Horse Racing
Value Scope: Each way horseracing tips from Steve Jones for Oaks day on ITV
Our man believes Charlie Appleby trains the filly to follow in the Oaks and has three other recommendations for the first day of the Derby Festival
DANCE SEQUENCE (4.30) should finally get in step in the Betfred Oaks.
Charlie Appleby’s Godolphin-owned filly went into the winter with valid Classic claims having won both her races as a two-year-old last season.
She hasn’t quite lived up to those hopes this term but she didn’t look suited to faster ground in the 1000 Guineas, having been beaten a neck in the Nell Gwyn on her comeback run.
This will be her first run away from Newmarket and there’s a chance that track doesn’t really help her. She’s also bred to come into her own over further, so there must be a good chance she will improve a good chunk for the 1m4f distance of the Epsom fillies’ Classic. Have 1pt each-way at 20-1. Several bookies are paying out on four places.
BENACRE (2.35) won on his only previous visit to Epsom and he could give Charlie Johnston back-to-back winners in the Trustatrader Handicap.
He did best of those to race on the pace when third in Wolverhampton’s Lincoln Trial on his return to action in March and he was again forced to go a bit hard in front when well beaten in a hot Newmarket handicap last month.
Last season’s second behind useful Shouldvebeenaring in a Newmarket Listed race shows he’s well treated when things dropped more kindly. Have 2pts each-way at 12-1. Most firms are going five places.
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I STILL HAVE FAITH (3.45) won four times last season before winning on his hurdles debut in October.
There was a lot to like about the way he travelled when beaten a neck on his first start for six months last time out.
The return to 1m2f of the Betfred Nifty 50 Handicap is in his favour and he should strip fitter today. Have 1pt each-way at 8-1. Most bookies are offering four places.
HODLER (5.40) looks a good bet for Epsom trainer Jim Boyle.
He’s won once and been runner-up once from two runs over this 7f distance at his local track and he’s slipped to an attractive weight.
The small field did not play to his strengths at Yarmouth four weeks ago and this should set up better for his hold-up style of racing.
His Chester win last May makes him nicely handicapped and he is at his best when the ground is on the soft side. Have 2pts each-way at 14-1. Most firms are paying four places.