Yearly Archives: 2011
Chester Cup Betting Preview
Totesport Chester Cup Betting Preview
The totesport Chester Cup on 7th May is the biggest staying handicap of the Spring and as usual there promises to be a very strong line up for the 2008 renewal.
The current favourites are Highland Legacy and Double Banded. Highland Legacy is a stayer on the upgrade having won his sole start this season with plenty in hand and seemingly comfortable on any ground but better with cut he has a massive chance should he get a decent draw and luck in running, two crucial factors in the Chester Cup. Double Banded is another with form on varying ground types but he has done most of his winning over a trip half a mile short of the 2m2f the Chester Cup is run over and he might just be there to be shot at in the latter stages of the race.
Next in the market is Black Rock, who represents Michael Jarvis who has sent Anak Pekan out in this race to win twice in recent years. Black Rock is yet another improving four year old who has won both time he has raced over a mile and a half or more but that may prove to be his optimum distance and he is plenty high enough in the weights for a suspect stayer.
Other interesting contenders include Greenwich Meantime who won the race last year carrying 1lb less and Shipmaster, trained by jumps maestro Alan King, who is a tough sort who could go well if given a low draw.
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Cesarewitch Betting Preview
Cesarewitch Handicap Betting Preview
The totesport Cesarewitch handicap at Newmarket marks the end of the flat season in horse racing. Run over the Rowley mile course at Newmarket, the race is a real test of stamina due to the 2m 2 furlong trip for the 3 year olds and over taking part.
The 2008 Cesarewitch favourite is Askar Tau, who is the clear market leader at best odds of 4/1. This French 3 year old boasts an impressive record of 5 straight wins from her last 5 races, including a victory at Newmarket back in August. Furthermore, Askar Tau is proven over various conditions making it the obvious favourite.
However, favourites have a poor record in this race with just one favourite obliging in the last 10 years – that was Detroit City back in 2006. This stat will see many punters opt for longer odds horse in the Cesarewitch such as Mamlook or Wicked Daze who both have strong credentials 2007 winner Leg Spinner is available at 14/1, however it has proven a very difficult race to retain the crown for, meaning this talented horse should maybe only be backed each-way.
The crucial factor for betting on the Cesarewitch is the draw, as all winners over the last 10 years have been drawn in stall 17 or higher.
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Breeders Cup Betting Preview
Breeders Cup Betting Preview
On 6th and 7th of November 2009, we will be treated to the Annual Breeders Cup in North America, and before even one gate has been opened, history has already been made in the fact that Santa Anita Park, host of the Breeders Cup 2008, has again been picked as the venue, the first time a track has hosted the cup twice in consecutive years.
There are 14 races spread across the two day event, and with a $25.5 Million purse up for grabs, it is the Richest prize-money event in sport. The most important, and certainly prize-money richest race is The Breeders Cup Classic, with a $5 Million share to win, and it is the Classic that most betting men will be watching.
Bookmakers have ‘Rip Van Winkle’, trained by Aiden O’Brien, the favourite with SportingBet offering the best odds of 15/8. ‘Rip Van Winkle’, having won the Group 1 qualifying round seems also to be the customers favourite, but there are also some fantastic, if somewhat outside odds on other horses. ‘Zenyatta’ is the bookmakers next favourite for the Classic with odds of around 9/2, although BoyleSports is offering odds of 5/1, with an offer available on registration which means you get a free £20 bet once you deposit £20. Put that on ‘Zenyatta’ to finish each way, and you could make a nice profit.
Although a large difference in odds between ‘Rip Van Winkle’ and ‘Zenyatta’, the latter does have a good chance, with the horses ability being reflected by the fact that it is the bookmakers favourite for The Breeders Cup Ladies Classic. Again BoyleSports seems to have the best odds of 5/6, and if you want a sure thing, stick with ‘Zenyatta’ for the Ladies Classic, as the horses behind ‘Zenyatte’ such as ‘Careless Jewel’ and ‘Music Note’ have failed to deliver at points this year.
Breeders Cup Odds
Rip Van Winkle 15/8 Sporting Bet
Zenyatta 5/1 Betfred
Summer Bird 7/1 Bet 365
Quality Road 12/1 Bet 365
12/1 Bar
Breders Cup free bets
When it comes to free bets for the Bredders Cup there is a lot of choice. We would reccomend the free bet offers at Bet 365 where customers get £100 in free bets, or Totesport, who also offer £100 in free bets for new customers.
