Alan Thomson’s Tips: O’Brien’s filly can strike at Newbury

This tip has expired. Please check our free horse racing tips section of the website to find the most up to date.

RHODODENDRON (3.40) can strike for the fairer sex in a competitive renewal of the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury.

The only filly in this traditionally revealing Group 1, Rhododendron will find this mile trip her bare minimum but there should be a strong end-to-end gallop to help her cause.

The Aidan O’Brien-trained four-year-old performed well in her Classic season, running second to stablemate Winter in the Qipco 1000 Guineas and occupying the same position behind Enable in the Investec Oaks. Her recent fourth to Cracksman in the Group 1 Ganay Stakes at Longchamp should have put her spot-on for today and in receipt of 3lb all round, she should be in the firing line under Ryan Moore.

Classy Limato has the quick ground he craves but gallops into unchartered territory over a mile.

CHIEF IRONSIDE (3.00) looks an outstanding each-way bet in the London Gold Cup Handicap.

Willie Jarvis appears to have a most progressive colt on his hands judged on Chief Ironside’s demolition job at Chester last week, kicking clear off the home bend and never looking likely to be caught.

The opening 6f Listed contest can fall to EQTIDAAR (1.50), runner-up to the rock-solid Invincible Army in a Group 3 at Ascot earlier this month.

The ground was riding soft that day and there was cut underfoot when Eqtidaar won his maiden at Nottingham last season, so this faster surface is something of an imponderable. I’m sure Sir Michael Stoute wouldn’t risk his colt unless he felt conditions were okay.

In the opening apprentices’ handicap at Doncaster, SWANSWAY (5.50) is one of only a handful of runners to prefer the prevailing fast ground.

Mick Easterby’s gelding ran previous winner Stonific very close at Thirsk last Saturday over this evening’s 1m 4f trip (good to firm) and young Harrison Shaw has ridden Swansway several times in the past. Bet365 are going 8-1 which looks the wrong price.

At Thirsk, I’ve had a speculative ew bet on CHIAVE DI VOLTA (5.40) in the 1m 4f Novice Stakes.

Trainer David Menuisier landed a nice punt with easy winner Thundering Blue at York yesterday and he also saddled a big-priced third across the card at Newbury. Chiave Di Volta has been highly tried, finishing fifth to subsequent winner Proschema at Doncaster and came home in midfield in the 20-runner maiden won by Investec Derby hope Young Rascal at Newbury. Both races came on softer ground, so this firmer surface may well bring about a little improvement. If all eight runners go to post, the well-bred colt is worth a dabble.

Recommended Bets

• Newbury 3.40 – Rhododendron (4-1, Ladbrokes)
• Newbury 3.00 – Chief Ironside ew (7-1, McBookie, William Hill, Paddy Power)
• Newbury 1.50 – Eqtidaar (3-1, McBookie, bet365)
• Doncaster 5.50 – Swansway (8-1, bet365)
• Thirsk 5.40 – Chiave Di Volta ew (20-1, bet365)

Johnb's Saturday Tips

• Newmarket 2.40 – Purser 5-4 skybet NAP
• Newmarket 3.50 – Angels Hideaway 6-1 Betvictor
• Newmarket 3.50 – Angels Hideaway to place 7-4 Paddy Power NB

🔗 Share Your Horse Racing Tips on Social Media