pension333: Talking Horses: Saturday's tips in our daily racing blog

Wentworth would be a popular winner at Ascot on a day of low-key racing before the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe

Today's TV tips

It seems a pity to stage such a low-key set of races in Britain on the eve of the Arc de Triomphe, a weekend when punters are keyed up and ready to bet on good-quality action. Traditionally the Cambridgeshire gripped our attention on this Saturday but the recent reshuffling of the fixture list has left us with a handful of Group Threes and some valuable pots for two-year-olds.

The big handicap near the end of Ascot's card serves as some kind of focus for betting activity and Wentworth (3.50) could be a popular winner. A disappointing favourite at the Royal meeting here, he finally justified his reputation at Glorious Goodwood, despite a tricky draw.

He was fancied for a Listed race last time but the heavy going proved all against him, as might have been expected from a cursory glance at his form. The going here should be much less testing after a drying 24 hours and he still looks sufficiently well treated to win another good handicap.

Saturday's best bets

1.50 Newmarket This features a rematch between Wedding Ring and Oxsana, split by only a neck in a similar contest over six furlongs last month. That was a fifth run for Wedding Ring, whose form has rather plateaued since she was fifth in the Albany on her second outing, but Oxsana was having only her third run and it is she who is likelier to appreciate today's seventh furlong.

2.05 Ascot Extortionist may cap a fine debut season for his trainer, Olly Stevens, by landing the Cornwallis. A Listed winner at the Royal meeting here over this trip, he blew out in a longer race in France next time but bounced back when third in Doncaster's Flying Childers last month. Chasing home Green Door and Wind Fire looks strong form in this context.

2.20 Newmarket From the Roger Varian yard that missed August but bounced right back last month, Toofi achieved a lot in beating Jallota here a fortnight ago. He has plenty of scope for progress and appeals as the best prospect here.

2.40 Ascot Godolphin may, at long last, have found the right opportunity for Secret Number, who has spent the six months since the UAE Derby offering promises to one and all but delivering nothing. He looks terribly one-paced but the cut underfoot here and the drop in class may finally get him back to the winner's enclosure. Royal Empire gives Godolphin the chance of a one-two.

2.55 Newmarket The winner of two races in the spring, including one over this course and distance, Directorship got rather lost in the Hunt Cup and again in another valuable race at Sandown. Most recently he was held up off a steady pace in the Shergar Cup and could never get into the argument. He remains fairly handicapped for a much more attractive target like this one.

3.15 Ascot Out of a Lockinge winner, Ladyship seems to be coming to herself in the second half of her four-year-old season. She did not quite stay seven furlongs when beaten three lengths at this level at Glorious Goodwood but stormed home in a Newmarket handicap when dropped to this trip last time. She may again benefit from a strong pace set by others.

3.30 Redcar The temptation is to write off Morning Post's 100-1 success in the sales race at Doncaster as an outrageous fluke. But connections have always fancied him as a good horse, wanted to run him in the Gimcrack and believe that blinkers finally unlocked the ability that has always been there. There is no guarantee that they will work a second time but he was so impressive that day as to be attractive here, with most punters happy to field against him.

Click here for all the day's racecards, form, stats and results.

And post your tips or racing-related comments below.

Chris Cook

Source: http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2013/oct/05/talking-horses-saturday-tips-racing

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