Click here to review free bet offers from all the top online bookmakers
Betfred Sprint Cup
Betfred Sprint Cup Betting Preview
The forty-fourth running of the Sprint Cup takes centre stage at Haydock Park on Saturday. Aiden O’Brien’s talented colt Starspangledbanner heads the market at 7/4 with race sponsors Betfred after coming unstuck in his hat-trick bid at York last month. That race was at five furlongs and the team from Ballydoyle have upped the 4yo back to six and stand a real chance of landing the £275,000 prize. Sixteen runners will go to post including last years winner Regal Parade, who won the Prix Maurice de Gheest in his last run. Dandi Nicholls’ gelding is a top priced 7/2 (Totesport) second favourite to deliver a repeat performance but finished a disappointing 40/1 sixteenth behind Starspangledbanner at Royal Ascot in June.
Sir Michael Stoute’s representative in the race is Kingsgate Native the mount of returning former champion jockey Ryan Moore. He’s been disappointing in his last three runs but did win at this course in late May on ground described as good to firm. And although the going for Saturday is still unknown, it is hard to rule out Sir Michael’s charge, who is bidding to win the race for the third time, at an easy to back 10/1 (Paddy Power).
A horse that always gives his running is Robin Bastiman’s Borderlescott despite not making headway in the Nunthorpe Stakes at York last time out. Tried at six furlongs in just three of his forty-seven career starts, Neil Callan takes the ride and he’ll be hoping the classy 8yo’s stamina holds out having done most of his running back at five. At 10/1 (Betfred) Borderlescott can reward each way punters with all bookmakers paying a ¼ odds the first three.
The remainder of the field are10/1 bar but it would come as no surprise to see a large priced winner take the honours and there are a few interesting longshots that are well capable of getting in the money. Doncaster Rover (25/1 Ladbrokes) has won over this course and distance before and the booking of William Buick is interesting. The David Brown trained gelding bounced back to form at Newmarket five days ago (at the time of writing) and may come in for money before the off. Genki must also come into calculations for Roger Charlton and Steve Drowne if putting a line through his last run at Goodwood where he was outpaced and never in contention 2 out. He’s currently trading at 28/1 with SkyBet but will definitely go off much, much shorter than that early price. The final horse possibly worth an each way punt on is Markab who racked up consecutive wins earlier this season. However, his form has dipped a little of late and was more than eleven lengths behind winner Regal Parade last time out. Odds of 12/1 are available for Henry Candy’s runner and can run his race at a price for a horse who stays the trip well.
It’s difficult to look anywhere else than Aidan O’Brien’s warm favourite Starspangledbanner although there is value to be had in this field. Those with a high draw will no doubt have a slender advantage but this fast galloping track can suit a lot of these runners. The market could well guide once again in the Sprint cup and Colm O’Donoghue riding in the absence of Johnny Murtagh, will be out to reward those favourite backers at a hardening 7/4 now Paco Boy will not contest the race. Richard Hannon’s top miler bypassed the race in favour of Sunday’s Prix du Moulin at Longchamp in France but come 15:35 on Saturday all eyes will be on this exciting feature at Haydock Park.
Betfred Sprint Cup free bets
There are lots of free bets available for the Betfred Sprint Cup. We would reccomend the free bet offers at Bet 365 where customers get £100 in free bets, or Totesport, who also offer £100 in free bets for new customers.
Click here to review free bet offers from all the top online bookmakers
Ayr Gold Cup
Ayr Gold Cup
Ayr Gold Cup betting preview
The £150,000 Ayr Gold Cup is the feature race on Saturday where Scot Jim Goldie will be seeking to train the first Scottish winner of the race since Roman Warrior twenty-five years ago. His charge, Hawkeyethenoo, has been installed as second favourite (at the time of writing) with sponsors William Hill at 8/1 for the 6 furlong dash. But it is the market leader Poet’s Place that looks the one to beat after David Barron’s 5yo gelding scored in the Ladbrokes Portland Handicap at Doncaster last weekend. Philip Makin looks all set to ride the easy-to-back 5/1 shot as the horse bids for his fifth win in just eight career runs, but will the American import deliver the goods once more?
