Megan Nicholls Racing Preview: Newbury, Market Rasen & the Curragh Tips

BetMGM ambassador Megan Nicholls offers her insight into the world of horse racing as she brings her first-rate knowledge exclusively to our blog every week.

In this entry the former jockey, who rode more than 110 winners before turning her hand to television punditry, casts her eye over Saturday’s meetings at Newbury and Market Rasen as well as Irish Oaks Day at the Curragh.

Saturday Racing Tips

Newbury 3.00 – Hackwood Stakes

Elite Status (3/1) is a horse I absolutely love.

I actually had him up first time out this season, when he was very impressive and looked back to his best in winning the Carnarvon Stakes at Newbury.

He’s a good looking horse and I’m delighted he did bounce back because I always felt he would be better as a three-year-old.

Elite Status lost his way at the back end of his two-year-old career. He is going to have to prove that he is not just a specialist first-half-of-the-season type of horse.

He’s obviously had a bit of a break coming into this and I’m looking forward to seeing him back on the track.

That said, I just think Regional (9/4 fav) has reached new heights the past two seasons.

You could argue that, despite being a Group One winner previously, his run and defeat in the King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot was probably a career-best.

I think he probably would have won the Jubilee if he ran in the six-furlong race – being back to that trip is a real positive.

Regional is the horse they all have to beat here. Ed Bethell has done a great job for where he’s targeted him and I think he can get his head back in front.

Megan’s Tip: Regional WIN

Curragh 3.05 – Sapphire Stakes

We definitely want to be keeping an eye on Believing (6/4 fav), who posted two huge runs in the King Charles and the Jubilee at Royal Ascot after an impressive victory in the Achilles Stakes at Haydock prior to that.

She’s obviously had a couple of weeks to freshen up and I think she will take all the beating over five furlongs at the Curragh. A nice uphill climb will really suit her.

Megan’s Tip: Believing WIN

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Market Rasen 3.15 – Summer Plate

I like Sure Touch (8/1) for Olly Murphy with Harry Cobden on board.

The only thing here is that this horse hasn’t really competed in many big fields over fences. However he’s progressive, has been well placed and, because he’s been competing in small fields, he hasn’t had a hard time of things.

I’m surprised Sean Bowen has opted to ride for his dad, Peter, on Statuario (15/2) as he would have had the option – but they have teamed up well in the past.

Sure Touch has got a little bit more in the locker. He is the one I’m going for away from some of the big Flat types. Plus, having Harry on board as a super sub is no bad thing.

Megan’s Tip: Sure Touch WIN

Newbury 3.35 – Super Sprint Stakes

Vingegaard (4/1) was a winner in the Restricted Maiden Stakes on his debut at Chepstow and then wasn’t disgraced at all in the Windsor Castle at Royal Ascot when ultimately on the wrong side. He wasn’t beaten far.

He has lots of tactical speed – obviously Newbury is a much sharper track than Ascot and I think this horse had a proper battle there and would have learned a lot. The big field isn’t a problem either.

A couple of runs represents a bit more experience than one or two others who are coming here on their second start, so jockey Hollie Doyle and trainer Archie Watson can pair up to win the Super Sprint with Vingegaard.

Megan’s Tip: Vingegaard WIN

Curragh 3.40 – Irish Oaks

I am going to throw in one at a bigger price here: Hanalia (14/1) for Johnny Murtagh.

Her form is working out really well. Yes, she is stepping up in grade from winning a listed race, but she did it nicely and the form has been boosted.

Stepping up in trip can only help her improve further. She will be ridden with cover to challenge late on.

This is an open Oaks and this filly is progressive. We don’t know an awful lot about her in comparison to one or two others but being up in trip might just bring about further improvement.

Megan’s Tip: Hanalia WIN

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Odds correct at time of publication but subject to change