Andrew Balding: My thoughts on our 8 Friday runners
The Betway ambassador reveals how he thinks his entries at Newmarket, York and Kempton will fare, with conditions sure to play a part.
Newmarket runners
Achelois shaped very well on her first run at Newbury. We were very pleased with her that day.
The slower ground shouldn’t be a problem for her and, with normal improvement from her first run to her second, she has a solid chance in the 12:45.
Nebulosa went well at the track last time but there is a slight question mark over the slower ground.
She seems to be relaxing much better now. She was very keen on her first start and is seemingly getting the hang of it. She’s got the ability to run well in the 13:15.
Foxtrot Lady is having her final run as a racehorse in the 15:00 before she goes off to stud. She’s been a fantastic servant for the yard over the years.
She’s been great this year, although her best form on turf is on a much sounder surface, so we’re hoping there isn’t any more rain for her.
Happy Power has the form in the book to play a huge part in the same race. He’s been in great form of late and, with the conditions as they are, he should run very well, despite it being a competitive contest.
Damage Control is another who has been very consistent this year.
This handicap (16:10) a decent race with good prize money, so we’re giving it a go. He ran very well in the Bahrain Trophy on the July course, so if he runs to that level, he should have a squeak.
York runners
Bronze River has been very consistent this year and has shown a good level of form. While the 14:40 is competitive, he runs off a low weight and should handle the conditions well. He could run a nice race.
Punctuation goes in the same race. He ran very well in the Melrose Handicap last time behind our Coltrane.
This is his type of course – a big, galloping track – and the slow ground should suit him, too. On the back of his previous run, I think he’ll go very well.
Kempton runners
Expert Opinion hasn’t been helped by a wide draw in the 17:05, so he’s probably up against it.
He has come forward since his first run and is the type to improve with racing.
Visit Betway's horse racing betting page.