Ayr Gold Cup latest odds:
The sprint, now the richest sprint handicap in Europe is certainly the highlight and the most anticipated event in the Scottish racing calendar. Open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older, the race in recent years has thrown up several large priced winners including the Clive Cox horse Jimmy Styles who won it twelve months ago at 14/1. The last favourite to win was in fact the David Barron trained Coastal Bluff in 1996 and he’ll be hoping Poet’s Place can emulate this success on Saturday especially if more rain arrives prior to post time. William Hill have already trimmed him into 5/1 from 11/2 but expect that price to ease up should the conditions suit.
But if we’re looking to oppose the favourite in this one several other interesting runners more than catch the eye; none more so than Definightly from the Roger Charlton yard. The 4yo ran a blinder at Goodwood on Saturday after making all under the stewardship of Jimmy Fortune, and if this gelding gets in with apprentice Adam Beschizza likely to take 5lb, he must merit consideration at 12/1. However, there are doubts as to whether Definightly will make the cut and Charlton has said the horse needs 10 to come out after confirmation stage. Another potentially well treated runner in the field is David Nicholls’ Victoire De Lyphar who has been in the winners enclosure at 22/1 and 9/1 in two of his last three runs, and looks sure to go well at another healthy price. The Irish 3yo is now available at 9/1 which looks a steal if being nailed close home at Goodwood last time is forgiven.
If Definightly fails to make the handicap cut, another horse from the Charlton stable must enter calculations. Genki, laid down his claim for the valuable prize by finishing third to Markab in the Betfred Sprint Cup at Haydock last time after disappointing in the Stewards Cup at Goodwood prior. The ground was rumoured to be the problem that day and all connections will be praying the Ayr ground is good or good to firm for the 6yo to run his race. Genki is officially rated at 103 for the dash and looks well in on his return to handicapping so might be worth an each way punt at 11/1 (William Hill).
Jonathan Woodgate has already tasted the agony of not making Spurs’ 25-man squad for the new season because of injury, and the ex-Real Madrid star will be hoping his horse Jonny Mudball (12/1) can give him something to cheer about at Ayr. The Tom Dascombe trained colt is owned by the footballer’s family and has ran creditably over six furlongs notching up a win at Newcastle towards the back end of July, but can he rediscover this winning form in Scotland? Well, he’ll have to reverse the placings with another runner in the field, Evens and Odds. It was the latter who had the bragging rights in the Stewards Cup after being tipped by Tom Segal (Pricewise) from the racing post in the morning, and he could again get in the money at 16/1.
While all the runners and riders are yet to be confirmed for the Ayr Gold Cup, it is worth noting that the last three winners of this race have been drawn in high numbers on the stands’ side. This may have a significant bearing on your selection should the Saturday’s race continue this trend. Favourite backers must ebb on the side of caution though before lumping on Poet’s Place as this tough sprint has a habit of throwing up unfancied outsiders!!
Betting Verdict
By Mikey Mumford
Ascot QE2 Stakes
Ascot: QE2 Stakes betting and odds
QE2 betting preview
The Queen Elizabeth II Stakes is Saturday’s feature at Ascot with Richard Hannon’s top miler Canford Cliffs and his 2,000 guineas conqueror Makfi vying for favouritism at the head of the market. But it’s the Hannon colt that will surely go off favourite after his impressive hat-trick in the St James’ Palace Stakes, the Irish 2,000 guineas and the Sussex Stakes last time out. Canford Cliffs is currently best priced 6/4 with Coral with Makfi being chalked up at 9/4 with Totesport.
QE2 Stakes latest odds:
A hot field of runners look set to go to post for this Group One race over a mile but it seems it is wonderhorse Canford Cliffs they must all topple. This despite Aidan O’Brien’s runners dominating the fourteen strong field, with the pick of his entries being last years winner Rip Van Winkle. The 4yo colt claimed the International Stakes at York in August but that form has since been franked after ‘Rip’ was beaten five and-a-half lengths by stable mate Cape Blanco at Leopardstown latest. For that reason, the Ballydoyle trained horse is pretty solid in the betting at 4/1 with Coral but he must rediscover his York form if he’s to come close to the two market leaders.
