Saturday 3rd May 2025
1.45 Newmarket: Betfred Handicap: The first of my four selections on Saturday comes within the 1.45 at Newmarket and this is a Heritage Handicap over six furlongs. I’m taking a chance on Two Tribes here for Richard Spencer and Silvestre De Sousa. He finished second in the race last year off a two-pound higher mark and went on to run well in several competitive handicaps throughout the campaign, signing off with a sixth-placed effort in the Ayr Silver Cup in September. He’s run well fresh previously, and if he gets some luck in the run can go well in the contest again. Two Tribes – 9/1 (Each-Way)
2.55 Newmarket: Hong Kong Jockey Club World Pool Palace House Stakes: My second selection of the afternoon also comes from Newmarket and in the Group 3 Palace House Stakes over five furlongs at 2.55. I like Washington Heights here for the team of Kevin Ryan and Tom Eaves. This represents an ease in grade for him, having contested Group 1 company as of late, and he’s run well in many of those top-flight contests. The last time he contested Group 3 company, he won, with that success also coming over course and distance last year in the Abernant Stakes. I think he looks very solid. Washington Heights – 5/1 (Each-Way) (NB)
4.23 Thirsk: Ladbrokes ‘Get Rewarded With Ladbucks’ Handicap: Next up for me is the 4.23 at Thirsk, which is a Class 4 handicap that’s contested over six furlongs. I’ve come down on Bay Breeze here for Tim Easterby and Rhys Elliott, who takes off five pounds. He’s a four-time course and distance winner, with each of those four victories coming off higher marks, and he’s run with credit in both of his starts since returning to the track. He’ll contest this off the same mark as his last winning one, with a further five coming off his back via his rider, and I think he’s got every chance of going well here again. Bay Breeze – 12/1 (Each-Way)
5.50 Newmarket: Nyetimber Handicap: My fourth and final selection comes back at Newmarket and in the 5.50, which is a Class 3 handicap that’s ridden over a mile. I like Crack Shot here for Daniel & Claire Kubler, who’s the mount of William Buick. He posted an encouraging effort on his seasonal reappearance at Kempton last month when finishing third of twelve and two and a quarter lengths behind the winner. He’ll contest this particular affair off the same mark as that last run, which is the same as his last winning mark, with that success coming in this race last year. I think he holds strong claims. Crack Shot – 4/1 (Win) (NAP)
