Megan Nicholls Racing Preview: Newmarket and Cheltenham Tips
WEDNESDAY RACING TIPS
Newmarket 1.50 – Six-furlong Handicap
A tricky handicap to get things underway.
The one I like is Defence Minister (11/2), who was considered a Group horse as a two-year-old and, while he was a bit disappointing in the Middle Park at the back end of last season, the ground was pretty testing that day.
I’m not sure he particularly enjoyed it with both of his wins on better ground – he could be quite a lot better than a handicapper.
If he has a mark of 94 will surely underestimate his ability and you’d like to think he’s got a big chance.
Megan’s Tips: Defence Minister WIN
Cheltenham 2.05 – Handicap Hurdle
Over at Cheltenham, I think Deploy To Spy (10/1) is a touch overpriced.
He’s had a bit of a break since running disappointingly back in December but, prior to that, he looked like a horse on the up.
He steps up in trip on ground he’s enjoyed in the past and his form from Aintree earlier in the season has worked out well.
I could see him running a big race at a really nice each-way price.
Megan’s Tip: Deploy To Spy EW
Cheltenham 2.40 – Silver Trophy Handicap Chase
This looks it’s been a target for Classic Getaway (4/1) for a while after that very good win at Gowran Park last time, albeit in a small field.
He fairly bolted up there and Danny Mullins is coming over to ride him, which might be a tip in itself.
Conditions look ideal, and while he’s got to give weight away to his rivals, he’s the class angle and might just have a bit too much for this lot.
Willie Mullins is, of course, going for the trainers’ title so you’d imagine all of his that run on these shores will be primed to run big races.
Megan’s Tip: Classic Getaway WIN
Newmarket 3.00 – Abernant Stakes
Romantic Style (11/8 fav) was much better at Meydan last time having been far too keen previously.
However, I’m not sure how strong that form is and he’ll need to step up on it here against some battle-hardened sprinters.
I absolutely love Lethal Levi (7/1). He goes really well at this track – I’d love him to win but he tends to improve for his first outing of the season.
With that in mind, I’ll chance Andre Fabre’s Sajir (4/1).
The French trainer doesn’t send them for nothing and his challenger warmed up for this with a good win at Chantilly.
He hit the line really hard there, so should like the undulations of Newmarket and he’s got some solid form in the book.
Megan’s Tip: Sajir WIN
Newmarket 3.35 – Craven Stakes
On the back of his run at the Breeders’ Cup, Aomori City (10/3 fav) deserves a lot of respect.
He’s got a great turn of foot and while he needs to prove himself over the mile trip, now he’s another year older I don’t see why he won’t get it.
He looks a pretty straightforward horse to me and he’s got the form in the book.
I thought his biggest danger might be Wimbledon Hawkeye (4/1), who will enjoy being back on this better ground.
If he likes the track and his proven at this level, so has to be a player.
Aomori City might just be a bit classier and that’s why I’ve gone with him, but it’s very hard to split them!
Megan’s Tip: Aomori City WIN
Browse all our horse racing markets here
Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation