Betting
APRIL FOOLS DAY: FAVOURITES NOT TO BE FOOLED BY | 3 Market Leaders to Oppose for Saturday’s Racing
Don’t be fooled after April Fools Day! The three horses you should take on during Saturday’s racing action at Leopardstown, Chepstow and Newbury
On April Fools Day, we’ve looked through tomorrow’s racecards both at home and in Ireland to analyse whether the favourites are really worth their place at the head of the betting.
Could it be a Saturday that springs surprises a week out from Aintree’s Grand National Festival or will punters be filling their pockets?
We’re taking the shorties on, either way.
NEWBURY
AL DANCER: 3:55pm Highclere Thoroughbred Racing Handicap Chase
Since his switch to Sam Thomas, the 9-year-old gelding who was once sent off favourite for the Supreme and hasn’t immediately fired.
He may be off a good handicap mark now dropped 1lb from his Chepstow third, but he’s seven on the bounce without passing the post first and bar Lalor, he gives tons of weight away to his further three rivals.
Former course winner Dublin Four ran a cracker in the Greatwood Gold Cup here last month and looks the best selection on these terms.
LEOPARDSTOWN
SACRED BRIDGE: 3:10pm Ballylinch Stud ‘Priory Belle’ 1,000 Guineas Trial Stakes (Fillies’ Group 3)
Ger Lyons’ filly undoubtedly possesses plenty of potential and should benefit from a switch back to an Irish track.
But there were no obvious excuses when she failed to fire in the Cheveley Park when last seen at Newmarket and she could be worth taking on for that reason.
Contarelli Chapel disappointed when backed off the boards at Naas in May, but that was in deep ground which likely didn’t suit and the form of her debut twelve months ago is too good to ignore for Aidan O’Brien.
She remains an exciting prospect and the step up in trip should suit, looking the pick at the prices given that she is still very unexposed.
CHEPSTOW
FILE ILLICO: 4:02pm bet365 Novices’ Handicap Chase
Jonjo O'Neill's charge and recent Stratford winner Getaway Luv arrive here on the back of successes but both have 5lb hikes from the handicapper to contend with.On that merit, Paul Nicholls's duel Newbury winner Siroco Jo could be the play off a lowly mark of 116 which should underestimate him given that he is still only 5 and his form on right-handed tracks is much better than left.
The form of his Kempton Park third has been boosted by the second going in at Ascot last weekend, so he looks to have a huge chance to shed his maiden status as a chaser here.
