV3

To make the most out of your day at the races, download the free Jockey Club App to access mobile tickets, exclusive content, competitions and the chance to win prizes in the Raceday 5 Game.

Alongside the breath-taking racing, the racecourse becomes a catwalk of the best style and fashion of punters. The Style Awards celebrates the bold and the elegant outfits of you and your friends and family, and is the chance for you to win an amazing array of prizes. Show off your creativity and originality at the Style Marquee in the Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure to enter. Good luck!

Friday 9th July is Gentleman’s Day

Big Race Entries of the day will all be covered by Racing TV and include:

• 2.25 6f (July) Duchess Of Cambridge Stakes (Group 2) (2yo Fillies) ITV3
• 3:00 1m6f (July) Trophy (Heritage Handicap) (Class 2) (4yo+) ITV3
• 3:35 1m (July) Tattersalls Falmouth Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions Series) (Fillies & Mares) (Class 1) (3yo+) ITV

When you’re not focused on the races, the hospitality available at racecourses is always second to none. This industry is coming back with a passion after the pandemic, with exciting and innovative cuisine gracing the enclosures this year.

This year, The Wine Tipster will be presenting in the Summer House Restaurant in the Premier Enclosure. This restaurant is a tasteful retreat from the busy raceday, and features an exquisite menu from the Executive Chef, Damian Adams. Having worked together for many years, The Wine Tipster admires Damian’s passion for food and his ingenious modern twists on traditional dishes. Don’t miss The Wine Tipster in action at the Summer House Restaurant!

If you’re looking for a walk-in hospitality experience at Newmarket, Mozart’s Bistro is an open-air restaurant with impressive lunch options that are quick enough to get you straight back out into the action. This year’s menu features some great bites from the sea and the grill as well as vegan options, created by Head Chef Damian Adams.

Saturday 10th July is Darley July Cup Day

The Darley July Cup is one of the most valuable and prestigious Group 1 sprint races in the world. Winners are known as the best sprinter in Europe so this day really isn’t one to miss. The July Cup was first run in 1876 and has a reputation as one of the most stylish events of the horse-racing calendar. The roll call of previous July Cup winners is so impressive and worth checking out before watching this year’s horses making history in the day’s top races:

Big Race Entries of the day will all be covered by Racing TV and include:

• 3.15 7f (July) Superlative Stakes (Group 2) (2yo)
• 3:50 7f (July) Bunbury Cup (Heritage Handicap) (Class 2) (3yo+) ITV
• 4:25 6f (July) Darley July Cup Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions Series) (Class 1) (3yo+) ITV

The July Festival At Home

If you haven’t got a ticket this year or are still enjoying sports from home you can still be a part of the action of the July Festival. You can watch the races on ITV Racing and Racing TV, and don’t worry about missing a thing because Racing Replays are available 20 minutes after the winner crosses the line!

If you’re celebrating virtually with friends and family, why not download a July Festival Virtual Background and relive all the great action from the meeting!

Fizz is a must for the Möet & Chandon July Festival, and The Wine Tipster’s top fizz favourites should see you through the meeting. Although fizz is a celebratory drink, it can be a lot more accessible, affordable and available than you might think.

Champagne, of course, is a must for the July Festival, and what else but a bottle of Möet & Chandon Impérial, the house’s iconic champagne. This wine’s elegant maturity and bright fruitiness have made it a classic since its creation in 1869. This is a timeless wine which works on its own to celebrate the big wins, or as a pairing with sushi, a creamy or rich dish, or seafood platter.

For a touch of pink, the Möet & Chandon Rosé Impérial is another classic for any raceday. With juicy berries and peaches on the palate, this is a lively bottle you won’t be able to resist with a colourful summer salad, lightly grilled steak or a shellfish bisque.

