Editor Rob Plumbridge takes a look at this year’s Cesarewitch Stakes at Newmarket.
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The Cesarewitch Handicap is a flat handicap horse race in Great Britain open to horses aged three years or older. It is run at Newmarket over a distance of 2 miles and 2 furlongs (3,621 metres), and finishes on the Rowley Mile.
This year there’s (only) the 23 runners to account for. I’ve picked out a handful I think could make an impact in the race, before landing on my verdict.
The Favourite – Ahorsewithnoname
As with many runners in this handicap, plenty come from jumps racing yards or backgrounds thanks to the marathon distance on the flat.
Nicky Henderson saddles this year’s favourite Ahorsewithnoname who takes his place at the top of the market here having recorded two wins on the level so far this season.
Henderson has a great record in the Cesarewitch, notching up three past winners including last year’s champion, Buzz. If this year’s runner is in the same form as he has been so far this season then he has a great chance. He beat Master Milliner and Frankenstella rated 97 and 88 respectively now. Which is solid form. If he can get over a break then he has a big chance. Ryan Moore is an eye-catching booking.
The Mullins Gang – Gibraltar, Scaramanga, Baby Zeus
In recent year’s the all-conquering jumps yard of Willie Mullins has targeted this race and had a lot of success. Between 2018-2020 the esteemed trainer won it three times in a row with different horses – some going.
This year they have three runners in Gibraltar, Scaramanga and Baby Zeus who are all similar odds (between 10/1-14/1 at the time of writing)
Gibraltar to my eye looks the pick, he will relish the stamina challenge of this and the shrewd Mullins has got him to win the last twice, sneaking him in on a featherweight at the bottom of the market. Very interesting.
Scaramanga is in the same colours and has the same jockey as Great White Shark in 2020 for this yard. He was a Paul Nicholls inmate in this race last year, but he bombed out of the race finishing way down the field. It’s hard to see him reversing that form and winning this if I’m honest, but if anyone can it’s Willie Mullins!
Baby Zeus has the eye-catching booking of Champion Jockey-elect William Buick. It remains to be seen whether this extreme test will be up his street. He has run creditably this season, the latest a 6th in Ireland in a big field. This is probably his main target and any money in the market should be noted.
The Frankie Factor – Zoffee
The 132 rated hurdler has run in well in hurdles over further, so we know he’ll stay the trip here better than most. He was also third in a big stayers handicap at York to horses now rated much higher. He was staying on well that day over 2 miles so these extra two furlongs could really help his cause. He gets in here at 93 which I thought might underestimate him.
Talking of eye catching booking, Frankie has been enlisted here. The evergreen Italian has shown his tactical superiority in stayers’ handicaps this season, winning the Ebor with what could only be described as a masterclass. Cometh the hour, cometh the man, and Frankie likes to light it up both on the big stage and here at HQ.
The team’s tips for the Cesarewitch and all Saturday’s ITV Races
Outsiders to note – Favourite Moon, Inchicore, Withold
Favourite Moon broke his maiden tag over hurdles last month and looks to have a future in that discipline. He gets in here with not too high mark and we know he’s going to see this trip out well. he’s certainly got a big chance at 14/1.
Alan King’s duel purpose yard do well in these kind of events Inchicore who has been running well in staying events this season. He’s certainly consistent but remains to be seen if he will stay this far.
Tony Bloom’s horses have to be taken seriously if the money is down and it’s worth a market check to see if 2017 winner Withold has been prepped for this race at 40/1. Keep your eye on those exchanges.
Verdict
Hard to be ultra-confident in such an open event. Ahorsewithnoname is a compelling favourite for Nicky Henderson and has to be considered. Cases can be made for all the Mullins contingent but GIBRALTAR looks like he will relish this test and has been shrewdly navigated into the race off a featherweight here. The talented hurdler Zoffee merits serious consideration and can follow him home.
