The ITV Racing cameras will be there to capture the first four races of Newmarket’s Craven meeting on Tuesday. GG tipster Joe Napier has previewed all four races to give you his best bets on the TV.
1.50 Newmarket – Weatherbys With Venatour Racing Handicap
In races over short distances on the Rowley Mile, being up with the pace is often so important, which is why DARK THIRTY appeals as a prominent racer with a good course and distance record. The five-year-old bounced right back to form on his recent return at Doncaster.
Unlike at Newmarket, racing up with the pace is not as beneficial on Town Moor. so the fact he still got the job done was impressive, however narrowly. Having lost his way last season, he is now well down the handicap, remaining 4lb below his winning mark from this race 12 months ago.
Even from off the pace, he was third over 7f here next time out off a mark 7lb higher than his current berth on 89. He looks to have plenty going for him in his quest for back-to-back victories for all that Elmonjed is one with an attractive profile as well.
2.25 Newmarket – bet365 Feilden Stakes (Listed)
It is distinctly possible that a number of runners will chance their arm to lead here given there was an exceptional pace bias in the 2024 renewal, but the most consistent front-runner in his juvenile days was GREEN STORM, who also maintained a high level of form for Charlie Johnston.
A son of Circus Maximus, he is yet to finish outside the first three, but with four seconds to his name, it is easy to think he may not enjoy keeping his head in front. However, among his defeated was a runner-up effort in the Group 3 Zetland Stakes, over a furlong longer than this trip, and a second in the Group 1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud, albeit in a race with only three runners.
He possibly bumped into a high class colt of Aidan O’Brien’s that day though, and his experience should stand him in good stead. If he can get to the lead, which seems likely on his racecourse starts so far, Tom Marquand may be able to dictate the race.
3.00 Newmarket – bet365 Earl Of Sefton Stakes (Group 3)
Ottoman Fleet is going for the hat-trick in this race and William Buick retains faith in him over First Conquest despite that horse’s up-and-coming profile. However, Ottoman Fleet’s successes here have come in average renewals, and AMBIENTE FRIENDLY may just have a class edge to get this done.
Last year’s Derby runner-up was only fourth in the Feilden Stakes here last year, but the pace bias made it almost impossible for any of those in behind to pass the leaders. His subsequent form in winning the Lingfield Derby Trial by clear daylight, finishing second at Epsom, and then third in the Irish Derby, set him out as a quality colt.
He finished the season weakly, but there were excuses in the Juddmonte International and soft ground was likely not his bag when warming up for a tilt at the Arc, which he subsequently missed. He should go well enough fresh, having won on debut as a juvenile, and he is 5lb clear on official ratings too.
3.35 Newmarket – Lanwades Stud Nell Gwyn Stakes (Group 3)
There have been a couple of upsets in this 1000 Guineas trial in recent years, so short prices about Verse Of Love, a debutant winner only to this point, do not appeal. At a bigger price, CELESTIAL ORBIT has done little wrong since her debut and could well feature again.
It is notable that Jamie Spencer, of all jockeys, looked intent on the lead at Sandown last time, only to recognise the pace was too hot. Ollie Sangster’s filly overcame the drop into midfield to ultimately win comfortably though, with those Listed honours secured from subsequent Group and Listed scorers too.
She has been off the track a long time since, and was disappointing on her debut at Kempton, but that is not enough evidence yet that she will not go fresh. With her odds generous, it is worth chancing that she will go well here, and Sangster’s yard have broadly begun the season well.
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