Tag: Heavens Guest

Goodwood Saturday Preview

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

Moviesta (tipped at 9-1) and Montiridge (13-8) did us proud on day 4 of Glorious Goodwood but it could have been even better with three second place finishes. I always thought Moviesta could take the step up in class after being unlucky twice in big three-year-old handicaps and the furious gallop was right up his street.

The fact that he was pipped by Heaven’s Guest at Newmarket last time hasn’t gone unnoticed and the bookies have already trimmed his price for the Stewards’ Cup. 12-1 is now the best price for Richard Fahey’s runner but I think that still represents a bit of value. I think Moviesta would be less than half of those odds if he were running here off nine stone. Stall 22 may not be that great as the far side seem to have had the edge all week and I have similar concerns for my other selection, Shropshire.

He actually starts from the adjacent stall to Heaven’s Guest (21) but has the assistance of Ryan Moore in the saddle. He has been running well all season and is probably handicapped to sneak into the frame again at a top price of 14-1. I’m not tempted by the price for Tropics because it wasn’t the greatest race that he won last weekend whilst Ninjago may find them going a bit too quick early on.

The focus of attention in the Nassau Stakes will inevitably be on Sky Lantern after her unlucky defeat in the Falmouth Stakes. I think quite enough has been written about that race but it didn’t really give us any clues as to whether or not she will stay ten furlongs. It is difficult to see any of her Ascot victims reversing the form here but I think there may be some value in the older horses.

The one that stands out at the price is Godolphin’s Sajjhaa. She won four on the bounce in Meydan before finishing fourth in a Group 1 at Sha Tin. It’s anybody’s guess how fit she will be for this but you’d like to think they would have given her plenty of work. Hannon and Hughes can do no wrong this week (in stark contrast to Royal Ascot) and it would be no surprise to see Sky Lantern cruising up at the furlong marker but she’s no great value at the price.

Heaven’s Guest 12-1 (NAP) Bet365
Shropshire 14-1 Coral
Sajjhaa 11-1 Bet365

York Charity Sprint Trophy Preview

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

The big race of the weekend is the Charity Sprint Trophy at York, a race that has been won by some smart three-year-olds in the past. The last favourite to oblige was Tax Free in 2005 so it is a race to approach with caution.

The bookmakers certainly don’t seem quite sure what to make of it and have gone 7-1 the field. Heavens Guest and Moviesta have been installed as the early market leaders having both won last time out. Heavens Guest stepped up in grade from Hamilton Park to land a decent seven-furlong handicap at Epsom and represents Richard Fahey.

Heavens Guest is up 7lbs for his neck victory over Intrigo but he shouldn’t be inconvenienced by dropping back in trip. He was a good couple of lengths clear approaching the final furlong. Moviesta won here over five furlongs on softer ground last month and has gone up 6lbs in the ratings. The margin of victory was only a nose from Vincentti but jockey Paul Mulrennan got to the front quite early and always looked to have matters under control. Vincentti will have his supporters after that effort and certainly has excellent place claims on that effort.

He had previously won at Doncaster over six furlongs, running freely early on before being reigned back and produced late. He was more impressive on his last start and looks capable of further improvement. Brian Smart knows the time of day in these sprint races and I imagine that this race has been the plan for a while.

Cosmic Chatter runs in the Highclere colours and was close up behind Smoothtalkinrascal and Lucky Beggar here last month. The horse is yet to race beyond five furlongs and is short enough on what he has achieved to date. Lucky Beggar was easily put in his place by Richard Hannon’s Professor at Haydock last weekend and will do well to bounce back here.

Ralph Beckett’s Lewisham is an interesting runner. He was last seen hacking up on the all-weather at Kempton, a preparation that didn’t hinder Niceofyoutotellme before winning at Newmarket. Last season Lewisham was runner-up in the July Stakes so there is no doubting his ability. He holds Ahern and Chilworth Icon on that form. If the maiden race has boosted his confidence he could be thrown in here with just 8st 8lb.

Hasopop carries top weight and won a decent race at Newmarket before finishing third at Epsom. He didn’t get the best of runs in a muddling race that day but he will do well to win off a mark of 105. William Haggas is no mug in these races either and it wouldn’t surprise me to see Odooj step up on a moderate effort at Newmarket. The application of the blinkers for the first time and the one stall could light him up.

Moviesta looks the most progressive of these but Vincentti must have an each-way shout. I will also be having a small saver on Lewisham as he could be the best handicapped horse in the race.

Moviesta 9-1 Paddy Power
Vincentti (each-way) 12-1 Bet365
Lewisham 16-1 Paddy Power