Horse Racing Betting Tips: Count Stradivarius out and get your money on Octave
WHILE the bookies will no doubt be braced for a big pay out if red-hot favourite Stradivarius lands this afternoon’s Lonsdale Cup (2.25pm) at York, spare a thought for Weatherbys Hamilton.
The insurance firm put up a £1million bonus for any horse who could complete the stayers’ triple crown of the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot, the Goodwood Cup and this afternoon’s Lonsdale Cup, as well as winning one of four designated prep races, and John Gosden’s son of Sea The Stars could be about to do exactly that.
Impressive at York on his seasonal reappearance, which qualified him for today’s big payout, gutsy at Ascot and gallant on his last start at Goodwood, Stradivarius is in a league of his own at the moment and fully expected to land the big prize.
Feel free to get stuck in at 4/11 with Ladbrokes but it may be more economical to work out who’ll be chasing him home.
With no Torcedor, second to Stradivarius at Goodwood, 2016 Ascot Gold Cup winner Order Of St George or France’s top two-miler Vazirabad, the door has creaked open for the likes of Red Verdon and COUNT OCTAVE.
The former is ultra-consistent and a very interesting candidate for the silver medal at this trip.
He was second behind Crystal Ocean in the 1m4f Group Two Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot before going on to chase home Mirage Dancer over the same trip at Goodwood.
Ed Dunlop and his team clearly feel he’s a horse that can handle the step up in trip and he looks set to run a big race here before possibly going on to contend the two-mile Melbourne Cup.
However, at just 9/4 in the betting without Stradivarius, Count Octave appeals more at 11/4.
Andrew Balding’s string are in rude health at the minute and his son of the mighty Frankel could be about to show his best.
Just over 12 months ago, he finished a neck second to Stradivarius in the Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot, and although he’s not made giant strides since that run, he has the potential to be a major player in a race like this.
Desert Skyline has been disappointing since his second in the Yorkshire Cup and I’m not willing to take another chance on him, while Idaho has the profile of one that could spring a surprise, but not with the Aidan O’Brien yard out of sorts.
Later in the day, ULSHAW BRIDGE is back on the track in the closing Class Two Handicap (4.50pm) after running a cracker at Ascot last month.
He finished second behind Crack On Crack On, who re-opposes here off 5lbs higher, and should be there or thereabouts again.
Trainer James Bethell has also managed to secure the services of Daniel Tudhope, who has steered more horses to victory on the Knavesmire than any other jockey over the past five years.
William Haggas took this race last year with Mojito and his Niklaus looks like one of the main dangers off a mark of just 89.
Third in a highly competitive seven furlong affair at Goodwood last time out, he’s only been put up 1lb and should go close.
POINTERS
Count Octave w/o Stradivarius 2.25pm York
Ulshaw Bridge 4.50pm York