RACING TRADER CASAMENTO AND NOVA HAWK LOOK GUINEAS VALUE
ALL eyes will be on the Henry Cecil-trained Frankel in Saturday’s Qipco 2,000 Guineas as he bids to maintain his unbeaten record. However, he makes absolutely no betting appeal at 1/2 with Victor Chandler. Yes, I think he’ll probably win, and therefore won’t be laying him on Betdaq, but he is by no means home and hosed. He hasn’t faced a field of more than six runners since his debut and the hype reminds me of the stable’s Tenby who was beaten at odds-on in the Derby back in 1993.
The obvious danger is Jessica Harrington’s PATHFORK who also brings an unbeaten record to the Rowley Mile. I like the look of the 9/4 on offer about him without Frankel. The only other one who looks overpriced to me is the Godolphin-trained CASAMENTO, who was an impressive winner of the Racing Post Trophy last season. He doesn’t seem to lack speed and with Mahmood Al Zarooni starting the campaign well, I’m prepared to take a chance on him each-way at 16/1 with Paddy Power and also at 7/1 without the favourite.
The 1,000 Guineas looks wide open and I just prefer race-fit French raider MOONLIGHT CLOUD at 9/2. Freddie Head’s filly will appreciate the decent ground and can see off Sir Michael Stoute’s Havant who needs the heavens to open.
If there is a value bet in the race, then look no further than NOVA HAWK who also makes the journey over from France. She has no stamina doubts, has had a prep run and is worth backing at around 25/1 each-way.
POINTERS…
PATHFORK (w/o favourite) 3.10pm Newmarket (Saturday)
CASAMENTO e/w 3.10pm Newmarket (Saturday)
MOONLIGHT CLOUD 3.15pm Newmarket (Sunday)
NOVA HAWK e/w 3.15pm Newmarket (Sunday)