Saturday Racing Tips: Back Field Game to knock it out of the park at York

I put up Barnet Fair at 12/1 in my ante-post column on Tuesday and am very happy with a midfield draw in 10 and fast ground at the time of writing - though keep an eye out for the band of the rain meant to be sweeping the country later this evening and tomorrow - in the 100k 6f handicap at 15:25 at Musselburgh.

I thought that he would be a single-figure poke come off-time when looking at the race earlier in the week and he does has everything in his favour here - course form, including a third in this race, a falling handicap mark despite a luckless run at Epsom last Saturday and the ability to perform when turned out again quickly - so I couldn't put you put off the currently available 8.07/1.

I am happy to side with just him in the race but if you are looking for another play check out Online Alexander at a similar price.

She is fairly handicapped on her big-field York 5f win last August and shaped well when fourth behind Red Baron at Thirsk last month. But, as with most of these races, you can make a case for most, so it's just Barnet Fair for me. I think he could even go off favourite ahead of Red Baron, so 8.415/2 is still fair in my book.

Do keep an eye on the weather at all three of Channel 4's meetings on Saturday, though. Heavy rain on watered ground is never a good thing for punters.

***

Over at York, there is another cracking sprint handicap at 15:45, and it is no surprise to see Scalzo and Twilight Son dominate the market at around 7/2 and 9/2 respectively.

New owner Hamdan Al Maktoum would have dug deep to buy Scalzo after a very impressive seven-length win in a good time at Haydock last month, but the handicapper certainly hasn't missed him, raising him 18lb.

And Music Master's half-brother Twilight Son has been hit with an 11lb rise following his Newmarket win. So I think both are opposable, for all their progressive profiles.

Hughie Morrison won this race with a similar type in Prince Tamino back in 2006 and I give his Field Game better claims than odds of 19.018/1 suggest.

He clocked a smart time when winning over 5f at Catterick last season and I thought that he ran really well when third to progressive all-the-way winner Captain Colby over this trip at Newmarket last time, his first start since being gelded.

He pulled three-and-a-half lengths clear of the remainder, so I reckon a 2lb rise is fair, especially as the form is working out very well. Only four out of that race have run since: the fourth finished third at Haydock next time; the sixth Mukhmal won by two-and-a-half lengths at Newmarket; and the eighth Subversive finished second at Ripon (and runs at Goodwood on Friday night). The seventh Sugar Lump let the side down when a disappointing favourite at Newbury on Thursday, though.

Nevertheless, it is strong form, and he ought to be sharper for the Newmarket run, his first since January.

The selection has made the running before but if Nicky Mackay can get him some cover just off the pace, then he could outrun his price.

***

I am happy to give the 14:00 a swerve and I don't have any big opinion in the listed race at 15:10.

So I will move on, and chuck a few quid at Azagal in the hugely competitive 14:35 at 26.025/1.

There is not much to say about this horse other than she did well to win a four-runner race at Nottingham on her reappearance, has gone well at this course in the past, and has been dropped 1lb after a couple of decent - no more than that, admittedly - efforts of late.

But I think the key to this filly stepping forward enough to take this prize is a fast-run 7f and cover and a stalking ride - she can travel well off the pace - which she will surely get here. Whether she is good enough, I am happy to pay to find out at the odds.

***

All eyes will be on Likely at Sandown as she makes her belated reappearance in the 14:55.

The clockwatchers were raving about her after she beat a certain Mattmu by five lengths at Carlisle on her debut last May but she had a setback soon after that ruled her out of Royal Ascot, and she hasn't been seen since due to a fractured pelvis, I believe. But I can't find a bet in the race.

The only thing that stopped me putting up Sandown winner Jacob Black in the 14:20 is the price but Pensax Boy interests me at 26.025/1 in the win, and 6.05/1 in the place, in the Esher opener at 13:45.

There are some menacing, lightly-raced types in opposition who have far more sexier profiles but I quite like the win and place claims of the more exposed selection.

As with Field Game and Azagal, there is no real story here, other than he is an in-form handicapper on the upgrade and I like him the idea of this son of Rail Link stepping up in trip on a stiff track.

He was third to the progressive Divine Law at Windsor last week and is 2lb higher here, but, in keeping with his sire, he looked to be crying out for a greater stamina test, even if he is related to a lot of speed horses.

He is worth chancing against the unexposed blue bloods from some of the top yards, and rain won't be a worry as he ran OK in the soft behind Elm Park last season.


Recommended Bets
Back Pensax Boy at 26.025/1 in the win, and 6.05/1 in the place, in the 13:45 at Sandown
Back Azagal at 26.025/1 in the 14:35 at York
Back Field Game at 19.018/1 in the 15:45 at York

Already advised

Back Barnet Fair at 13.012/1 in the Scottish Sprint Cup