Our star daily duo of Rory Delargy and David Massey had a great Royal Ascot and have two bets for today.
Racing betting tips: Monday June 24
1pt e.w. Ustath in the 3:00 Thirsk at 11/2 (Sky Bet 1/5 1,2,3,4,5)
1pt e.w. Golden Rainbow in the 3:30 Thirsk at 11/2 (Sky Bet 1/5 1,2,3,4,5)
3:00 Thirsk
I rarely tip two horses in the same race, but I do often bet a pair against the field when the prices dictate and there are good reasons for doing so in this 0-50 affair, in which few can be seriously fancied.
The main vote goes to Ustath who goes well after a recent run with two wins and a third when running again within a week of a previous win and looks at the top of his admittedly modest game after making all in handicap company at Wolverhampton on Thursday. That came off a lowly mark of 47, but none of today’s rivals are rated above 50 and his 4lb penalty for that win is far from insurmountable.
Other positives for Ustath are a sound surface on turf, and the likelihood of an uncontested lead from a favourable high draw in 19, with See My Baby Jive in stall 20 often starting slowly.
Likely favourite is Ben Dikduk, on account of avoiding a penalty for winning an amateur riders’ handicap at Hamilton two weeks ago, but he was a big price that day and seemed to benefit from being the only one to race near the stands rail, holding on narrowly in a blanket finish. He’s hard to catch right and far from certain to be in the same mood, with a much bigger danger coming from Flavius Titus, who was the winner of a similar event here last summer under Sam Fielding, and who has run on all three starts the young apprentice rider has been in the plate.
Separating the pair wasn’t easy at the morning prices (easier now that the price on Flavius Titus has collapsed, but it will likely come back), but if the ground hasn’t been overwatered, then it will suit Ustath, whose best turf form is on quick turf, whereas Flavius Titus would prefer it genuinely good. The official description is a mix of both, but the first two races should help us get a better handle on exact conditions.
3:30 Thirsk
The following 5f handicap should also see high draws at an advantage, but there’s not much pace among those near the stands side, and those in the middle may dominate, with recent C&D winner Golden Rainbow capable of adding to that success having again run well at Musselburgh last time.
The five-year-old set an overly strong gallop at the Scottish track last time, setting it up for strong finisher Protest Rally, and he can get back on the scoreboard with a slightly more measured ride, bearing in mind he didn’t lead when scoring here the time before and that form has worked out, with runner-up Jacquelina winning easily at Chepstow on her next start.
Golden Rainbow had Rainbow Rain back in third here, and that gelding was a good third at Carlisle last time, just behind a subsequent winner. Rainbow Rain could well be the main danger again, and has the speed to lead from stall 6. He’s 2lb worse off for being beaten two necks in that race over track and trip, so there should be little in it once more, with Golden Rainbow preferred given his more prolific record in handicaps.
Preview posted 1027 BST on 24/06/24
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