This weekend we have the Grade 1 Long Walk at Ascot and the Tommy Whittle Handicap Chase at Haydock. With no strong fancies in the feature at Ascot, the rest of the card provides a couple of betting opportunities in what appears to be a tough punting day.
As always, NetBet will be providing the very best horse racing odds for both meets!
And to help you create your wagers, take a look at my picks for the weekend’s best bets…
Written by Jake Wilkes
*All odds are subject to change
3:00 ASCOT – 1 PT E/W | Johnnywho – 11/2
I’ve been waiting for Johnnywho to return to three miles after an encouraging seasonal debut 42 days ago, and finally I get my wish. He has plenty of class, outlined when finishing second in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham last season. And despite not winning for over a year, this could be the time he gets his head back in front. Of the rest, Hyland and Pic Roc ran well in the Coral Gold Cup three weeks ago, but after a tough race there I’d be keen to take them on.
3:35 ASCOT– 1 PT E/W | Wilful – 11/2
Also from the O’Neill team, there could still be more progression from Wilful, who takes on the likes of Mondo Man and Alexei in a competitive Class 1 handicap hurdle. He ran a brilliant race at Punchestown on his penultimate start, and his Welsh Champion Hurdle third-place finish was more than respectable. If he improves off the back of that, he could be a threat off a mark of 135. Fiercely Proud hinted at a return to form in the Greatwood hurdle behind Alexei, and in similar fashion to Wilful, he’d be a threat if taking another step forward.
2:05 HAYDOCK – 1 PT WIN | Jack’s Parrot – 9/2
Second in this contest last year, Jack’s Parrot looks primed for a big run off an attractive low weight of 10 stone 2 lbs. He comes into this race on the back of a similarly poor first run of the campaign, just like 12 months ago, so his recent lacklustre effort can be excused. There should be more to come from this animal and if he could improve 8-10 lbs, it may be enough to deal with ageing rivals such as My Silver Lining and Famous Bridge. Grand Geste has a similarly un-exposed profile and would be the main danger to the selection.
2:40 HAYDOCK– 1 PT E/W | A Path To Ronda – 7/1
Finally, I’m taking a chance that a 7lb swing in the weights could be enough for A Path To Ronda to reverse the form with Supreme Malinas. The latter was four lengths clear at level weights last month at Exeter and whoever finishes in front this time has a strong chance of winning. I’d be willing to take on the current favourite Jackie Hobbs, who has to give her rivals weight and with little between the market principles on the figures, diving slightly deeper into the formbook may help solve this tricky puzzle.
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