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TEMPLEGATE offers an exhilarating midweek betting opportunity, showcasing expertise in spotting winners across different racing disciplines.
Exciting events are underway at Newmarket and Cheltenham. Place your wagers by clicking on the odds provided below.
APOLLO ONE (3.00 Newmarket, nap)
Although not the youngest contender, he demonstrated significant improvement last season, and this race appears to be well-suited for him. He adapts to various ground conditions, and horses maintaining an early pace tend to excel on the Rowley Mile, especially at this time of year. He excels when fresh and has an impressive record at this location.
DARK CLOUD RISING (1.50 Newmarket, nb)
He had a strong start to his season at Pontefract, and this race should be a great opportunity for him. He quickly returns under a penalty and seems to be ahead of the handicapper. The ground conditions will suit him ideally, and many in this competition have not raced recently.
EAST INDIA EXPRESS (2.05 Cheltenham, treble)
He received strong support when finishing seventh in the Martin Pipe at the Festival. He was racing behind a fast pace and likely engaged too early. A more measured ride would serve him well, indicating that he has more talent to showcase.
Templegate’s insights
NEWMARKET
1.50
DARK CLOUD RISING made a strong impression at Pontefract in his season opener, and this race suits him perfectly.
He quickly returns under a penalty and appears to be ahead of the handicapper.
The ground will be ideal for him, and many rivals are making their debut here.
Charlie Appleby tends to excel at this meeting, and his Al Misbar will likely draw attention.
Equipped with cheekpieces now, he struggled in his sole handicap last season and must show improvement.
Defence Minister participated in a Group 1 towards the end of his juvenile campaign and may prove more capable than just a handicapper.
Double Rush staged an impressive comeback at Wolverhampton but needs to validate his performance within a large field.
Ryan Moore’s engagement for The Dragon King is interesting.
Moore enjoys a good success rate with trainer Clive Cox, having previously won here in a significant sales race at the end of last season.
2.25
The paddock and betting will reveal valuable insights, but ALTAREQ stands out on paper.
John Gosden has a stellar history in this classic maiden, and this Frankel colt is related to several top competitors.
He may ultimately need more distance, but this appears to be an excellent starting point.
Stablemate Caughtredhanded went unsold at auction but hails from a lineage of exceptional horses trained by Gosden.
Spy Kingdom, acquired for 100,000 guineas, has more speed in his genealogy than many in this field.
William Haggas is no stranger to debut winners, so keep an eye on Muhaajim.
Hard Endeavour seems to be Jane Chapple-Hyam’s preferred choice.
3.00
No winning favorite has emerged in the Abernant since 2017, making APOLLO ONE a compelling bet.
Though not the youngest participant, he showed notable progress last season, and this race appears ideally suited for him.
He performs well on any ground, and horses capable of sustaining an early pace along the Rowley Mile typically excel at this time of year.
He is effective when fresh and boasts an excellent track record.
Romantic Style is another Godolphin entry returning from Dubai.
After dropping to this distance last time out, she won decisively but still has something to prove.
Sajir merits respect from the Andre Fabre camp.
He convincingly won a conditions race last time out and is highly regarded.
Lethal Levi is another contender who will thrive in this sprint race and could pose a threat if allowed to lead easily.
3.35
OPERA BALLO is set to excel in the Craven Stakes.
Charlie Appleby often uses this race as a launch pad towards Classic achievements, and I favor his second-string entry on paper.
He won his previous two outings at Kempton with ease, posting a remarkable time in his latest event.
Lacking some experience and possibly looking for longer distances in the future, he could evolve into a significant competitor.
Stablemate Aomori City is favored in the betting but faced challenges last season that might allow some of these rivals to surpass him.
Wimbledon Hawkeye performed solidly at two, and his Acomb placing indicates robust form. His trainer mentioned he will need this outing.
Field Of Gold is anticipated to improve significantly but likely will peak over longer distances, while New Century is already a top-level winner.
CHELTENHAM
2.05
EAST INDIA EXPRESS was well-supported in the Martin Pipe at the Festival, finishing in seventh place.
He followed a fast pace and likely became involved too early.
A more cautious ride would be advantageous, and it’s evident he has more talent to reveal.
Deploy To Spy made strides in the autumn and returns after a break, which should suit this distance well.
Typhoon Flyer finished powerfully at Haydock last time out.
A 6lb rise may undervalue him, making him a top contender here.
Ballytechno impressed with a strong third-place finish at Kelso in December, and title-chasing trainer Dan Skelton has last year’s winner Doyen Quest, albeit carrying a heavier weight this time.
2.40
If you can’t beat them, join them—an adage worth considering, particularly as Willie Mullins is fully committed to defending his title.
O’MOORE PARK looks formidable after finishing third in the Jack Richards at the Festival.
The form is promising, with the winner Caldwell Potter advancing to Grade 1 success at Aintree and the seventh The Other Mozzie winning a handicap at Ayr on Saturday.
This distance might be a stretch, but jockey Sean O’Keeffe is sure to go for it.
Stablemate Classic Getaway is top-notch but carries a hefty burden.
Moon D’Orange poses a substantial threat, having been pulled up in the same race as the selection last month but previously won a strong race here in January, making the ground conditions favorable for him.
Bhaloo is another solid choice after a smooth victory at Newbury last month, and last week’s Ayr winner Riskintheground returns quickly.
Templegate’s selections
NEWMARKET
1.50 Dark Cloud Rising (nb)
2.25 Altareq
3.00 Apollo One (nap)
3.35 Opera Ballo
4.10 Seren Star
4.45 Push The Limit
5.20 Fifty Nifty
CHELTENHAM
1.30 Toad Hall
2.05 East India Express (treble)
2.40 O’Moore Park
3.15 Regarde
3.50 Long Draw
4.25 Hymac
5.00 King William Rufus
BEVERLEY
1.40 Ali Shuffle
2.15 Elegant Erin
2.50 Hiya Maite
3.25 Adoon Valley
4.00 Lightening Mann
4.32 Marioento
5.07 Law Degree
5.37 Crown’s Lady
FFOS LAS
4.37 Deep Purple
5.12 Scorpio Rising
5.45 Star Walking
6.15 The Dream Goes On
6.45 Ninth Loch
7.15 Bampton Star
7.45 Just Aidan
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