Horse racing betting: O’Brien can bridge Great Voltigeur gap with Idaho
Since Powerscourt’s victory in 2003, Aidan O’Brien has tried to land Wednesday afternoon’s Betway Great Voltigeur (3.05pm) with 19 horses.
He’s responsible for three of the six runners in the £160,000 Group Two contest today and I think his persistence will be rewarded.
Bahrain Trophy winner Housesofparliament and Gordon Stakes runner-up The Major General look to be O’Brien’s tactical insertions in a race that will be set up for Investec Derby third and Irish Derby runner-up IDAHO.
If the son of Galileo can reproduce that Classic form, then he should have too much for his rivals. Take the 10/11 with sponsors Betway.
Across The Stars looks the biggest danger on paper, but he’s lumbered with a 3lb penalty for his win in the King Edward VII Stakes.
This race typically sets up a crack at the St Leger and, having shown plenty of stamina over 1m4f, Idaho could be one to tackle the extra two furlongs at Doncaster.
Betway offer 11/2 on him following up a win here in the final British Classic of the season.
If there’s another bet to be had on the opening day of the Ebor Festival, it has to be SWEET SELECTION in the two-mile handicap (4.20pm).
Hughie Morrison’s filly is going for a four-timer and, although she continues to rise in the weights, I think there’s further improvement to come.
Sea Of Heaven chased her home at Newbury last time out and he’s since come out to win and finish second in a pair of decent races at Ascot.
I expect her to trouble the judge again today before being prepared for the Cesarewitch in October.
Pointers
Idaho, 3.05pm Ascot
Sweet Selection e/w, 4.20pm Ascot