The withdrawal of Pique Sous from the Northumberland Plate has at least given us a bit of value with our 10-1 about Angel Gabrial. He now looks set to start at about half those odds but it’s a very tough race and we can only hope that he gets luck in running.
George Chaloner has the task of delivering him as late as possible. I have mixed feelings about the number 1 stall as it is better than being stuck out wide. My only concern is that he gets shuffled back early on.
Oriental Fox was desperately unlucky not to win this last year when collared on the line by Tominator. I like horses returning for a race that they have run well in previously but the weight puts me off despite his sixth in the Gold Cup. Suegioo and Nearly Caught are other interesting runners but I’m not keen to get involved further in such a tricky race.
The best bet on the card is You’re Fired for Karl Burke in the closing handicap. He ran on strongly over six furlongs at Doncaster in March and then won over seven furlongs at Haydock. He got himself trapped on the rail behind horses that day but managed to come around the field and get up close home. He is up 6lbs but has an extra furlong to travel and has scope for further improvement.
The William Haggas stable remains in fantastic form and he has two exciting prospects tomorrow. Muthmir has his first start as a four-year-old in the sprint handicap and the vibes are encouraging. He showed plenty of dash last season before disappointing on his final start but he could be better than his rating of 87. His rivals are mostly exposed so it is worth taking a chance on his potential.
Saayerr was a speedy juvenile and he can take the Group 3 Chipchase Stakes to complete the Haggas double. His fourth place in the Free Handicap over seven furlongs reads well with the winner having run well in both the English and Irish 2000 Guineas. Saayerr has always looked more of a sprinter so the drop back to six should see him return to winning ways.
Muthmir 2.05 at 7-2 Bet365
Saayerr 2.40 at 3-1 Bet365, BetVictor
Angel Gabrial 3.50 at 10-1* ante-post
You’re Fired 5.00 at 9-4 BetVictor, Paddy Power
