Horse racing tips: Templegate’s ‘breathtaking’ NAP can smash Inspiral in the Lockinge at Newbury
IT’S another huge Saturday of action and Templegate goes full steam ahead into it confident of bashing the bookies.
Back a horse at the best price by clicking their odds below.
BIG ROCK (3.35 Newbury, nap)
Was breathtaking when winning the QEII Stakes at Ascot in October. The French raider went through the Group 1 field with ease and had six lengths to spare at the line – it could have been more. The only slight worry is that the ground was testing that day but he was second in the French Derby in rattling fast conditions and he has scope to improve as a four-year-old.
SIYOLA (5.15 Newbury, nb)
SHE caught the eye when winning with a fair bit in hand at Sandown last month. She was very green and can take a fair hike in class today for John and Thady Gosden.
DESERT HERO (1.50 Newbury, treble)
Can score for the King. His Majesty’s star won a big handicap at Royal Ascot last season before stepping up to land a Goodwood Group 3. He ran a cracker when third in the St Leger and stayed on strongly over 1m2f on comeback at Sandown. Moving back up in distance looks a wise move and he’ll be fitter from his comeback.
Templegate’s TV verdicts
NEWBURY
1.50
DESERT HERO can score for the King. His Majesty’s star won a big handicap at Royal Ascot last season before stepping up to land a Goodwood Group 3.
He ran a cracker when third in the St Leger and stayed on strongly over 1m2f on comeback at Sandown. Moving back up in distance looks a wise move and he’ll be fitter from his comeback.
Bolster enjoyed the mud when scoring on comeback at Pontefract from the front. He handles better conditions too and is another who looks like this distance will be ideal.
Salt Bay was just denied by the admirable Hamish in the John Porter here last month when battling for a lead a long way from home. He’s a strong stayer who should be right in the mix again.
Middle Earth did well last season, winning the red-hot Melrose at York before finishing with a Listed success at Ascot. He would prefer 1m6f to show his best but can’t be ignored on this comeback.
King Of Conquest is a tricky ride and hung away his chances a couple of times this season. He needs more to trouble these rivals under William Buick although this trip suits.
2.25
JAMES’S DELIGHT was impressive when winning a hot handicap at Newmarket last time. He tanked along over this trip and scored going away.
That effort warrants a move up to this Listed level and there should be more to come from Clive Cox’s flyer. Some juice in the ground won’t do him any harm.
Relief Rally takes a drop in class after a solid comeback fourth here. She was impressive in winning the Super Sprint here last season before taking the Lowther at York.
She should be spot-on for fitness now and looks a big danger for William Haggas.
Adaay In Devon took a Listed contest at Bath before going close in an Ascot Group 3 when she didn’t get the clearest of runs. She goes on any ground and should be a force again.
Elite Status did well early on last season when a good third in the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot after landing a Sandown Listed prize.
He won in France over this trip with a little give in the ground and can figure if wound-up for this comeback.
Room Service didn’t enjoy the move up a furlong for the Greenham here last time and is better over this trip. He should be fitter for that effort too.
Dawn Charger has strong form at this level in France over this trip and is another with place claims.
3.00
KING’S GAMBIT comes from the Charlton stable that has had lots of success in this race with four wins and a place from eight runners.
All three of his runs as a juvenile were here and he scored over a mile in August before ending the season with a close second in testing ground.
His opening handicap mark of 93 gives him scope to improve and William Buick is a good booking.
Spirit Of Acklam was an impressive winner on comeback at Ripon last month and has more to come now going into handicaps. This son of Cracksman has more than enough staying power and he can run well for the Easterby clan.
Goodwood Odyssey caught the eye when finishing strongly to score at Sandown last time. That was his first crack at this distance and it was right up his street.
Aidan O’Brien doesn’t run many in British handicaps so his Chantilly has to be respected.
This Galileo colt scored easily on handicap debut at Leopardstown so a 10lb rise in the weights may not put the brakes on.
That was on heavy ground and he’s bred to stay so a bit of rain would make him even more dangerous.
3.35
BIG ROCK was breathtaking when winning the QEII Stakes at Ascot in October. The French raider went through the Group 1 field with ease and had six lengths to spare at the line – it could have been more.
The only slight worry is that the ground was testing that day but he was second in the French Derby in rattling fast conditions and he has scope to improve as a four-year-old.
It’s a big day for Kieran Shoemark on Inspiral who formed a potent partnership with Frankie Dettori last season.
The Italian got her up on the line to win at the Breeders’ Cup over 1m2f but she excels at this mile as she showed when winning back-to-back Group 1s last term. She goes on any ground and will be dangerous.
Charyn is one of my horses to follow and he’s already paid his way after winning the Sandown Mile nicely last month. This is tougher but he’s solid each-way.
Poker Face won a couple of nice French prizes over this trip last season and chased home Charyn on comeback. There won’t be a lot between those two again but it would be a surprise if he was good enough to win.
NEWMARKET
2.05
MISS INFORMATION was a good maiden winner last season before going close on handicap debut here.
She looked the type to improve with age and Andrew Balding’s filly won’t be far away.
