3 minute read

Sam King returns with two selections on the all-weather on Thursday…

There are eighteen all-weather races on Thursday across Newcastle and Chelmsford, leaving plenty of decent betting opportunities.

Asgard's Captain completed a quickfire hat-trick on the all-weather earlier in the year and having held his form well from marks in the mid-80s throughout the season, Dylan Cunha's gelding looks poised to strike on his return to the North East in the BetUK: It's Where The UK Bets Handicap at 12.47.

He posted an excellent on his first start since June when fourth at Wolverhampton last month, only tiring late in the closing stages. The third home since has gone on to land a similar handicap at the same venue, giving the form some substance, while a further 1lb drop in the ratings will do Dylan Cunha's charge no harm.

Regular rider Rhys Clutterbuck should be able to work his way into a handy position from stall six and he can prove capable of defying a 3lb higher mark than when successful over track and trip in March.

WIN - Asgard's Captain

Odds – 11/8

Heads turn to Chelmsford for our second selection and in-form trainer Marco Botti looks to have found an excellent opportunity for Epimeteo in the Irish EBF Restricted Novice Stakes at 5.30.

Fresh off his Grade 1 victory in Hong Kong, Botti will be hoping his unexposed colt can strike whilst the iron is hot and with the step up to ten furlongs expected to suit, this son of Time Test could take some beating.

Marco Botti's charge has hardly set the world alight in both maidens to date, but he has shown clear signs of ability. Opposition looks fairly thin on the ground with the likes of Orchestral Wave and Trusted Advisor both short on the figures of what Epimeteo has achieved, while Rossa Ryan should look to keep things simple from his good draw in stall two.

There's no doubt he's been well-found in the market, but I wouldn't be at all surprised if he went off even shorter than his current price of 11/8.

WIN - Epimeteo

Odds – 11/8