The Racing Ahead’s resident tipster Ben Morgan selects his best bets for this weekend’s action at Ascot and Haydock
Ascot 3.15 – Daiquiri Bay to have his day?
Alan King and connections of DAIQUIRI BAY can feel a bit hard done by this season as it’s fair to say lady luck hasn’t been on their side.
An impressive victory at Chester has been followed by three solid runs at a higher level, but on all three occasions, you could make genuine cases to suggest he should have finished closer.
He drops back to 1m 4f at Ascot on Saturday, which on this softer ground should be fine and although it is a competitive race, I think he has a much better chance than his odds of 6/1 suggest.
The form in the book is strong, and the form figures next to his name probably misconstrue his actual ability compared to his rivals here.
Jim Crowley is a positive jockey booking, and I hope he can cap a good season by deservedly getting his head in front.
The Racing Ahead‘s resident tipster Ben Morgan selects his best bets for this weekend’s action at Ascot and Haydock
Haydock 3.00 – From Paris to Kildare, I’ve got all bases covered in Old Borough Cup
A proper Saturday handicap here, where you almost have to have two darts at the board. Prior to a blowout last time at York in what looked like a penalty kick, KILDARE LEGEND had been on my radar to take out one of these big handicaps before the season was out.
I’m willing to forgive that run at York, as he was far too keen and wasn’t given the best of rides in my opinion. His earlier form puts him right in with a chance here, especially if the extra distance brings about further improvement.
I think it will and I also think the run at York will add a few more points to his price which makes him a great each way play.
My other hope is the consistent DANCING IN PARIS who again probably deserves to win one of these handicaps after running with credit all season.
Ian Williams has a good record in this race having won 2 of the last 10 renewals so I can certainly see another bold showing coming here.
Current odds of 9/1 look more than fair given the fact he looks sure to give punters a run for their money.
Haydock 3.35 – Mojo to show Big Improvement
It’s pretty clear that the Sprint Division is pretty open this year and that makes this race very interesting.
The favourite Lazzat is probably the best of them based on his two recent runs but I think the Sprint Cup in September at Haydock may not be his gig and odds of 2/1 do not entice me whatsoever.
The 16/1 on offer about BIG MOJO however, certainly does entice me and I’m going to put him up here with William Buick booked to do the steering.
I began the season wondering if 6f would stretch him but he has shown me that he definitely needs 6f having looked outpaced in the King George at Goodwood last time out and staying on strongly at both Ascot and Newmarket before that.
I also think he has been quietly improving throughout the season and I think that improvement can culminate in a Group 1 success here.
There is plenty of pace high here so that will suit my selection but also my old friend Kind Of Blue who would be interesting if he began to drift out from 15/2.
At current prices I am more than happy to be siding with Big Mojo.