Treat yourself to a Champagne Cocktail this Newmarket. The Wine Tipster will be trying out the Golden Hour from Möet & Chandon. This fruity cocktail is inspired by the delicate scents that float on the air at sunset. Here’s how to make one:

• Cut 1 strawberry, 2 raspberries and 3 blueberries and add to a large glass. Gently press them with the back of a spoon
• Add 10ml Creme de Peche Liqueur and 5ml Maraschino Liqueur
• Top up with 75ml Möet & Chandon Brut Impérial, stir and add ice
• Garnish with a sprig or two of mint and some extra berries

Balfour Chardonnay Ortega 2020 Hush Heath Estate, Kent, England (£13 Marks & Spencer) is a Group 1 dry, elegant blend of Chardonnay and Ortega. The 2020 vintage is the best yet and a must try this July Festival.

Fonte do Nico Adega de Pegões Rosé 2020, Portugal (Waitrose £7.99 on offer to £5.99). This is incredible value at £7.99 and on offer too! Beautiful, light, rosé bursting with summer fruits. Portugal does it again.

Beaujolais Village Louis Tete 2020, Beaujolais, France (£12.50 with Multibuy £11.25 The Great Wine Co). Vibrant, fruity summer red that can be served lightly chilled. Beaujolais is so underrated and The Wine Tipster has been a fan of the Louis Tete wines for years.

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A quintessential summer picnic is top of the list for The Wine Tipster this July Festival. He can’t wait to shop local for scones, strawberries and salad to accompany Frazer Wilson’s, Culinary Director of The Jockey Club, perfect Pressed Picnic Sandwich. The Jockey Club website is also full of delicious recipes to elevate your picnic to the next level!

Now it wouldn’t be Newmarket without some famous Powters Sausages. The Newmarket recipe dates back to the 1881 and has stayed in the family ever since. The distinctly peppery taste of the sausage and its award-winning quality saw it recognised with EU Protection in 2012. This means only three local companies can produce official Newmarket Sausages! Get your hands on some here to really bring Newmarket home with you.

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Share how you’re celebrating the Newmarket Möet & Chandon July Festival with The Wine Tipster on Social Media, and follow him for daily updates and Unibet Racing blogs, and subscribe to get his next blog straight to your inbox. Cheers!

It is proper jump racing weather, and we have top class jump racing too with stars like Cyrname, Delta Work, Presenting Percy, Samcro and Lisnagar Oscar all running today.

There are jump racing cards at Ascot, Down Royal, Wetherby and Ayr, with the last flat racing meeting at Newmarket. There is a twilight meeting at Wolverhampton too.   

2.05 Newmarket – Montrose Fillies’ Stakes Listed Race (1m)

Teodolina for the Richard Hannon yard is definitely worth an each way play here as she will thrive in these conditions. She won on the soft hard held when favourite at Haydock last month over this trip when travelling very comfortably throughout. This is admittedly a tougher contest, yet trip and ground will really suit. Unibet 8/1 each way  

2.40 Newmarket – James Seymour Stakes Listed Race (1m 2f)

The eleven-year-old Air Pilot won this race in 2014 and can take this contest again for the Ralph Beckett team. He was admittedly a bit disappointing at Goodwood on seasonal debut, however he is bound to come on for that run and he won at the Sussex track last season in good style. He will absolutely relish conditions today. Unibet 7/1 each way

2.45 Wetherby – West Yorkshire Handicap Hurdle Grade 2 (3m)

Roksana (nap) simply never fails to run her race and she is bound to be fit for this seasonal appearance. She is getting almost a stone from Lisnagar Oskar and on the only two occasions she’s raced at three miles, she’s been second to Santini and If The Cap Fits, so her form at the trip is rock solid. Unibet 2/1 win

3.05 Ascot – Sodexho Handicap Hurdle (1m 7½f)

Countister for Nicky Henderson has the ability to win a handicap of this nature off this mark and has often gone well fresh in the past – best run to date came after a year’s absence when third in the 2019 County Hurdle. Admittedly was disappointing in her two starts last year, however she is reported to be fit and well in Nicky Henderson’s Unibet racing blog. Unibet 6/1 each way

3.20 Wetherby – Charlie Hall Chase Grade 2 (3m)

This is a cracking renewal of The Charlie Hall and whilst I’m a massive Sam Spinner fan Vinndication is a class act who can have a major season. He panned them in the Sodexo Gold Cup on reappearance last year and ran even better under a welter burden in the Ultima at Cheltenham. Clearly goes well fresh, yard going fine and ground ideal. Unibet 15/8 win

