The big handicap tomorrow is the Cesarewitch, the 3.50 at Newmarket. There are plenty in with chances. I have been following Ashbrittle this season but he has been disappointing. He won at this time of year last season and a return to form couldn’t be ruled out. Irish Raider Buy Back Bob may well have been laid out for this by his shrewd trainer. 3rd over hurdles at Cork in August he hung badly when down the field in a handicap on the flat at Gowran Park last time. An interesting runner.
Course and distance winner Bernie the Bolt is another I like. He has been off the course for over a year but if fully fit would have solid claims. Lastly Big Occasion, trained by David Pipe must be on any shortlist. A winner at Tipperary and The Curragh for his previous trainer he is very lightly raced and could well be better than his handicap mark. Another to consider is Keys who has won his last two races, stays and is certainly on the upgrade.
I am going to select 3 horses for this, all at big prices. Berrnie the Bolt 20/1, Buy Back Bob 16/1 and Big Occasion 33/1.
Elsewhere on the Newmarket card Strong Suit (2.05) and King Torus (5.35) are my main fancies.
My best bet at York is Internationaldebut in the sprint at 4.05. He has already won 3 on the bounce and there may well be further improvement to come. Another to consider is Oceanway in the 2.50.
There are only 4 runners in the 4.10 at Chepstow but it looks a very interesting contest. Former Cheltenham Champion Bumper winner Cue Card makes his chase debut on the back of some classy hurdles form. Silviniaco Conti won twice in Grade 2 hurdle races last season and is another with great expectation for a career over fences. This is not really a betting proposition but I would just prefer the Paul Nicholls trained runner.
Reve de Sivola didn’t quite live up to expectations over fences last season and was often let down by some untidy jumping. He has plenty of ability though and is worth sticking with. He runs in the 5.50.
Picture courtesy of the artist Katy Sodeau.
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