1.45 Newmarket – Chairmanoftheboard (Each Way)
Chairmanoftheboard ran a cracker I thought to finish second at Newbury last month. He’s not always the easiest horse to trust, but he is more than capable of winning a race like this. Last year here, he ran in this race off a 1lb higher mark, and I wouldn’t be at all surprised if this has been his early season target. With Edward Greatrex taking the reins, I can see him running another big race in this year’s renewal.
2.20 Newmarket – Liberty Lane (Each Way)
I’m going to forgive Liberty Lane for his disappointing run in the Lincoln. After previously being well touted for the race, he was very weak in the betting on the day, and several of Karl Burke’s horses underperformed at that meeting. With the yard now in a better place, I’m expecting a better run here. I just think he’s a horse that is capable of running at a higher level. If you look back at his form last season, he won a good race at Doncaster that worked out well. Furthermore, he didn’t run too badly here, behind Royal Ascot winner Waipiro in novice company, so the track shouldn’t be an issue. It is D-Day for him, and if he doesn’t run a good race, he’s off my shortlist.
2.55 Newmarket – Mitbaahy (Win)
I thought Mitbaahy shaped with a lot of promise on his first run for Charlie Hills last time out. He was a good horse for Roger Varian but had kind of lost his way after his three-year-old season. If he can build on his recent run, I think he’s got a huge chance, and he won’t mind any rain. Connections took this race last year with Khaadem, and I think they’ve got a good candidate again in 2024.
3.35 Newmarket – Haatem (Each Way) / Ten Bob Tony (Each Way)
City Of Troy has been the talk for the 2,000 Guineas since he won the Dewhurst very easily last autumn. He has done very little wrong, but I don’t buy all the hype that he could be a Triple Crown horse. For me, I am happy to oppose him with a couple of darts on his seasonal return.
Haatem for Richard Hannon, who I know is held in high regard. He was an impressive winner of the Craven Stakes last month, even though it didn’t look like a strong renewal. I just liked the way Sean Levey decided to make the most of him, as he looked like a completely different horse. At first glance, he looks exposed, but I do think there is more to come from him over a mile, and I wouldn’t be shocked if he were to run a big race.
The other one who’s on my shortlist is Ten Bob Tony for Ed Walker. He won a conditions race at Newmarket last month, but he did it really easily. Connections were sweet on him that day, and there was some late-market support for him. This clearly is a big step up, but he deserves his place, and he might just be able to outrun his odds as the outsider of the field.
2.05 Goodwood – Novus (Win)
A few of these rivals know each other well, but Novus just loves Goodwood. She’s won twice at the track, and she’s bound to love the testing ground. She may have run below par at Newmarket last month, but I think she may have needed the run. Running back against fillies’ now should suit, and for me, she’s got an outstanding chance of adding another course win to her CV.
2.40 Thirsk – Look Back Smiling (Each Way)
Look Back Smiling was a real eye-catcher when finishing fourth in the King Richard III Handicap at Leicester last weekend. It’s interesting that Gemma Tutty throws the dice again quickly, and she’s booked the services of Brandon Wilkie, who won on him back at Doncaster in March. With conditions in his favour, he looks to be a major player.
Bet Of The Day: 2.55 Newmarket – Mitbaahy
