Newmarket Middle Park Stakes Betting Preview (Group 1) (6f)

Of the two Group One’s staged at Newmarket on Saturday, the Middle Park Stakes looks a good shade more competitive than the Dewhurst which takes place a little over half an hour later. The race revolves around the unbeaten 2-year-old colt Reckless Abandon, who won the Prix Morny in Deauville when last seen. Clive Cox’s representative might be the only Group One winner in the field but there are some useful looking colts in this ten strong field including Mill Reef Stakes winner Moohaajim and Coventry third Cristoforo Colombo. The race over six furlongs is expected to be run on ground described as good to soft. Choose a free bet offer for this race here.

There has been a lot to like about the attitude of Reckless Abandon in his four career starts to date. The son of Exchange Rate displayed a game attitude in the Prix Morny under French jockey Gerald Mosse who rides him again here, and he might just set the fractions here as his mount has made virtually all in three of those four starts. The ground conditions are expected to be in his favour as he won the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot with cut in the ground and he is deservedly favourite on what he has shown so far.

However, Moohaajim is interesting and although he finished fifth behind Reckless Abandon in the Morny, he made eye-catching late headway despite running green throughout. Marco Botti’s inmate certainly made amends when readily scooping the Mill Reef on quicker ground with Master Of War who reopposes here, back in second. The ground would be the only concern as he is unraced on anything slower than good and any more rain could further hinder his chances here.

Aidan O’Brien has three entered in the race but there is no disputing that Cristoforo Colombo rates his best chance. He was unlucky in the Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh when he slipped up after clipping heels with a rival just as he looked prime to take a hand in the finish. Ryan Moore takes over in the saddle from usual pilot Joseph O’Brien and if he can return to the form of his length defeat in the Coventry in June, he must be on the shortlist. Conditions will suit as he has gone close on heavy ground and he can play a part with a little more luck. Kevin Ryan’s Blaine is another looking to extend his unbeaten tag after adding the Gimcrack to his maiden York win. He must improve again on that effort but he looks a progressive sort and we are probably yet to see the very best of him.

Master Of War is the sole representative of Richard Hannon and although he has been very consistent in the majority of his races, this is another step up in class and he might just fall short in this better company. The same can be said for Hototo and Frankie Dettori, who might be fighting out for minor honours. At forecast bigger odds Parliament Square could be worth keeping on side judging on his length defeat when third in the Morny won by Reckless Abandon. The Irish raider kept on for pressure when a running on fifth at Doncaster and he’s been given a little time off the track and could surprise a few here. Make sure you get a Cheltenham free bet for the 2013 Festival.

Heavy Metal can be a tad unpredictable but there is no questioning he is an improver but this test might be above him. Wexford Opera has shown very little too worry the judge on his four starts and is easy to overlook.

If you fancy a free bet for this race, visit Betfred who are offering new customers a free £50 bet on any event! Or check out our free betting tips section of the site here – Free Bet Finder’s betting tips section.

*Click here for all the latest odds on upcoming football matches