First-time visor can see Saigon City get his head in front at HQ
ON A fairly low-key weekend of racing I’m hoping to have unearthed a couple of decent betting opportunities at Newmarket this afternoon.
Firmdecisions is likely to be a warm order in the discovernewmarket.co.uk Handicap (3.35pm) after his commanding success over course and distance a couple of weeks ago. The problem for trainer Dean Ivory is that his charge is now 11lb higher and this is a step up in class.
Luca Cumani has his string in fine form and I’m keen on the claims of SAIGON CITY in a first-time visor and dropping back in trip. The son of Mount Nelson has been placed in all four starts this season and he looked like he was going to win at Ascot last time before veering badly left in the final furlong.
That was over a mile and this drop back to seven furlongs should suit. Adam Kirby takes over in the saddle and he will be trying to play him very late and put his nose in front right on the winning line.
Russian Realm has disappointed in two starts for David O’Meara, having moved from Sir Michael Stoute, but he has booked Ryan Moore who has been on board for the gelding’s two career successes.
Moore may not have to wait long to get into the winners’ enclosure in any case as I fancy him to land the following 10 furlong handicap on PETERHOF (4.10pm).
Lady Rothschild’s son of Dansili won on his debut at Lingfield in October and then ran an eye-catching race when third at Newbury earlier this month.
He would have needed that, as is true of so many from the Stoute yard, and he is sure to strip fitter this time. Moore, who was in the saddle for Peterhof’s debut win, takes the mount again and the duo should be hard to beat.
We’re now just a week away from the Investec Derby Festival at Epsom Downs. The Queens Stand is sold out on both days, but you can still buy tickets in other enclosures by visiting www.epsomderby.co.uk.
▪ Pointers…
SAIGON CITY 3.35pm Newmarket (today)
PETERHOF 4.10pm Newmarket (today)
GREAT MINDS e/w 3.45pm Haydock (tomorrow)
OASIS FANTASY e/w 4.05pm Goodwood (tomorrow)