Great expectations for Dickensian and Paddy at Newbury
ALONGSIDE Ayr’s Gold Cup meeting, there’s action from Newbury where the Group Two Mill Reef (2.12pm) takes centre stage.
Nothing jumps off the page for me in the feature, but there are a few betting opportunities elsewhere on the card.
Firstly in the opener, the Group Three World Trophy Stakes (1.02pm), where Starlust currently heads the betting.
He’d take the beating on his Nunthorpe form, but his participation isn’t guaranteed and he is taking a good deal out of the market currently, so I’ll side with DICKENSIAN.
He kicked his campaign off with victory over five furlongs at York before losing his way thereafter, however he stepped forward markedly on his last start following wind surgery.
Staying on strongly from the rear, it was a return to form, and he will be suited by the forecast conditions at Newbury on Saturday.
With the field likely to cut up, the 10/1 looks worthy of snapping up now.
Next up is the Autumn Cup Handicap (1.37pm) where PADDY THE SQUIRE looks ready to get his head in front.
It’s worth noting that he is triply entered across Newbury and Ayr, however, with rain forecast up in Scotland, the likely good ground at Newbury alongside the longer trip is far more his bag.
He’s a relentless galloper that has run well in deep handicaps this season, and whilst he did blot his copybook in the Ebor on his latest start, he encountered trouble in running and was unable to deliver his finishing effort.
The long straight at Newbury will suit his running style and in a weaker race that could cut up further, 12/1 looks a good value bet at this stage.
POINTERS SATURDAY
Dickensian e/w 1.02pm Newbury
Paddy The Squire e/w 1.37pm Newbury