After the excitement of the Chester May Festival, this Saturday throws up yet more mouth-watering horse racing action.
With exciting meets held at Lingfield and Ascot, there is no shortage of fantastic races, which are primed for a little weekend flutter. And to help with your chosen betting strategy, here are some of our picks for Saturday’s action, as well as the latest horse racing odds available on NetBet Sport.
Written by Jake Wilkes
*All odds are subject to change
Lingfield 12:55 | Sweet Reward – EW (8/1)
I thought Sweet Reward looked moderately interesting in a race where there isn’t loads really standing out. She raced over a mile the last day at Epsom – that trip is a little on the sharp side for her – so stepping back up to 10 furlongs should suit. The ground should be no issue, albeit any rain would probably aid our chances slightly. She is back at her last winning mark of 78 and has been raised 2 lbs from her latest second at Epsom. On historical form, she is well in, as she’s won off marks such as 83 and 81 in the past. Last campaign was poor, but I liked what I saw on her reappearance – and Jonathan Portman’s horses are running well.
Ascot 13:45 | Zgharta – WIN (3/1)
I’m hoping this can be a bit of a fresh start for Zgharta. She was very exciting at the start of last season, winning a decent Newmarket maiden and running two good races in defeat with novice company. Finishing seventh in a Sandringham at Royal Ascot is a good effort, only beaten by three lengths, but she never really progressed after that. Zgharta never ran badly, just finished outside the podium on a couple occasions. She tried 12 furlongs once and ran okay, but connections are starting over a mile this year – and I think she could be a decent pick to finish in the top 3 or 4 if you can find it.
Lingfield 13:58 | Maltese Cross – WIN (3/1)
I prefer this trial for the Derby, more than the one for the Oaks. Ambiente Friendly won this and then came second behind City Of Troy in 2024. If you go further back, Third Realm and English King won this and both ran good races behind Adayar and Serpentine in their respective years. At the prices, Maltese Cross stands out to me. The latest win at Newbury in time will look a really good piece of form, My Love Is King was runner-up that day and has come out to finish second in listed action. I really liked the effort of the fourth that day, another Godolphin horse in Shabab Al Ahli, who was very green had no clue what to do as they quickened – so I think it could be a deep race.
Lingfield 14:40 | Royal Velvet – WIN (21/10)
Royal Velvet looks to have a big chance in the Group 3 Chartwell Fillies Stakes at Lingfield on Saturday. She was steadily progressive last year, winning three times, twice at Newmarket and once at York. Her overall rating increased as a result, going from 77 at the beginning of the season to 91 for a couple of class 2 victories. However, she took her form to a new level on seasonal bow at Newmarket, and is now rated 99 for that 2 length success – and more than deserves her shot at group level. She has less questions to answer than some, and her improving nature is something I want to make the most of, because when a mare is thriving, she can progress very quickly. William Buick gets on well with her – winning three times – and she’s four from eight on good to firm ground. I expect her to be played late and come with a big run.
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