Racing betting tips: Saturday April 16
1pt e.w Esculenta in 1.40 Cork at 15/2 (General - 1/5 1,2,3)
2pts French Claim in 4.35 Cork at 5/4 (Betfair & Paddy Power)
Sky Bet odds | Paddy Power | Betfair Sportsbook
It's worth noting the three seven-furlong races on today's card take place on the round course with a very short run to the first bend. A low draw can often be a big advantage.
ESCULENTA ticks that box having been handed stall two and she ran some good races in defeat last year. On her seasonal reappearance over a mile she travelled strongly into the race but then either didn't stay or tired in the final half-furlong.
Down to seven today and with the benefit of that run under her belt she makes each-way appeal. Trainer Johnny Murtagh has already had two winners this week and his runner here looks overpriced given market leaders Toy and Culcor, who shaped well on their last runs, are drawn out in 14 and 12 respectively.
The Tote Always SP Or Better Race is an interesting winners' race. Great Max had some good form in England when with Michael Bell and Amo Racing have had good success with horses of a similar profile switching to Irish trainers in recent weeks.
However, FRENCH CLAIM did extremely well to win on debut at Listowel, overcoming a wide draw and slow start. He then backed that up with a good run in a messy renewal of the Group Three Eyrefield Stakes at Leopardstown.
He finished fourth behind Duke De Sessa that day, beaten two-and-a-half lengths, with Ballysax winner Piz Badile in second.
The selection looked one of the horses to take out of that race and, given his size and stature, there should be more to come this season as he steps up in trip.
Published at 1000 BST on 16/04/22
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