Paul Ferguson has one selection for us on Saturday; Australis in the Newcastle 3.35. Compare odds and bet.
It’s ‘Plate’ day up at Newcastle on Saturday, and the extended 2m contest is one of my favourite handicaps of the year. There are a couple of key pieces of form on offer involving those at the head of the market, perhaps none more so than the Wolverhampton clash between AUTRALIS (3:35) and Caravan Of Hope.
Roger Varian’s four-year-old came out on top on that occasion and, on just 1lb worse terms, can confirm the form over this longer trip. The improving young stayer was passed by the smooth-travelling runner-up on the home bend, but stayed on well up the straight – suggesting that today’s longer trip should suit – and he was always keeping the second at bay in the closing stages. He has a slightly better draw in stall 12 (as opposed to 17) and with his stable enjoying a fine time of it at Royal Ascot last week, he is taken to provide his trainer with another big prize.
Of those at bigger odds, Just Hubert is another four-year-old of some potential. A winner for this column up at Musselburgh – on his first start at 2m – last September, he probably found himself on the wrong side of the track at Haydock recently, plus the ground would have been softer than ideal on that occasion. From stall four, he should be capable of grabbing himself a handy position, and I wouldn’t be at all surprised if he went close under Martin Dwyer.
Saturday’s selection:
3:35 Newcastle – Australis; 15/2 Betvictor
Compare all today’s horse racing odds and bet at the best prices
NB. All odds shown are correct at time of publishing and are subject to change.
