Punters Panel: Weekend horse racing betting advice from our experts
Ahead of a busy weekend of racing action, we’ve assembled a team of experts to mark your card – introducing our Odds Now Punters Panel feature!
Introducing the Odds Now Horse Racing Punters Panel
Before we get stuck in, here’s a little bit more on the five men answering our key questions:
Adam Smith - A betting industry veteran, flat lover and one half of our Races Now double act.
SD - The self-proclaimed ‘star of the show’ on Races Now, who has been going viral with his daily tips and betting ring analysis in recent weeks.
Harry Fowler - Another of Odds Now’s regular racing contributors currently working in the industry.
Lee Jones - Racing trader at a leading bookmaker and well-respected judge in betting circles.
Andy Jones - Describes himself as an "average punter" of 24 years who, quite simply, loves the game.
Now, onto the fun stuff!
What is your best bet for York on Friday?
AS - When Roger Varian is confident about an inexperienced three year old filly, I take note. And I think Gulya will win the 3:13 at York. And we get a nice price because it looks like a good renewal.
SD - There isn’t one. I looked at my ROI from York and it’s pitiful. I don’t like the place . Not because I lose there , never have liked it, never will. Run the Ebor at Redcar.
HF - Consecrated (3:13) could hardly have been more impressive on debut. Step up trip I think will only see her in a better light and the form from that debut has worked out well.
LJ - I was quite taken with the way Consecrated won her maiden first time out and she looks fair price at 11/2 to win the 3:13.
AJ - I loved what Saucy Jane did at Beverley last time from a high draw. She showed great pace to get into a led and dominated them, with the second having ran really well since from a poor draw. She might dominate in front in the Marygate at 2.10pm.
Can you give us your best bet from Saturday's card at Newbury?
AS - Wave Rider in the London Gold Cup. The Charlton's have won four of the last ten renewals. Absolutely should have won on his most recent start. And I've seen better renewals of this race.
SD - You’d say Kings Gambit was banker material. The memories of the York run last summer are etched and a repeat ought to suffice.
HF -Elmonjed (3:45) pleasing reappearance last time without the blinkers which he had on when winning his last two races last season. They go back on today and was 1 3/4 behind a race fit Aramram last time but is 3lbs better off and with that run under his belt can go better and win on Saturday.
LJ - Elmonjed will win the 3:45 now the blinkers have been put back on. Maybe a rev f/c with Completely Random as a saver.
AJ -Rosallion in the Lockinge at 2.35. I think Hannon will have him more than ready and he’ll prove he’s the best miler around.
What is your NAP from Saturday's other action?
AS - I'm bang interested in Best Adventure in the 4:00 at Newmarket.
SD - Stay tuned to the daily tips as it will probably be at Bangor, where friend of the channel John Hutchinson might be (or Thirsk).
HF - Hallelujah U (Thirsk 3:20) has run two decent enough races this season but has been crying out for this step up in trip to 1 mile and a half. Finished 4th last time and the 3rd has since gone and hosed up at York.
LJ - Wonder Star won her maiden really well at Ascot last week and must be working really well for Haggas to be backing her up a week later. She can win the 3:10 Newbury.
AJ - Looks a tough punting day but I’ll stay with Richard Hannon as he is in form so I’ll go for Classic in the 4.20 for Julie Wood, who likes a winner at Newbury.
With all the trials action now concluded, who wins the Oaks?
AS - Full breakdown in my Odds Now column. Giselle is my bet at 12/1. I'll admit she's very much unproven but could be special, hopefully.
SD - It is dependant on ground conditions and what Ballydoyle run, but I wouldn’t be mad on Desert Flower staying 12f.
HF - I have backed Giselle. Don’t get me wrong, she didn’t beat a whole lot but I don’t think either Whirl or Minnie Hawk beat anything either. I think Giselle is really talented.
LJ - It's still too far out to have concrete opinion until Balldoyle know what there running.
AJ - If Desert Flower goes, I think she wins. She just looked brilliant in the 1000 Guineas.
Same question for the boys. Who is your idea of the Derby winner?
AS - Now the chaotic Dante dust has settled, it's clearly wide open. Green Impact might be the forgotten horse and is 33/1. Ran a typical Derby type race in the 2000 Guineas and has good form as a juvenile. Although my ante post bets this season have been shocking.
SD - We have seen a seismic shift in the Ballydoyle modus operandi when it comes to this race in recent years. Given The Lion In Winter ran with considerable credit and was clearly not oven ready for the Dante, you can expect to see a gargantuan improvement on Derby day. Of his contemporaries, there has been no standout performer hitherto and odds of 5/1 for him to bounce back in the Derby are perfectly fair.
HF - Ruling Court for me, a good winner of the 2000 and I think will only be better when upped in trip. He’s very exciting and can take on the Aidan O’Brien army.
LJ - Same answer as the Oaks really, though one I would be against is Ruling Court. I think 12 furlongs at Epsom will find him out.
AJ - Whatever Ryan Moore is on. He doesn’t get it wrong and will have the pick of the bunch.
The French 1,000 Guineas was controversially taken away from She's Perfect. Did you agree with the decision?
AS -As with most things nowadays, everything has been blown out of proportion on both sides. But it did look harsh to me. The bigger fallout may be Barzalona slapping his horse 12 times.
SD - Yes. She listed right and there was a fag paper in it. The best horse was second past the post.
HF - No, absolutely not. It was all set up for Zarigana to win and when she didn’t they made sure she did. The jockey is the reason Zarigana got beat, not the interference
LJ - I thought it was very harsh and I hope they win the appeal.
AJ - It was the Aga Khan vs the Lager Khan. Only one winner in that battle. Personally I think She’s Perfect should have kept it.