Seven race fixtures across Britain today plus the Irish Oaks meeting at the Curragh. Channel 4 have a good mix of flat and jumps from their eight scheduled races. We are going to look at two races this afternoon.

3.00 Newbury bet365 Stakes (Registered As The Steventon Stakes) (Listed Race)

With Retrieve now a non-runner, seven declared for the £37,000 prize money on offer. The fast ground has been watered and we have some rain forecast.

There are various doubts concerning all runners. None come into this with a victory on their last run.

Scottish is the most appealing having run a satisfactory race on his reappearance for his new stable. The form of last season’s win at Ayr is solid and today’s conditions will suit.

Gm Hopkins is an old favourite of ours from last season and like Mokarris yesterday can be forgiven a poor outing at Royal ascot in unsuitable conditions.

Third in we have Master Carpenter ridden by the in-form Frederick Tylicki. Seven rides in the past two days have brought three winners and four seconds.

 

My provisional tissue pending a course report from one of my senior contacts:

Scottish 6/4

GM Hopkins 11/2

Master Carpenter  8/1

Spark Plug   8/1

10/1 bar

The books are shorter than me with the favourite and I would expect the market to ease off once we get nearer to post time.

4.30 Market Rasen   Betfred “Supports Jack Berry House” Novices´ Handicap Chase (CLASS 3)

Good ground that has been watered and showers expected.

A wide open race with a couple at big prices worth a close look.

Both Fort Worth and Cusheen Bridge are potentially fairly handicapped on form shown over hurdles. They have shown plenty of ability in novice chases and are fairly priced going into a handicap chase for the first time.

 

At the 16/1 and 20/1 on offer for both horses I would be looking to get some value out of this.

The books are betting at a general 124% which reflects the open nature of the race. It may be worth looking at the exchanges should the head of the market start contracting.

As ever in true professional backing, value is the key.