Poet’s Voice will run for the Godolphin yard on Saturday and is another who may well have place claims. Saeed Bin Suroor’s runner won the Group 2 celebration mile at Goodwood in his last outing beating odds on favourite Main Aim by four-and-a-half lengths. However, only four went to post that day and the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes will provide much sterner competition. A good consistent run though could be on the cards if the horse settles,as he has a tendency to pull hard in the early stages. Paddy Power bet 14/1 for the 3yo colt, but definitely worth an each way squeak.
Another Aidan O’Brien runner is the unpredictable Steinbeck, and although he’s racked up two wins from his last two, the worry is Canford Cliffs has had the measure of him on two occasions before. The Irish raider is a 20/1 shot (Bet365) but hasn’t reached the heights Ballydoyle expected of him and is probably best just watched in the race. Rio De La Plata represents another chance for Godolphin at 25/1 (Victor Chandler) but he could be left in the shadow of the other runner in Godolphin blue, Poet’s Voice. Despite notching victory in the Strensall Stakes at York last month, he’s one of the more exposed horses in the line-up and will do well to place in this opposition. Other notable outsiders making the trip to Ascot include Pat Eddery’s Hearts of Fire (25/1) and Sheikh Hamdan’s Awzaan (33/1) but both are expected to play minor roles. Nevertheless, any money for the pair would be significant and worth a market inspection in the build up to race time.
So there we have it, the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes looks set to be a two-horse race between Canford Cliffs and Makfi, but who will take the honours? Currently the score stands at one-all between the cross channel rivals, with Makfi having the better of the 2,000 guineas before Canford drew level in the St James’ Palace Stakes at Ascot. Neither can afford to flop this time around in this mouth-watering clash. The French trained Makfi has already seen off Group 1 ace Goldikova in the Prix Jacques Le Marois putting behind him his Royal Ascot run. Trainer Mikel Delzangles is confident of taking the 250,000 prize money and has no concerns over the ground. With Christophe Soumillon on board, who has ridden him before, he could well be the big gamble on Saturday afternoon. Canford Cliffs will take all the beating but if there is a fly in his ointment, Makfi is the one most likely to take advantage of it.
Betting Verdict
By Mikey Mumford
2000 Guineas
2000 Guineas betting and odds
2000 Guineas betting preview
Newmarket awaits the Qipco 2,000 Guineas on Saturday where red-hot favourite Frankel is the horse everybody wants to be on. Henry Cecil’s 3-year-old was said to have needed the run in the Greenham Stakes at Newbury a fortnight ago but still breezed by the opposition that day. He is set to face a field of 13 runners after the withdrawals of Dubai Prince and Dream Ahead last week. Punters though might be swayed to delve into the betting market ‘without Frankel’ as Paddy Power are currently offers the best odds at 4/7. The Khalid Abdulla owned colt will be the shortest priced favourite for the event since 1971 as he bids to land the spoils in the first of five British classics to be run this year.
2000 Guineas latest odds
Tom Queally takes the ride on Frankel and he could well take this race from the front. In the Greenham Stakes last time, it was clear his stablemate Picture Editor could not go hard enough for Frankel and Queally may have to adopt similar tactics here and force the issue. If he is to lose his unbeaten tag at the sixth time of asking, next in the betting is another unbeaten runner- Jessica Harrington’s Pathfork at 5/1. This American-bred colt has won on his first three starts at the Curragh in Ireland and just held off Casamento last time out. Pathfork is unraced beyond seven furlongs but connections seem to think he will be competitive on the Rowley Mile at Newmarket.
Roderic O’Connor comes next in the market Aidan O’Brien at around the 7/1 mark. He finished two-and-quarter lengths behind Frankel in the Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket last October and had stablemate Master of Hounds behind in a valuable race at the Curragh on his penultimate start. Ryan Moore replaces Johnny Murtagh in the saddle and the slight step up in trip should suit this horse and should be taken seriously at 4/1 in the ‘without Frankel’ market. Godolphin’s main hope this year l;ies with the aforementioned Casamento – the winner of the Racing Post trophy at Doncaster on his last run for trainer Michael Halford. However, Sheikh Mohammed has voiced his concern at the trip and thinks a mile and half will suit but he tackles the 2000 Guineas instead of tilting towards an assault in the Derby. Frankie Dettori will be in the saddle once more and he had Native Khan and Dubawi Gold trailing in his wake last time so a big run can be expected of the 13/2 shot.
