Newmarket selections Sunday 3rd May
The final day of the Newmarket Guineas meeting and it is the fillies that take centre stage with the 1000 Guineas the main attraction. The favourite looks strong, but I also have two selections for the long distance handicap immediately before. We had to settle for a couple of placed efforts each-way through Addison Grey (advised 4/1) and Rumstar (advised 9/2) yesterday.
Newmarket 2.55: Dramatic Star & Goblet of Fire
Having won this race on Story Horse last season, a winner for this column, Saffie Osborne has strong claims of landing this 14f handicap again with GOBLET OF FIRE.
Receiving plenty of weight all round, this dual purpose performer was given the winter of, given his distinct preference for top of the ground conditions. A wind op over the winter might also be to his benefit. He comes here having had a nice pipeopener on the All Weather at Kempton last month, being beaten 3l over 12f.
However he is already a winner over 2m on the flat, though this 14f trip might be perfect in a strongly run turf race. He has a high cruising speed in his races, shown when second in a good race at Goodwood last summer, and perhaps that wind op will see him finish off his race that bit better with fitness now on his side.
As an alternative DRAMATIC STAR is of interest. He has been a very in and out performer, and has shown previous little in two runs on the All Weather recently. However cheekpieces have been reached for and there is no doubt this gelding is better on fast turf.
He was only narrowly beaten by classy stablemate The Reverend on fast ground in a similar valuable handicap at Haydock only last September and is only 3lbs higher today. He has shown a tendency to wander under pressure of late, but perhaps the headgear will sharpen him up and if he gives of his best a rating of 92 looks well within scope.
Newmarket 3.35: Precise
Top 2yo form stood up superbly in the 2000 Guineas yesterday, and I expect it to do so again in the fillies version through PRECISE.
Beaten only by greenness on debut at Fairyhouse, Precise then proceeded to win a maiden at Cork, a Group 3 at Goodwood before wins at the highest level at the Curragh and Newmarket. That final win in the Fillies Mile came over today’s course and distance, winning with even more ease than a 3l victory margin would suggest.
Fast ground proved ideal last season, so today’s conditions won’t be any excuse. Whilst it is a long season, I expect Precise to be forward enough to be good enough today.
Recommended bets:
1pt each-way – Dramatic Star – 2.55 Newmarket – 11/2 general (most bookies 1/5 odds 1st 4)
1pt each-way – Goblet of Fire – 2.55 Newmarket – 5/1 general (most bookies 1/5 odds 1st 4)
1pt win – Precise – 3.35 Newmarket – 2/1 general
