Racing Ahead‘s resident tipster Ben Morgan selects his best bets for today’s action at Newmarket.
2.25 – Dark Shore to make waves off generous handicap mark
I mentioned in this column a few weeks back about some generous handicapping for Wechaad, who went on to win a Doncaster nursery with the minimum of fuss on nursery debut, and I hope lightning could strike twice with DARK SHORE at Newmarket today.
He actually ran in the same Ascot race on debut as the aforementioned Wechaad, which has worked out very well before finishing second at Ffos Las.
He split Mcmurray and Crest Of Fire, who both finished 1-2 in a Doncaster handicap next time out, both off a mark of 83.
If this isn’t enough evidence to suggest 78 could be generous then Dark Shore’s third qualifying run was behind the ultra impressive Into The Sky, who just got worn down in the Mill Reef last Saturday.
My selection stayed on nicely over 6.5f furlong that day and the front 3 were a long way clear, with the third-place horse boasting some nice form in the book as well.
I think the mark is very generous and I will be disappointed if he isn’t battling out the finish.
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3.00 – Roxby to rock over 6f
Michael Herrington has an impressive strike rate with runners at big tracks like Newmarket and I think that strike rate could be improved as he has LADY ROXBY entered in this competitive event.
A big improver since switching to Herrington’s yard from Bryan Smart over the Winter, she has quickly risen from a mark of 70 to a current mark of 82.
All of her victories have come over 5f, but she has shaped as if 6f would certainly be within her compass, which it was last time out when just going down by a head at Yarmouth.
Her form in the book is strong, and she strikes me as an improving filly who hasn’t quite reached her ceiling yet.
I expect a fair test here, which will suit and hopefully allow her to get her head deservedly back in front.
3.35 – Varian improver to relish step up in class
I mentioned WECHAAD earlier in this piece, and after that dominant nursery victory, the handicapper has raised him 10lb to 92, which was probably fair.
Reading a Roger Varian stable tour earlier this week, he speaks glowingly about this horse and even mentions the Dewhurst as a potential target.
He would have to win this comfortably to be thinking about that race, but I do think we will see further improvement now he has got his head in front.
There is a hot favourite in here who looks a bit flakey, given he has to bounce back from a terrible run at York, and I would definitely be inclined to take him on.
The selection looks like a horse who can race properly and relish a stronger run race at a higher level, which he should get here.
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