HIT the Heights on Newmarket’s competitive card.
WASHINGTON HEIGHTS (2.40) looks the best bet at Flat racing’s headquarters after bumping into to some smart prospects since winning a Carlisle novice contest last summer.
He ran well behind the likes of Shouldvebeenaring and Cold Case last season. Rapidly-improving Shaquille led him home last time and the faster ground Kevin Ryan’s sprinter faces today should help him take another step forward.
This will be his third race of the season, so he should be spot on. Have 2pts each-way at 8-1. Several bookies are paying out on four places.
Later on the card, HAVANA BLUE (3.15) is worth chancing.
It’s easy to forgive his most recent run when last of eight at Goodwood two weeks ago as it came on desperate ground.
His comeback second behind promising Harry Magnus on his handicap debut over this course and distance was a much better reflection of his ability.
Clive Cox’s hope is from a really good family and he looks primed to run a big race with conditions in his favour.
The market has clearly overreacted to his performance last time out. Have 1pt each-way at 10-1.
Newbury’s Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes is the big race of the day and it looks an intriguing Group 1 contest.
There’s valid reasons to take on the more fancied runners, so I’m having a dart at BERKSHIRE SHADOW (3.35) at a big price.
He ran well in the 2000 Guineas and the St James’s Palace Stakes last year.
Andrew Balding’s runner comes into this great race in good form having twice won on the all-weather this spring after a gelding operation.
This is, obviously, a big jump in grade but his back form gives me hope he can be very competitive in an open race. Have 1pt each-way at 33-1. Most bookies are going four places.
The BetVictor London Gold Cup is usually won by a future Group-race performer.
ROYAL RHYME (3.00) looks to be heading that way after bolting up at Newmarket a couple of weeks ago. The faster ground won’t be a problem and he has a pedigree as smart as his profile.
Have 2pts to win at 6-1.