Love Billy Boy has run twice here this season. After a rusty comeback, he went down in a head-bobber when stepped up to this trip 14 days ago. A 4lb rise means he’ll need a bit more but he could deliver.
Dashing Darcey ran well at Newbury on comeback and was on the podium again at Chester last time. He had to make up a lot of late ground there and has a chance if nearer to the pace today.
Gressington has shown his best on the all-weather so far and went close again at Southwell on comeback. He looks on a fair mark for this handicap debut and has place prospects.
2.40
DIVINE LIBRA relished stepping up to this trip when winning impressively at Chester last week.
Despite going around the houses, he landed a cosy success so a 7lb rise in the weights shouldn’t put the brakes on. He likes decent ground and can improve again.
Desert Cop would ideally prefer 6f but was impressive when scoring here last time and can’t be ruled out from 5lb higher before Callum Hutchinson’s claim.
Summerghand is interested upped in distance as he’s been tapped for toe a couple of times lately. Maybe age is finally catching up with him.
Quinalt landed a string of wins last season including over this at Ascot in September. He’s crept up the weights but has place claims.
Gorak shaped well in fourth on comeback here last month and has every chance of matching that.
3.15
ZOZIMUS went close in a similar contest here earlier this month and has every chance again from 1lb lower.
He put in another good run at Haydock last time despite being bumped at the start and this trip gives him more chance to hit top gear.
Aalto is entered at Newbury too but this looks a better chance after he finished just ahead of the tip in that HQ contest. He’s a fair 3lb higher than his last winning mark.
He’s A Gentleman went close at Chester 10 days ago when the decent ground suited. He has winning form over this trip and won’t be far away.
Hopeful was a promising second at Redcar on handicap debut and he can improve past a 2lb rise in the weights although a longer trip may be ideal.
Signcastle City scored nicely at Bath and some rain would boost his chances.
Templegate’s tips
NEWBURY
1.50 Desert Hero (treble)
Good comeback second and can go one better here.
2.25 James’s Delight
Looked a nice prospect when scoring at Newmarket.
3.00 King’s Gambit Looks the type to improve over this longer distance.
3.35 Big Rock (nap)
Classy at Ascot when last season and can score again.
4.10 Wiltshire
Improved to win nicely over course and distance last time.
4.45 Godwinson
Green when second last time and more to come.
5.15 Siyola (nb)
Impressive debut and can find a lot more here.
NEWMARKET
1.30 Mountain Breeze
Classy win here on debut and can step forward.
2.05 Miss Information
Went close over course and distance on last run.
2.40 Divine Libra
Can cope with 7lb rise for scoring at Chester latest.
3.15 Zozimus
Has dropped down the weights and looks to be working to a win.
3.50 Incensed
Showed promise on debut last year and yard in top form.
4.25 Alpen Power
Went close from a mile back at Newcastle last time.
5.00 Tremblant
Dropped 1lb for narrow defeat last time out.
THIRSK
2.00 Remaat
Nicely bred and should know her job on debut.
2.35 Bountiful
Decent start at Newmarket and should progress.
3.10 Miss Brazen
Has shown good form over this course and distance.
3.45 Tryfan
Needed comeback run and has more to come.
4.20 Brooklyn Nine Nine
Has been knocking on the door in races like this.
4.54 Mudamer
Finished last season with a good win at Beverley.
5.30 Rayat
Showed promise last season and goes well fresh.
6.02 Highjacked
Has shown good form over this course and distance.
BANGOR
3.55 Crystal Glance
Good third on debut and can do better here.
4.30 Iron Heart
Impressive hurdles win last time and can score over fences.
5.05 Goblet Of Fire
Three good runs so far and more to come for Hendo.
5.40 Kansas City Star
Made all to score at Plumpton last time out.
6.15 Fanfan Du Seuil
Can cope with 7lb rise for winning latest run.
6.50 Shandancer
Consistent and yard has been in good nick.
DONCASTER
4.57 Masque Of Anarchy
Good third at Musselburgh and in the hunt again.
5.35 Georgecandoit
Looked a nice prospect when second at Thirsk latest.
6.07 Go Steelers Go
Nicely bred and every chance of a winning debut.
6.42 Back Before Dark
Finished strongly when winning at Carlisle last time.
7.15 Educator
Went close at Southwell and on the premises again.
7.50 Bernardo O’Reilly
Has shown best form over this course and distance.
8.20 Kodiac Thriller
Went close in stronger race at Newmarket last time.
8.50 Beach Point
Good second at Bath and will be a contender again.
UTTOXETER
5.20 Mattie Ross
Went close over course and distance latest.
5.55 Dexterity
Solid second at Perth and won’t be far away.
6.30 Post Chaise
Consistent and more to come over fences.
7.03 Take No Chances
Good win last time and will be in the mix again.
7.33 Barrakhov
Improved effort when second at Warwick last time.
8.03 Happy Boy
Back from a break with good win at Kempton latest.
8.33 Jasmin De Grugy
Won well at Ffos Las and solid chances again.
FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chases their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.