3.40 Ascot – Sodexo Gold Cup (3m)

Militarian often goes off underestimated for these big handicaps, as he did when scoring (on reappearance, as here) at 50-1 over course and distance last year. No fluke about that, ran just as well at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day. Hasn’t been seen since the Kim Muir and goes well fresh. He is impervious to ground and a good e/w chance off a one-pound higher mark than last year. Unibet 12/1 each way 

As one of the major highlights of The Newmarket Gold Season, The Cambridgeshire Meeting is 3 days (September 24th, 25th and 26th) of superb horseracing on the Rowley Mile. Unfortunately, racing will remain behind closed doors so let The Wine Tipster guide you through the history of The Cambridgeshire Meeting and his tips for celebrating at home.

Coming up as part of The Gold Season will be the Dubai Future Champions Festival on 9th and 10th October. The Wine Tipster is hugely empathetic to the wonderful team at Newmarket who have dealt with the changing restrictions for The Cambridgeshire Meeting but will no doubt have a fabulous meeting in spite of it all.

Cambridgeshire Thursday – Thursday 24th September 2020

For the first day of the Meeting, Cambridgeshire Thursday sees a range of impressive stakes to get things going. The Wine Tipster is especially looking forward to:

3:00 TATTERSALLS STAKES (REGISTERED AS THE SOMERVILLE TATTERSALL STAKES) (COLTS & GELDINGS) (GROUP 3) (Class 1) (2yo) ITV4

• The Wine Tipster is watching La Barrossa from trainer Charlie Appleby who has a great chance today

3:35 JOCKEY CLUB ROSE BOWL STAKES (LISTED RACE) (Class 1) (3yo+) ITV4

• The Wine Tipster is excited by the 7 year old Withhold who has leading claims to take the race today

Shadwell Day – Friday 25th September 2020

Friday, also known as Shadwell Day, boasts two Group contests, the Group 2 Shadwell Rockfel Stakes and Shadwell Joel Stakes (both on ITV4). It’s a hot card for the day, so check out all of the races featured:

1:15 DERRINSTOWN IRISH EBF MAIDEN STAKES (COLTS & GELDINGS) (PLUS 10 RACE) (Class 4) (2yo) Racing TV

1:50 TASLEET BRITISH EBF ROSEMARY STAKES (LISTED RACE) (FILLIES & MARES) (Class 1) (3yo+) ITV4 & Racing TV

• Previous Newmarket winner Alnaseem will be having her 13th horse race with her 13th different jockey aboard! Jockey Adam Kirby is having a go today. (Courtesy of Andy Stephens of Racing TV)

2:25 PRINCESS ROYAL MUHAARAR STAKES (GROUP 3) (FILLIES & MARES) (Class 1) (3yo+) ITV4 & Racing TV

3:00 SHADWELL ROCKFEL STAKES (GROUP 2) (FILLIES) (Class 1) (2yo) ITV4 & Racing TV

• The Wine Tipster is looking forward to seeing Isabella Giles in this race, trained by Clive Cox who’s been having a great year with his 2 year old.

3:35 SHADWELL JOEL STAKES (GROUP 2) (Class 1) (3yo+) ITV4 & Racing TV

• This is a belter of a race because we have Benbatl against Kameko who are the top two in the market and should make for a cracking race. Kameko has finished 4th in his last three starts in big races following a lot of bad luck, so things will be interesting between the runners.

4:10 EQTIDAAR GODOLPHIN STAKES (LISTED RACE) (Class 1) (3yo+) Racing TV

4:45 SHADWELL FARM HANDICAP (Class 3) (3yo+ 0-90) Racing TV

Juddmonte Day – Saturday 26th September 2020

The finale to The Cambridgeshire Meeting is Juddmonte Day on Saturday – a true spectacle to behold with some top races and great horses to look forward to in all races:

