Events / Wayne Bailey / 13 August 2009 /

Wayne Bailey takes a look at the betting for the big races including the Juddmonte International, the Great Voltigeur and the Ebor...

I'm not sure if Al Gore was right about this global warming lark, but perhaps he has a point. Last year's Ebor meeting had to be cancelled because of the weather - the first time this happened since the festival began in 1843. But it's all systems go in 2009 so here's hoping we all get a few winners to make up for last year!

Tuesday, 18th August - Ladbrokes Great Voltigeur Stakes (Group 2)
Sir Michael Stoute's Harbinger ([2.84]) heads the Great Voltigeur betting and while he has obvious claims, that price is a little too short for my liking. He won the Betfair Gordon Stakes with some petrol left in the tank, but he may meet his match in the guise of Alwaary. The John Gosden-trained colt was out of his depth in the King George, but still ran with credit (coming from the back of the field) and managed fourth place. It's a tricky contest however and I wouldn't rule out Jukebox Jury either.

Tuesday, 18th August - Juddmonte International Stakes (Group 1)
John Oxx has expressed doubts over Sea The Stars' participation so I'd hold off from having an ante-post bet just now. The Currabeg-based handler told the press that, "everything is ground dependent but if the going is good he'll be there. He has to maintain his form, stay sound and hopefully if that happens, he can continue to progress a bit". Mastercraftsman may improve but I don't think any of these can take on the son of Cape Cross; officially the best horse in the world.

Wednesday, 19th August - totesport Ebor (Heritage Handicap)
Changingoftheguard has been chalked up at the top of the metaphorical blackboard at [5.5] but just three clear favourites have won in the past twenty years so proceed with some caution. It's a bit early to have a punt as it's unclear what the final line up will be, but Red Merlin, Yankee Doodle and Crackentorp are among my shortlisted horses.

Thursday, 20th August - Darley Yorkshire Oaks (Group 1)
Sariska is the short priced favourite, and when you consider how easy she won the Irish Oaks, it's not hard to see why. Jamie Spencer got a bit of stick for 'waving' at Berry as he sailed past, and Irish TV viewers will have heard a none too happy Ted Walsh (Ruby's father) on RTÉ stating: "It was unprofessional. I've seen lads take their hands off the reins and I just think that these are things that you shouldn't do."
I really enjoy Ted Walsh on the TV but in my opinion, we should stop being so stuffy about our sport. If you look at the celebratory carry-on in football for example, we are a very timid sort indeed. Berry and Spencer know the score and it was just a bit of ribbing. But back to Sariska... I'd love to see her run in the Arc and she currently trades at [8.6] in that market. Lady Marian may be one to have in the place market, but it's impossible to oppose Sariska, despite the very restrictive price of [1.44].

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