Few will want to miss the first ‘Classic’ of 2011 but Kieren Fallon might be one of those select couple that will not be tuning in too embrace the action after missing his ride on Native Khan. Fallon picked up a ban for not riding out to the winning line and after having his suspension shortened on appeal, the Newmarket meeting came too soon for the former champion Jockey. Instead Olivier Peslier will do the steering on the Ed Dunlop trained Native Khan; who is interesting in the sense that he won over course and distance just over a fortnight ago. The grey held off Richard Hannon’s Libranno to claim victory in the Craven Stakes and had a successful campaign as 2-year-old last year. The only worry would be that Casamento had his measure at Doncaster.
William Haggas’ runner Fury is a 6/1 shot and is unbeaten on his two career starts. He steps up to a mile on Saturday and Johnny Murtagh’s mount could spring a surprise should he get the trip.
Of the other runners at a big price, Dubawi Gold (33/1) is a useful type and has won both starts back this term on the polytrack but Richard Hannon’s colt steps up markedly in class. Rerouted (66/1) for the Barry Hills yard will don the same colours as Frankel and finished a creditable second behind Pausanias in a listed event last time. He could be one to take the field along at a good early clip and act as a pacemaker for Frankel’s surge.
Betting Verdict
By Mikey Mumford
Vodafone Derby Betting Preview
Epsom Oaks and Derby Betting Preview
The Vodafone Oaks
Alexandra and Galatee are challenging to be favourite for the Vodafone Oaks on Friday. Galatee is unbeaten on all three of her previous runs this season and is available at best odds 7/2 with Betfred. Totesport and Stan James have Alexandra as slight favourite at best odds 3/1.
The Vodafone Derby
The Andre Fabre colt Visindar leads the betting for the Vodafone Derby at Epsom this weekend. Sporting Bet and Betfred offer best odds 2/1, with William Hills going as short as 6/4. Visindar would be the first French horse in 30 years to win the Derby .
Horatio Nelson is second favourite, available at best odds 9/2 with Totesport. Septimus is third favourite available at a stand out price of 13/2.
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Triumph Hurdle
Cheltenham Triumph Hurdle Betting Preview
The Triumph Hurdle is the opening race of the final day of the Cheltenham Festival, a Grade 1 race run by 4 year olds over 2 miles 1 furlong. Traditionally the Triumph Hurdle has been a tricky race to find a winner, but the reduced field size in recent years has done punters a big favor.
Triumph Hurdle Tip – Zaynar 9/2 – Free £25 bet at Tote Sport
Zaynar is joint favourite for this race, and deservedly so after two solid performances at Ascot and Kempton. Trainer Nicky Henderson is also in form, and posesses the key stat of a win last time out. This is particualry important as 12 of the last 14 winners of this race all have that stat. Favourites also have a good record in this race the last 3 winners all being odds 6/1 or shorter. Bet now at tote Sport for the best odds and £25 free bet
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Totesport November Handicap
Totesport November Handicap betting preview
The final big race of the flat season and this prize often goes to a double figure priced runner after many have had a long hard season.
The hot favourite for the race since declarations has been Pippa Greene who has won all of his three starts to date. Had this race been on soft ground he would have been a confident selection but this will be the first time he has faced a surface this firm and in his last race was declared on the basis that there was soft ground. At a price of 6/1 with Betfred he is passed over but should be looked out for next season.
A horse that has been backed all week has been the Richard Hannon trained Malt or Mash. He has improved with every run this season and has contested some very strong races giving the form a rock solid look. The trainer has warned that he is not guaranteed to run though over ground concerns. He has already won on good to firm but connections don’t want to risk their talented horse on too firm a ground. A late call will be made but your stake will be refunded if he doesn’t run so have a large bet each with Bet365 at 7/1 and if he takes his place it is almost impossible to see him being unplaced.
If Malt or Mash is withdrawn there are two horses with close form to him. On his latest win at HQ Sanbuch was just behind with Bandama in third. Sanbuch is a quirky character who has to come from way back so backing to win in a twenty three runner race isn’t the best proposition at 10/1 with Blue Square . A better bet is probably Bandama at twice those odds with Bet365. This consistent sort looks well capable of running a place.
Another who looks a tad overpriced is the Godolphin top weight New Guinea . This prominent runner will enjoy the low draw in stall three and although he has no secrets from the handicapper he is a very good horse. Stan James are 16/1 and this is another who looks nailed on for a good run at a great price.
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