Here And Now wins at York
Here And Now wins at York

Sportinglife pundits with their tips for the Dubai £500,000 Cesarewitch


Sky Bet are paying eight places in Saturday's Dubai £500,000 Cesarewitch and our pundits have their best bets for the big race.

Oli Bell - Uber Cool

Won six of his last ten and his style of racing means it's hard for the handicapper to catch up with him. Has a four-pound penalty here and a big run is in the offing.

Matt Brocklebank - Whiskey Sour

He was my ante-post fancy and I'm happy to keep the faith with him here. He ran well in the Sky Bet Ebor last time and this race will play more to his strengths. He stays well and remains well handicapped on the level - something he can prove with a big run.

Sky Bet: Eight places in the Cesarewitch
Sky Bet: Eight places in the Cesarewitch

Mike Cattermole - Cleonte

Don't expect to see him on the scene until late as this is a horse who saves his best for the last couple of furlongs. Let's just hope he gets the breaks as he certainly didn't behind Stratum in the JLT Cup at Newbury. He is now a couple of pounds better off with that much respected rival and I am delighted that Oisin Murphy, riding with such confidence, is on board for the first time for Andrew Balding. In the Shergar Cup Cleonte got it right to collar Stars Over The Sea at Ascot and the runner-up did plenty for the form in the Ces Trial. Yes, Cleonte has a great each-way shout in a super renewal.

Ed Chamberlin - Kloud Gate

Represents shrewd connections and good second to Stratum at Newbury in July. Ran creditably behind Lil Rockerfeller at Goodwood last time and stays well. Can hit the frame at a decent price.

Simon Holt - Cliffs Of Dover

A very useful, free-going horse over hurdles, the son of Canford Cliffs was ridden with more restraint at Newbury last month and I was taken with the way he was staying on in sixth place behind Just In Time, The Glasgowwarrior (third) and Speedo Boy (fifth). While the change of tactics worked to a degree there, one suspects he might go forward a bit more this time from stall four on the inside in a race which looks sure to be run at a good pace with recent runaway Cesarewitch Trial winner Stars Over The Sea again likely to set a target. Cliffs Of Dover remains well handicapped on the Flat off a mark of 87 compared to 140 over hurdles considering there is normally around 35-40lb difference in the two codes.

Sky Bet: Eight places in the Cesarewitch
Sky Bet: Eight places in the Cesarewitch

Richard Mann - Low Sun

A typically strong renewal on paper but Willie Mullins looks to hold all the aces with long-time favourite Stratum heading a seven-pronged attack for the master of Muine Beag. He looks a huge player having endured a rough run through the Sky Bet Ebor over an inadequate 1m6f last time. This trip will suit him down to the ground but stablemate Low Sun looks to have been laid out for this, too, having won easily at the Curragh earlier in the season before warming up for the big one with a spin at Bellewstown recently. The cheekpieces were left off that day but they are back on now and everything points to a big run with Seamie Heffernan called up to do the steering.

David Ord - Here And Now

Five-lenmgth winner of a two-mile handicap at the York Ebor meeting and tactical affair at Chester last time didn't play to his strengths. Strong traveller who promises to relish this stamina test and is a sporting bet to hit the eight.

Michael Shinners - Low Sun

One of seven for Rich Ricci and no doubts about his stamina as he's won over similar trips over jumps. Has a touch of class and Seamie Heffernan is a positive jockey booking.


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