Simon Holt preview and tips for Saturday's racing


Top commentator Simon Holt picks out his best bets for Saturday's action from across three countries.

Recommended bets:


2pts win Limato in 2.00 Meydan at 5/2 

1pt win Big River in 2.40 Kelso at best morning price

1pt win Aqua Dude in 2.25 Newbury at best morning price

Click here for our transparent tipping record.

All eyes will be on the brilliant Arrogate in Saturday's Dubai World Cup on a star-studded card at Meydan but Bob Baffert's Breeders Cup Classic winner will be long odds-on, and LIMATO could be a similar good thing at better odds in the Al Quoz Sprint, run for the first time this year over six furlongs.

Henry Candy's hugely talented and versatile gelding produced two stunning Group One wins last season in the July Cup (Jungle Cat 15th) and the Prix de la Foret (7f) at Chantilly and was hardly disgraced too when second behind the flying Mecca's Angel in the five-furlong Nunthorpe at York (Washington DC unplaced).

Admittedly, Limato did not quite fire round Santa Anita's turning mile at the Breeders Cup in early November, but Candy was more inclined to blame a long season than the distance that day.

Back over a straight six furlongs here, he must have a tremendous chance and has won first time out in two of his three campaigns so far.

Due to strong local form, Ertijaal looks set to start favourite and the former British-trained six-year-old seems to thrive over Meydan's sprint course breaking course records at both five and six furlongs.

Second to Buffering in this race (5f) last year, Jim Crowley's mount is sure to go well but his best form has come at the minimum trip and he may find Limato too strong in the closing stages.

Hong Kong raider Amazing Kids is the other leading contender after beating the very useful Not Listenin'tome (goes in the Golden Shaheen) and Peniaphobia at Sha Tin in January, though finished behind both those horses subsequently in the Group Two Centenary Sprint Cup on the same course.

On official ratings, both Ertijaal and Amazing Kids have 3lb to find with Limato while an improved performance will be needed by any of the other runners.

Back home, it's a low-key Saturday and Kelso, the lovely jumps course close to the Scottish border, receives some deserved terrestrial television coverage.

Old favourites like Seeyouatmidnight (being prepared for the Scottish National), Reve De Sivola and Knockara Beau are bound to help attract viewers in the Edinburgh Gin Handicap Hurdle, but the much younger BIG RIVER can beat them all off bottom weight.

Lucinda Russell's promising seven-year-old won a bumper and a novice hurdle on the course in 2015, then cantered up in a handicap hurdle in heavy ground at Ayr in December.

A defeat next time on a fast surface at Musselburgh can be forgiven especially in light of Big River's subsequent second to Dadsintrouble in a competitive race at Haydock in February.

A 4lb rise for that effort looks reasonable enough and, with young Blair Campbell (three wins in March) taking off 7lb, the selection will be receiving lumps in what promises to be testing conditions.

Moreover, the Russell yard have been in good form this month.

Meanwhile, at Newbury, AQUA DUDE can gain reward for some consistent efforts this season in the Insure With Be Wiser Handicap Chase.

The son of Flemensfirth travels well in his races, ran nicely behind the smart O O Seven at Huntingdon in January and then just lost out in a head-bobbing finish with Captain Redbeard at Haydock, form that has since been boosted by third-placed Casse Tete.

It is only a matter of time before Aqua Dude gets off the mark over fences and he looks open to much more improvement than most of his rivals.

Where to watch on TV: Doncaster: Attheraces; Newbury: ITV4 & RUK, Meydan: RUK and Attheraces.

Posted at 1310 GMT on 24/03/17.


Like what you've read?

Next Off

Sporting Life
My Stable
Follow and track your favourite Horses, Jockeys and Trainers. Never miss a race with automated alerts.
Access to exclusive features all for FREE - No monthly subscription fee
Click HERE for more information

Most Followed

MOST READ RACING

We are committed to Safer Gambling and have a number of self-help tools to help you manage your gambling. We also work with a number of independent charitable organisations who can offer help and answers any questions you may have.
Gamble Aware LogoGamble Helpline LogoGamstop LogoGordon Moody LogoSafer Gambling Standard LogoGamban Logo18+ LogoTake Time To Think Logo