The big field handicap season continues in earnest this weekend with the renewal of the BetFred Cambridgeshire Handicap over 1m 1 furlong at Newmarket on Saturday. It is the first of a pulsating double of big field handicaps at the HQ of flat racing as the Cesarewitch follows in a couple of weeks time. At the time of writing, 35 runners go to post for tomorrow’s leg and it’s a traditionally completive heat. Despite the withdrawal of long standing anti-post favourite, Sacred Act, it is going to take some serious unravelling (and not to mention a bit of good fortune!) to find the winner out of this huge field. I have selected four out of the mix and for all those looking for some decent each way business, look no further than SkyBet who is offering a fantastic 6 places at ¼ the odds! Bet365, Betfred, BetVictor and Paddy Power are also offering a generous 5 places for ¼ odds.
Last year’s winner, the Richard Fahey trained Third Time Lucky, leads the market and despite those victorious credentials, he is not exceptional value at best 8/1 with SkyBet and BetVictor. A 6ib rise in the weights from last year’s mark does not inspire confidence although his last outing, a decent 2 length 5th in a competitive handicap at York is worthy enough form.
Spark Plug, on the other hand, is a more exciting prospect. He’s got some useful bits of form this season including a three quarter length defeat by Ayrad at Sandown in listed company. His latest run was extremely encouraging as he kept on right up to the line in a tough handicap at York in August, suggesting he may appreciate the extra furlong in the Cambridgeshire. He is best priced at 14/1 with BetVictor, Sporting Bet and William Hill.
Looking down the market, I have selected three outsiders who may turn up on the day with a good run at value laden odds. American Artist trained by Roger Varian looks a snip at 33/1 best with Bet365, Paddy Power and Boylesports. He stands out for me based on his useful 5th behind former race favourite Sacred Act. He’s well handicapped due to a lack of runaway wins and looks the type to act in this type of busy race.
Very Talented from the Godolphin team has been lightly raced this season starting with a relatively disappointing run back in May but put in a decent performance recently at Ascot, finishing a couple of lengths behind eventual winner Aclaim. This has turned out to be pretty eye catching form as Aclaim went on to win again in a good Newbury handicap last week. Head for Sky Bet to grab their best price 18/1 for Very Talented and an unbelievable SIX PLACES for each way!!
Finally, it’s worth mentioning one of the form horses of the race, Knight Owl who has not been out of the frame in his last 5 races. This also includes a course and distance win back in April, beating Examiner by half a length. Interestingly, he is actually better off by 2ibs against the official weights as he was put up 2ibs after a decent second at Ripon, after the weights for the Cambridgeshire were published. He is best priced 18/1 at Bet365 and Ladbrokes although as mentioned, SkyBet will give you 6 places ¼ odds but for Knight Owl they have a reduced price of 16/1.
Good luck in the big race today!
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