Saturday’s racing sees multiple tracks competing for the viewers’ attention. For the Tote Placepot this weekend, we turn to HQ and pick our selections in the first six races at Newmarket.
If you’re new to the Tote, you can get £40 in Bonuses when you sign up using the link below and place a £10 bet.
Leg 1: 1.30pm
Leg 1 Selections: (1) Mountain Breeze
There could be some useful debutants lurking in the opener, but even with a 5lb penalty, MOUNTAIN BREEZE could well be capable of holding them off. At the very least, with the experience on his side, he should be in no danger of missing the frame, and this close relative of the sensational juvenile Pinatubo could even build upon his cosy first-time-out success over 5f here earlier this month. The step up to 6f holds no fears whatsoever.
Leg 2: 2.05pm
Leg 2 Selections: (4) Love Billy Boy
This race is much more interesting from a competition and betting perspective with six of the seven potentially able to go off favourite at this stage. However, preference goes to LOVE BILLY BOY for having appreciated the step up in trip here two weeks ago when chinned on the line in what looked a decent handicap.
The son of Invincible Spirit ran well on multiple occasions as a juvenile, winning on debut and being competitive in big novice races. After a low-key comeback, his runner-up effort when always prominent bodes well for his chances, with that experience of the track able to be put to use. A 4lb rise for that effort might not stop him given this now looks like his perfect distance.
Leg 3: 2.40pm
Leg 3 Selections: (7) Rainbow Fire, (13) Darkness
Divine Libra enters this after an impressive success at Chester, but remarkably the first five home in that 12-runner field emerged from the five widest draws. The upside-down, inside-out nature of that result dents some confidence about him backing it up.
Two against him are the uber consistent RAINBOW FIRE, who is back to his last winning mark and been beaten less than two lengths on all three starts this season. He is also a former winner on the Rowley Mile and looks primed to strike at some point during this run, while DARKNESS has generally run well here too and sometimes needs a couple of runs before he finds full flight. He has now had those after a sixth of 16 here two weeks ago and can improve on that down another 1lb in the handicap.
Leg 4: 3.15pm
Leg 4 Selections: (11) Zozimus
It is a concern that he misses the break more often than he makes it, but if he even remotely starts on par, ZOZIMUS has a real chance of finally recording a second career success and a first for David O’Meara. He now finds himself on a career low mark and conditions may suit him ideally here.
There will soon be few excuses for his losing run to continue, but after a fittingly slow start to the year on the all-weather, his first turf run of 2024 saw him finish third of 16 (after missing the break) over course and distance. That can be upgraded from off the pace and he did not run too badly despite a lot going wrong at Haydock last week. He has built fitness with regular racing and today might be the day.
Leg 5: 3.50pm
Leg 5 Selections: (5) Precious Jewel
All of these have some improving to do on their debut runs, but the most complete package at this point looks to be PRECIOUS JEWEL. A second win of the day for Godolphin in a novice event looks likely as this sister to Group 3 winner Warren Point made a solid enough opening start behind an impressive winner over 1m2f here earlier this month. The step up to 1m4f should pose few difficulties for her and any amount of improvement would make her tough to defeat.
Leg 6: 4.25pm
Leg 6 Selections: (9) Prometeo
While some of this field are relying on mid division finishes against seemingly stronger opposition for their marks, PROMETEO has consistently been in the thick of things throughout his career so far and that seemed to stand to him when winning at Yarmouth towards the end of April.
He has gone up only 3lb for that success over this trip, but his form as a juvenile read 3222. That consistency eventually paid off and he could well improve as this season goes on given he is by a relatively late improver in Group 1 winner Postponed.
Placepot Selections For Newmarket On Saturday 18th May
PrometeoLooking For More Racing Info? Check Out Our Racecards & Top Tips Sections
Make sure you’re following us on all our social media platforms to keep up to date with all the latest horse racing news and the best tips.