Horse racing betting: Mokarris all set to bounce back after Royal Ascot flop
Every now and then a horse comes along that leaves a lasting impression on its racecourse debut.
Simon Crisford’s MOKARRIS did just that on his first start at Haydock back in May when bolting up having travelled powerfully through the race.
He was then somewhat thrown in the deep end at Royal Ascot when taking his chance in the Coventry Stakes on the opening day.
Even though the formbook says he was beaten 24 lengths and finished 16th of 18, he ran much better than the result implies.
He again travelled well but just got tired on the rain-softened ground and wasn’t knocked around.
I expect him to bounce back to winning ways in the Listed Rose Bowl Stakes (3.40pm) at Newbury on Friday afternoon.
Legendary Lunch is burdened by a 3lb penalty and a bigger threat may come from John Gosden’s Nobly Born who looked smart at Yarmouth a few weeks ago.
Hughie Morrison’s Sweet Selection looks likely to head the betting for the Silver Bar Handicap (4.15pm) in pursuit of a hat-trick, especially with Ryan Moore booked.
However, she has been raised another 5lbs by the handicapper for her latest effort and I’m prepared to take her on with AIR SQUADRON.
There isn’t a trainer in the land in better form than Ralph Beckett at the moment and this six-year-old races from just a 2lb higher mark than when successful at Salisbury last summer.
He shaped well at Kempton last time over two miles and looks well worth a try at the extra quarter of a mile here.
His biggest danger may prove to be Sir Mark Prescott’s Sea Of Heaven who will strip a lot fitter now he has a recent run under his belt.
Betway are giving money back as a free bet at Newbury today if your horse is beaten by a runner priced bigger than 10/1.
Pointers
Mokarris, 3.40pm Newbury
Air Squadron e/w, 4.15pm Newbury