5 minutes Check out our outsider tips for this weekends racing including a couple of each way long shots in the Betfair Hurdle.
We have a list of outsiders that are fancied at Newbury, Newcastle And Wolverhampton, will you go for the each way or have a crack at some big winners on the nose!
3:15 - Newbury - GO DANTE (18/1)
Betfair Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)
We're really liking Olly Murphy's GO DANTE right now. Murphy's been on a hot streak, snagging 11 wins out of 29 races in the last two weeks—that's a winning rate of 38%! And we think Go Dante's being underrated price-wise, especially considering he's in top form and seems ready to tackle this challenge.
After only 10 races in his career, including nine over hurdles, Go Dante is hitting his stride, especially after some wind surgery before the season. His performances at Cheltenham this season are proof. He had a good run in the Greatwood Hurdle, despite the heavy ground and being a bit too eager after a 219-day break, which led him to tire and finish sixth.
But he bounced back in his next race, beating Doddiethegreat at the same place. Even though he had a bit of a hiccup at the last hurdle, he managed to push through and win, pulling ahead of the competition. That win looks even better since a couple of horses he beat have won their next races, and he only got a 4lb bump from the handicapper, which seems fair for such a solid performance at Cheltenham.
He's a horse that loves a bit of distance, having run in the 2m4f Challow Novices’ Hurdle before, so a fast-paced race over two miles should suit him just fine this Saturday, especially with a few front-runners in the mix.
Regarding the track conditions, he's won on soft ground before, and since his breed (Kayf Tara progeny) usually does well on heavy ground, he might just have the perfect conditions to shine.
Sean Bowen, who's won with him the last two times, is riding him again. With Bowen's strategy of staying just behind the leaders before making a move in the straight, this could be a big moment for both Bowen and Murphy.
3:15 - Newbury - OUR CHAMP (25/1)
Betfair Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)
After a lot of thinking, I've decided to throw my support behind Chris Gordon's Our Champ, who's sitting at 33/1 on the Betfair Sportsbook. Sure, he's a bit of an outsider and would need to shake up the usual trends to win, but his handicapping looks really solid.
I keep thinking back to earlier this season when Our Champ nailed an impressive win at Cheltenham, leaving Lookaway trailing in the same race. That performance really stuck with me.
Riding with a ton of confidence, he dominated that handicap race off a 117 rating, effectively 114 with Freddie Gordon's three-pound claim, and won by a huge eight lengths over Black Poppy, who's no slouch. Black Poppy even held his own in the Xmas Grade 1 Hurdle, finishing fourth in a tough field behind Constitution Hill. Honestly, Our Champ was in a league of his own that day.
His rating jumped to 128 after that, but then he hit a rough patch with three so-so runs. Despite being the favorite at 3/1 in his next race at Ascot, he pushed too hard too early and faded fast, which was really unlike him. His next outings at Newbury and Kempton were just okay, but it's interesting he's been following a similar prep to last year's yard winner, Aucunrisique.
The run at Ascot seemed off, like he wasn't showing us his true colors. He's been handled quite gently since, and now, just before today's race, he's had a wind op and is wearing a tongue-tie for the first time. Considering the timing, I'm betting on a bounce-back today.
He's racing off a 124 rating now, with Freddie Gordon claiming five pounds, putting him just five pounds above his winning mark at Cheltenham and nine below his Ascot rating. Plus, the trainer's hinted that Our Champ's in top form at home, even suggesting looking into Graded Novices races down the line. If he's anywhere near his Cheltenham form, he'll be tough to beat, even with the weight.
The big question mark is the ground; it was good at Cheltenham and it's going to be much tougher here. Yet, he showed promise in terrible conditions at Sandown back in 2022, powering through the mud with ease. If the ground isn't too bad, he's definitely worth a bet, especially as a second-season novice with the trainer's solid track record in this race. It's a competitive field, but Our Champ could just surprise us all.
Sunday Longshots
4.35 Exeter – RUN TO MILAN
trustatrader.com Veterans' Handicap Chase (Qualifier) (Leg 2 Of The Stayers' Veterans' Chase Series)
It's unequivocally clear that the twelve-year-old equine athlete, Run To Milan, exhibits a profound affinity for the Exeter racecourse. Given his advantageous position at the lower end of the weight spectrum in this particular Veteran’s Chase, there's an undeniable allure to considering him for an each-way bet in the realm of sports betting. This becomes especially compelling when one considers the diverse range of competitors, some of whom boast impressively high ratings at the upper echelon of the handicap.
However, it's important to note that the condition of the ground on race day has the potential to act as an equalizing force among the contenders. This introduces an element of unpredictability that can't be overlooked. Furthermore, the significance of prior experience on this course cannot be underestimated. The unique challenges and nuances of Exeter are well-known, and a horse's familiarity with these conditions can be a decisive advantage in the heat of competition.
Turning our attention to other notable participants, Fiddlerontheroof emerges as a figure of intrigue. His return to the track is particularly timely, coming off the back of a notable entry into the Grand National earlier in the week. This development adds an extra layer of anticipation and interest surrounding his performance. Given the prestige associated with the Grand National, his inclusion in its lineup suggests a level of capability and potential that bettors and racing enthusiasts alike will be keen to evaluate in the context of this upcoming race.