The feature race on the card is the Cambridgeshire Handicap at Newmarket. It is always an ultra-competitive race to workout, but I like one at a nice-double-figure price that can hopefully be in or around the money.
1.15 Newmarket – Santa Savana EW
I thought Santa Savana might be worth a go each way. The daughter of Havana Grey has been campaigned at a high level this season, and she was last seen finishing sixth in a Group 3 at Salisbury. I think this will be an easier assignment for her, and she’ll like the ease in the ground. Moreover, it’s been a positive to be drawn high on the Rowley Mile this week. Therefore her draw in Stall 10 should be noted.
1.50 Newmarket – Royal Playwright (Win)
Royal Playwright is a horse who has a lot of potential. I was very impressed with him when he won at Salisbury the first time out, and he looked like a true group performer.The last time we saw him, he finished third in the Group 3 Solario Stakes at Sandown. I don’t think making the running suit him that day, and more patient tactics could suit here. Furthermore, I also think stepping up to 1m will suit him, as he’s bred to appreciate further. One question mark for him would be the softer ground, but looking at his pedigree, he should be able to handle it. He’s one of my strongest selections this weekend.
2.25 Newmarket – Lake Victoria (Win)
Lake Victoria is a filly who keeps surprising people. That last time we saw her, she won the Group 1 Moyglare Stakes at the Curragh on Irish Champions Weekend. On jockey bookings, she wasn’t Ballydoyle’s first string, but she won with plenty in hand. The time before that, she won a Group 3 on the July course at Newmarket, so we know she doesn’t mind travelling. Moreover, her dam Quiet Reflection won on soft ground, so the conditions should be fine for her. I much prefer her to the favourite Babouche, whose trainer Ger Lyons hasn’t saddled a winner in the UK since 2019.
3.00 Newmarket – Whistlejacket (Win)
This isn’t a strong looking renewal of the Middle Park Stakes. The likes of Shadow Of Light and Defence Minister might not even run after they were taken out on heavy ground at Newbury last weekend. Therefore, I’m siding with Whistlejacket by default. The son of No Nay Never has the best form in the race after he won the Prix Morny. He also doesn’t mind ease in the ground, as he’s won on soft previously. With him being drawn in Stall 5, I suspect he’ll try and make the running and will be hard to peg back.
3.40 Newmarket – Under Siege EW
The Cambridgeshire Handicap is always a minefield, but Under Siege looks interesting for Andrew Balding. Three-year-olds can do well in this race, and I think this son of Wootton Bassett has a fair chance. Last time out, you can forgive his run at Chester. He was slowly away and never got a clear run. If you go back and watch, then you’ll see he ran well inside the final furlong and recorded the fastest finishing speed. Moreover, some of his earlier form this season looks really good. On his racecourse debut, he finished second behind Group 1 winner Economics at Newbury, so he’s always shown plenty of potential. He also finds himself in Stall 35, which is a good draw. Being drawn high has always been a massive advantage in this race in recent years. With that in mind, he appears to have a lot going for him.
1.30 Haydock – Earls EW
I thought this was tricky, as plenty of horses in here should like the ground. However, the one I liked was Earls for Gavin Cromwell. The seven-year-old seems to be effective on a soft surface, and he won well at this track earlier in the season. He is 2lb higher than when he won here in April, but I don’t see that making too much of a difference. For me, he is one of the more solid options in this race.
2.35 Curragh – Trinity College (Win)
All five of these horses have a chance, but Trinity College is my slight preference. I was just very impressed with him when he won at Galway; here he bolted up by 12 lengths. Though it’s hard to know what the form is worth, he couldn’t have done it anymore easily. The conditions should be fine, and his trainer Aidan O’Brien has an excellent record in this race, winning it 21 times in his career to date. I wouldn’t be surprised if the son of Dubawi gave his trainer another success in this race.
3.15 Haydock – Jer Batt EW
Jer Batt has had an excellent record at Haydock this season. In two runs at the track, he has finished first and second, and he was only just beaten by Shagraan last time out, who had been running well all season. The four-year-old gelding is also drawn in Stall 2, which isn’t a bad place to be. At the last meeting, having a low draw was a positive, so that is also worth noting. It’s a tight race, but David and Nicola Baron’s sprinter gets the nod from me.
