Weekend Betting Tips: Mount Athos lining up strong run at Newbury

SATURDAY

NEWBURY

2-05 JLT ASTON PARK STAKES (LISTED) – 1 M 5 F 61 YDS

Mount Athos will appreciate a return to home soil following his recent stint out in Dubai. He was last seen when competing against the likes of Gentildonna and Cirrus Des Aigles in the Sheema Classic. Although he was no match for those superstars, there is nothing of their calibre in this race. The form of that last run has already been boosted following subsequent wins for both Cirrus Des Aigles and the third placed Ambivalent.

Battalion continues to improve for William Haggas having won his last three starts. The most recent of those wins came at Ripon where Suegioo finished behind him in third. Suegioo has subsequently come out to win the Chester Cup so the form does look relatively strong.

Forgotten Voice is unproven over this far on the flat but can go well fresh whilst Sky Hunter will need to come on for his seasonal reappearance. Mount Athos is still a few pounds below his last winning mark and now that he is dropped back into listed class he can make his presence felt.

NEWMARKET

2-45 TAMDOWN KING CHARLES II STAKES (LISTED) – 7 FURLONGS

Aeolus made a pleasing return to action in a handicap at this track last month and he had the re-opposing Parbold in behind. They are both expected to come on for that run but Aeolus would have won with a clear run and he can make amends here. Graham Lee has once again been booked to ride this Ed McMahon trained three-year-old and he can confirm the form with Richard Fahey’s inmate.

Miracle Of Medinah won a Group Three over this course and distance last year. As a result of that success he is forced to carry a seven pound penalty. He should strip fitter for his recent run behind Shifting Power and it would be foolish to totally write him off.

Parbold has never shown a liking for this seven furlong trip and has become expensive to follow. He could not be backed with any confidence whereas Dorothy B has not acted on this track on her two previous visits and is another to have reservations about.

Aeolus remains open to further improvement and granted a bit more luck in running today he can progress again.

NEWBURY

3-15 BETFRED LONDON GOLD CUP – 1 M 2 F 6YDS

Satellite took a while to grasp what the game was all about on his racecourse debut at Ripon last month. The penny finally dropped in the final furlong and he pulled right away to score by at least five lengths from Maracuja. Similar tactics could very well pay dividends this afternoon with there being no shortage of pace upfront with the likes of Master Of Finance, Aussie Valentine and Windshear who all like to race prominently.

Cannock Chase won on his seasonal reappearance at Windsor last month. Sir Michael Stoute’s three year old clearly improved for the step up to this trip and he could well prove to be the main threat to the selection. Windshear can confirm recent form with Collaboration as that rival would prefer softer ground whilst Extra Noble and Aussie Valentine have as yet to prove that they will stay this far.

Satellite is clearly held in high regard by connections who have given him an entry for the King Edward VII (Group 2) Stakes at Royal Ascot next month. He is full of potential and should be capable of going very close here.

SUNDAY

NAVAN

4-05 COOLMORE VINTAGE CROP STAKES (GROUP 3) – 1 M 6 F

Leading Light was good enough to win on his seasonal reappearance last year and he can do so again this afternoon. He won the St Leger and the Queen’s Vase subsequently and connections will be hoping that this race tees him up nicely for Royal Ascot. The only time that he disappointed last year was at Longchamp where the rain softened ground was far from ideal.

Royal Diamond is a really likeable sort and wears his heart on his sleeve. He can make his own running and if allowed a soft lead, he is another that can leave his rivals in his wake. Johnny Murtagh is likely to have him primed to run a huge race and he looks the main threat.

Pale Mimosa is a listed race winner in her own right and won at Leopardstown first time out last season. Dermot Weld is in red hot form but she has it all to do to turn around her most recent form with Royal Diamond.

Leading Light can repeat the success of Fame And Glory to give Ballydoyle another victory in a race that they sponsor.