Weekend Betting Tips: Montaly on track for success at Ascot

Our tipster Karl Hedley provides the odds for the weekend's races

SATURDAY

HAYDOCK

3-15 BETFRED TV OLD BOROUGH CUP (HANDICAP) – 1 M 6 F

Be Perfect has won at this level in the past and has improved in each of his last three starts for Dandy Nicholls. He kicked for home far too soon at Beverley on his most recent outing and was only collared in the closing stages by the wily veteran that is Spice Fair.

The duo in turn pulled some ten lengths clear of the remainder of the field suggesting that it was quite a decent effort. He is now a pound lower than his last winning mark and Franny Norton rides this Lady O’ Reilly owned gelding for the first time today.

Havana Cooler is an obvious favourite and has contested many strong handicaps throughout the summer. He is a highly consistent sort and because of this he has been burdened with top weight. He looked to have things firmly under control at Goodwood last time but he did not do much to help Adam Kirby when they were pressed and beaten by Van Percy.

The winner has come out and run a screamer in the Ebor subsequently so the form does look strong. Epsom Hill sneaks in here at the foot of the weights and has won his last two starts. This three year old will appreciate any further rain and has to enter calculations.

Haydock regulars such as Chancery and Eagle Rock will have their supporters but a live each way chance is given to Be Perfect who should outrun his odds given his proven stamina and a relatively light weight.

ASCOT

3-30 WINNING POST BOOKMAKERS BRISTOL HANDICAP – 1 M 4 F

Montaly has run some excellent races this season and has only actually finished outside of the places once in his last six starts. That came when he was raised into listed company for the first time and although no match for the likes of Hartnell and Century he still ran with a fair amount of credit.

David Probert has ridden him in all bar one of his races and it is of note that he is once again on board this afternoon. Together they saw off some fairly unexposed sorts at York and despite a further rise in the weights they have the ability to confirm form with the likes of Gwafa and Satellite.

Saeed Bin Suroor has won the last two renewals of this particular race with the likes of Excellent Result and Ahzeemah. Hidden Gold has a likeable profile and may well pose the biggest threat to the selection. Second Step found a rise in grade to this level working against him last time although the ride he received left plenty to be desired. He may actually want a bit further than this but he remains completely unexposed and can make the frame.

Battersea had the likes of Swivel and Galizzi behind when successful over this course and distance back in July. He has not been seen since and both rivals have won races subsequently. They may now have a fitness edge over him and that could well see them reverse the form. Montaly is the highest rated of these runners and he can make his presence felt.

STRATFORD

3-55 CHARLIELONGSDONRACING.COM HANDICAP HURDLE – 2 MILES 110 YDS

Purple ‘N Gold was kept busy over the summer with a couple of spins at Sandown over trips that were obviously far too short. He returned to hurdles last time out and was restrained out the back for much of the contest. He did make progress throughout the race but struggled to land a telling blow against both Tzora and Chalk It Down. The form of the race has started to work out as the fourth placed Tamarillo Grove won only yesterday.

Ittirad has also had a busy few months and has notched up wins at both Bangor and Newton Abbot. His latest run was only six days ago but if allowed to participate he will have a say in the outcome. Sean Bowen claims a handy seven pounds and that ought to see him go very close.

Minella Forfitness was a class act a last season when trained by Nicky Henderson but he then sustained a bad injury and it obviously affected his confidence. His first run of this year saw him beaten by half the track and he then unseated his rider on what was a first start for Charles Pogson. If the yard can reignite his interest he is not out of this. Purple N Gold is still only a five year old and the return to two miles should bring out the best in him. He ought to go very well for Kieron Edgar who takes off an invaluable five pounds.

KEMPTON

4-10 THE MILLIONAIRE MAKER SIRENIA STAKES (GROUP 3) – 6 FURLONGS

Maftool made a pleasing debut at Epsom back in July and showed significant improvement from that to shed his maiden status at Pontefract next time. He pulled over a length clear from a subsequent winner in Flash Fire and there should be plenty more to come from this son of Hard Spun. Saeed Bin Suroor has a near thirty per cent strike rate at Kempton and the booking of Paul Hanagan looks significant.

Misleading looks to be a major player here as he made a perfect start to his career by winning at Goodwood when partnered by Will Buick. He is entitled to come on plenty for that run and despite the form not really working out, he commands respect with Jim Crowley on board.

Speedy Move and Home Of The Brave are likely to take each other on for the lead having both won their previous races by making all of the running. That in effect could well set this up for a finisher and Maftool can take full advantage. A switch to this synthetic surface may conjure up some further improvement and he can go close.