Recorder Well Backed on Racecourse Debut

1.55 Newmarket – Recorder

William Haggas’ 2 year old Recorder was well backed on racecourse debut, and ran an eye catching race suggesting that it would not be long before he went one better. In what looks like a match on paper, he is preferred at odds of 2.50Bet €100 to win €2503/2Bet £100 to win £250+150Bet $100 to win $2501.50Bet HK$100 to win HK$2501.50Bet Rp100 to win Rp250-0.6667Bet RM100 to win RM250.

Recorder would have gone very close to winning on debut but he endured a dreadful passage, getting stopped in his run on more than one occasion. His strength in the market that day suggested he was one of Haggas’ nicer 2 year old types and with that experience under his belt, should make a very bold bid.

The main market rival comes in the form of Muntazah, who finished second in what is typically a strong maiden over course and distance. While he has the better form on paper, that run was on good to firm, so how he copes with the soft surface remains to be seen.

3.50 Ascot – Golden Horn

Golden Horn has been the standout performer this season, and punters effectively betting even money as to whether he will handle the soft ground. Here at SBO Racing, we think those odds are pretty generous.

John Gosden’s 3 year old son of Cape Cross is a perfect 5 from 5, and came into this season under the radar. A narrow maiden win last term was followed up in the Spring with a comfortable listed success, but he entered the Dante at York as the stable second string, only to score with plenty in hand. Any questions of stamina were answered in the Derby, and his quintet of victories was rounded off by beating his elders in convincing fashion at Sandown. This horse has an ultra-game attitude and whilst he may initially be a little lazy when the button is pressed, he finishes his races with really gusto. An official rating of 130 may not be the ceiling of Golden Horn’s ability and he rates as one of the top horses of the last 10 years.

Of course there is the question of the ground. He is by Cape Cross after all (a sire whose progeny have shown a predilection for sound surfaces). Well, he may have actually already answered those questions to some extent – the ground on debut at Nottingham was officially described as good to soft, but in reality the time suggested it was proper soft.

So, what about the rivals? Snow Sky looks to be the main danger based on recent form. He is seeking the hat trick, and put in a devastating display when disposing of Eagle Top by just shy of 4 lengths last time out at Ascot. Got the run of the race that day from the front, and one suspects that he may have been slightly flattered by the way things unfolded then. Sir Michael Stoute’s runner is another with a slight question mark on the ground. He has run on good to firm ground on 6 of his last 7 runs, suggesting that connections think he has a strong preference for a quick surface. With that said, he did demolish a maiden field at Salisbury on heavy ground back in 2013.

Clever Cookie is one horse who looks sure to have no problem with the prevailing conditions. He has chartered a particularly unusual course for a high class flat runner, starting his career under National Hunt bumper rules before switching to the flat. It appeared he had reached his ceiling in listed races, but 2015 has seen an invigorated performer, with Peter Niven’s runner recording back to back successes. He has plenty to find on form with the principles but it would be no surprise to see him in the shake up for the places.

Golden Horn has plenty in hand on the figures and if the ground were described as good, he would be a 1.40 shot. As it stands, he looks very solid value at 2.00Bet €100 to win €2001/1Bet £100 to win £200+100Bet $100 to win $2001.00Bet HK$100 to win HK$2001.00Bet Rp100 to win Rp2001.0000Bet RM100 to win RM200.

Tips Summary (25th July)

1.55 Newmarket – Recorder – 2.50Bet €100 to win €2503/2Bet £100 to win £250+150Bet $100 to win $2501.50Bet HK$100 to win HK$2501.50Bet Rp100 to win Rp250-0.6667Bet RM100 to win RM250 BetVictor, PaddyPower

3.50 Ascot – Golden Horn – 2.00Bet €100 to win €2001/1Bet £100 to win £200+100Bet $100 to win $2001.00Bet HK$100 to win HK$2001.00Bet Rp100 to win Rp2001.0000Bet RM100 to win RM200 PaddyPower