1:15 BLANDFORD BLOODSTOCK MAIDEN FILLIES’ STAKES (PLUS 10/GBB RACE) (Class 4) (2yo) Racing TV

1:50 JUDDMONTE ROYAL LODGE STAKES (GROUP 2) (Class 1) (2yo) ITV4 & Racing TV

2:25 JUDDMONTE CHEVELEY PARK STAKES (GROUP 1) (Class 1) (2yo) ITV4 & Racing TV

• An interesting race – Alcohol Free for an each way bet, and Happy Romance should make this race interesting having previously raced in this race with trainer Richard Hannan

3:00 JUDDMONTE MIDDLE PARK STAKES (GROUP 1) (Class 1) (2yo) ITV4 & Racing TV

• The Wine Tipster likes the look of Method with Frankie Dettori

3:35 CAMBRIDGESHIRE HANDICAP (HERITAGE HANDICAP) (Class 2) (3yo+) ITV4 & Racing TV

• The famous Cambridgeshire Heritage Handicap was established in 1839 at the same time as The Cesarewitch. The two races are known as the historic Autumn Double, with the second leg of this pair being run at the Dubai Future Champions Festival (9th and 10th October). The Wine Tipster can’t wait to watch around 30 horses thunder up The Rowley Mile!
• The Wine Tipster’s excited for his old friend Sir Busker who he’s been tipping up endlessly – they won at Royal Ascot but have been unlucky in other races. Sir Busker is a really good each way selection.

4:10 BRITISH STALLION STUDS EBF ‘JERSEY LILY’ FILLIES’ NURSERY HANDICAP (Class 2) (2yo) Racing TV

4:40 BENTLEY MOTORS HANDICAP (Class 2) (3yo+ 0-105) Racing TV

At Home – Where To Watch

Racing TV will be showing every race live which you can watch on your TV, tablet or mobile. Race Replays will also be available 20 minutes after the winner crosses the line. ITV Racing and ITV4 will be showing a number of races too, with details of the fixtures and broadcasters being available on The Cambridgeshire Meeting website.

At Home – To Do

There are a number of interactive and fun activities to get involved with at home during The Cambridgeshire, don’t forget to follow all the Social Media for Newmarket Racecourse and The Wine Tipster to share your #AtHome celebrations!

• Calling friends and family to enjoy the day with? Why not use a Video Background from The Jockey Club and feel as though you’re really there.
• The Raceday App is a must for the At Home experience. Get your own digital racecard, exclusive content, and access to the Raceday 5 Game with a chance to win a bottle of Coates & Seely Rosé NV and £10,000!
• Decorate your home with The Jockey Club Bunting which can be used throughout The Gold Season At Home.
• Need to brush up on your racing knowledge and jargon? Check out Racing Explained for all the confusing terms!
• Colour and fill in your own Sweepstake Sheet for each of the races.
• Put your knowledge of Newmarket to the test with Raceday Quizzes.
• Don’t forget to keep up to date with the fantastic Competitions available.
• Set the scene for the Meeting with your very own Spotify Playlist.
• Get inspiration from others’ At Home Celebration creations here!

At Home – What To Wear

Feel like you’re spending a day at the races but from the comfort of your own home. Why not put on a fancy dress or a three piece suit and enjoy the day safely at home.

Racing At Home Inspiration Gallery to inspire your creativity and fashion for the meeting. Don’t forget to share your raceday outfits with us on Social Media – Newmarket Racecourse, The Wine Tipster.

At Home – What To Drink

The UK is the biggest market for Prosecco DOC, so what better wine to pop when you celebrate The Cambridgeshire Meeting At Home? The Wine Tipster recommends Ruggeri Argeo Prosecco DOC Brut from Treviso which is available across The Jockey Club Racecourses and from The Great Wine Co. It is a Gold Medal winning bottle with vibrant lemon aromas making this a refreshingly crisp bottle. Prosecco DOCG La Gioiosa Valdobbiadene is seriously elegant and bursting with apple notes – definitely worth a try, available from Majestic.

Why not try Prosecco DOC in a simple cocktail – an Aperol Spritz or Bellini, depending on what you have in the cupboard, go down a treat with these bottles. Don’t forget to check for the Prosecco DOC Certification by looking for the sticker on the neck of your bottles – you’ll be sure to have a quality bottle of Prosecco that way.

For a touch of class at The Cambridgeshire, Coates and Seely’s delightful English Sparkling Wines are a must. The Wine Tipster especially loves their Brut Reserve NV which is a Gold Medal winner and full of depth and complexity.

For those on a budget, The Wine Tipster also recommends 6 wines under £10 as The Jockey Club Catering’s resident wine and food pairings expert. All 6 are smashing on a sunny day and with picnic food.

Fancy a gin? The Wine Tipster enjoys Salcombe Distillery’s multi-award winning ‘Start Point’ Gin with Fever-Tree’s Premium Indian Tonic Water over ice. Delicious.

For a non-alcoholic option, why not enjoy a Luscombe Hot Ginger Beer which really packs a punch worthy of The Cambridgeshire.

At Home – What To Eat

The weather has been spectacular, and what better way to enjoy the racing and the late sunshine than with a picnic at home? Gather your favourite picnic treats such as scones (jam or cream first?), sausage rolls, sandwiches, sweet treats such as flapjacks and lemon drizzle and snacks such as Taste of Game Crisps and local Pork Pies from the Butcher’s. If you’re looking to impress with your picnic, why not try The Jockey Club Catering’s moreish Rosemary Focaccia and Baked Camembert. The Wine Tipster sees this At Home Meeting as another great opportunity to support local and stay safe.

The Wine Tipster is looking forward to enjoying the Powters Original Newmarket Pig Sausages in a delicious casserole, or for a Full English Breakfast to get the raceday off to a cracking start. Dating back to the 1880s, the family run business are still producing their distinctly peppery sausages with a blend of secret spices in small batches for punters.

Did you know? The Newmarket Sausage is a protected food name and has to be made in the vicinity of the town!

For more food inspiration, check out The Jockey Club’s Autumn Inspired Recipes from Midsummer House.

The Wine Tipster hopes that you and your families can stay safe this meeting, and enjoy The Cambridgeshire Meeting At Home. To keep up to date with The Wine Tipster’s blog, subscribe here, and don’t forget to follow him on Social Media for updates and coverage.

I’m looking forward to the Northumberland Plate Handicap at Newcastle as I’m a massive fan of these staying Handicaps and this year’s renewal is certainly competitive. I’m also interested to see Aloe Vera make her return in the 3.00 at Newcastle as I think she could have a very successful 2020.

English Wine Week finishes tomorrow and there is no doubt that Wines of Great Britain have done an excellent job here for all producers as there has been so much engagement here.

I have a bottle of Coates & Seely Brut Reserve NV from the hills of Hampshire chilling on ice to enjoy after racing. Hopefully, celebrating a winner or two!

Cheers

The Wine Tipster

1.50 Newcastle – Chipchase Stakes (Group 3) 6f   

With Brando disappointing once too often these days, have a look at Kevin Ryan’s other good sprinter, Major Jumbo, here. He’s got the potential plot draw in stall 12, which is going to enable him to grab the stands rail, often favoured, and with no other potential pacemaker he can set his own fractions. Could be hard to pass if so. Unibet 9/2 win

2.40 Newmarket – Criterion Stakes (Group 3) 7f

Limato is the class act but his record after a long break isn’t great, and he may need it. Yafta for the Richard Hannon team keeps threatening to win one of these and his close fifth behind Space Blues at Haydock earlier in the month looks all the better after he won easily in France On Thursday. Drawn next to likely pacemaker Vale Of Kent, should have his chance late. Unibet 9/1 each way

3.00 Newcastle – Exchange Hoppings Fillies’ Stakes (Group 3) 1m 2f

Aloe Vera (nap) was pulled out at Royal Ascot because of the testing conditions on the Thursday. She hasn’t been seen for over a year, since winning a Listed contest at Goodwood on her second start, having won on debut. She looked a very exciting prospect for the Ralph Beckett team, and I have been waiting for her return to action. Unibet 9/4 win

3.35 Northumberland Plate (Handicap) 2m ½f

Cosmelli (Gay Kelleway) clearly runs well at Newcastle as he won the Plate consolation race in 2018 and no arguing his chance from a handicapping point of view, 8lb lower than when a 2½l fifth in the race last year. In good form over trips too short since return and ought to be thereabouts. Unibet 11/1 each way (Unibet are paying five places)

Anyonecanhaveitall for Mark Johnston bumped into a well-handicapped improver in the shape of Oleg at Pontefract, the winner coming from an impossible position to nail him on the post. I watched this race at the time and the first two finished four lengths clear and the form looks very solid. He has had 4 lengths win and a neck second in two runs at Newcastle so clearly handles the track. Unibet 16/1 each way (Unibet are paying five places)

7.15 Curragh – Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby (Group 1) 1m 4f

Fiscal Rules for Jim Bolger was a staying-on fifth in the Irish 2000 but this step up in trip is going to make a difference – his half-sister Cimeara needs 1 mile four furlongs as a minimum, and the dam was a 12f horse. The fact he was thrown into the 2000 after just one run in a maiden shows trainer clearly thinks plenty of him. Expect a big step forward here. Unibet 13/2 each way

On Saturday at a minute past 4pm we heard the news that we had started to doubt, that racing would recommence for the first time since March behind closed doors at Newcastle. The BHA have done a really good job in reassuring all interested parties with an excellent briefing document that demonstrates horse racing has covered all the minute detail to ensure that all protocols will be effectively followed behind closed doors, ensuring horse racing continues safely.

At Newmarket the first two classics take place with the 2,000 Guineas on Saturday and the 1,000 Guineas on Sunday, which will be the climax of their four day card.

At Deauville this afternoon they have their 2000 and 1000 Guineas Classics, with two excellent fields here. Check out my selections below on an exciting day. Cheers!

2.50 Deauville 2000 Guineas Emirates Poule d’Essal des Poulains (Group 1) 1m

The race seems to revolve around whether Victor Ludorum is the horse he was last year, and a defeat at prohibitive odds on his return at Longchamp hardly boosted his claims here. However, in retrospect, plenty of Andre Fabre’s needed the run first time out this year, and it would be foolish to write him off on the back of one run. Nevertheless, odds of 13-8 hardly set your reaching for your wallet.

It seems somewhat strange that the winners of the trial races for this, The Summit and Shinning Ocean, can be backed at 9-1 and 22-1 respectively. The Summit made all in the Prix de Fontainebleu, beating Ecrivain and Victor Ludorum in the process, but Longchamp was very much favouring front runners at that time, and others will surely be more aware of those tactics here. However, whilst Shinning Ocean has to step up, he looks sure to progress and is a big price.

Ecrivain is very interesting. He looked in need of the run before Longchamp, from the pictures we saw anyway, and ran well in the circumstances, picking up very well once extracting himself from a bit of traffic. The way he hit the line running suggested he would benefit greatly from the experience, and a bit of drying ground wouldn’t bother him.

Reshabar sprang a major surprise when taking care of Celestin in Prix du Belvedere, but that form looks a little shaky, and a bigger threat might be Alson, second to Victor Ludorum on Arc day last year. The worry would be a lack of a run, but he cannot be discounted either.

Unibet Ecrivain 3/1 win

Unibet Shinning Ocean 22/1 each way

 

3.25 Deauville 1,000 Guineas Emirates Poule d’Essai des Pouliches (Group 1) 1m

Tropbeau (nap) brings strong credentials to the table here, particularly as she was one of the few Fabre runners to perform well in the week racing was finally restarted in France. Although her winning margin was only half a length over Dream And Do in the Prix de la Grotte, she responded well to a reminder and found plenty for pressure. She gave the impression she had a lot left in the tank, and will be hard to beat if in the same form.

Simeen’s win over Golden Crown at Chantilly was a little less impressive, but she remains unbeaten and may have more to come.

Dream And Do ought to run her race again, but whether she can find that bit extra to reverse form with Tropbeau has to be open to question, and Tickle Me Green, just behind the pair of them in third in the Grotte, looks better each-way value. That was her first start for Fabre and she may well have needed the run. It’s not hard to see here reversing form with Dream And Do, and for those looking for something at a bigger price than the favourite, she may be the one.

Unibet Tropbeau (nap) 6/4 win

Unibet Tickle Me Green 13/2 each way

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