SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
After a breakthrough week for Timeform at Newmarket, our attention turns to Epsom to see if they can close the gap on the top three in the Tipster Challenge.
For this week, the 14th in the series, they will also be going up against another debutant in the competition, Michael Whittle of Betfred.
Michael has been the Sports Acquisition Executive at Betfred since December 2013, having started out as a Digital Marketing Assistant straight after graduating from the University of Salford with a BSc in Business Studies with Marketing Management.
He will be hoping to hold off the chasing pack, including Stephen Harris of bettingexpert, and keep the Guests on top of the leaderboard. Below you can see the expert tips for each of the six races:
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2:00
SBC News: Bouclier
Has to contend with a stronger field, but should be capable given the form shown in winning his last two on Polytrack.
bettingexpert: Sandfrankskipsgo
He has as the assistance of George Baker, and can cut these sprinters down late on the soft ground.
Timeform: Bouclier
The manner of his latest victory at Lingfield suggests that even a 9lb rise and the stronger opposition here won’t be enough to prevent him from completing the hat-trick.
Betfred: Roudee
Distance winner over 5f so drop back to the shorter distance shouldn’t be inconvenient. Looks primed to follow up on Doncaster success from the plum draw in 1.
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2:30
SBC News: So Mi Dar
Won at Windsor on debut last season; trainer John Gosden obviously feels he can handle the step up.
bettingexpert: So Mi Dar
Looked a useful prospect when winning on debut last season at Windsor in a strong maiden, and he can handle this jump up in class.
Timeform: So Mi Dar
The fact that So Mi Dar takes on the boys at this early stage in her career can only be construed as a vote of confidence from trainer John Gosden, who has landed this race 3 times since 2007.
Betfred: So Mi Dar
Well-bred Gosden filly who looked smart on debut at Windsor. This is much tougher against the boys though; highly unexposed and receives a small weight allowance which could prove key.
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3:05
SBC News: Prendergast Hill
Well backed at Kempton recently and came up short, but could easily make up for it here.
bettingexpert: Prendergast Hill
Has experience of this tricky undulating track in the book when winning his maiden last season, and he should be spot on after a recent sharpener on the AW.
Timeform: Prendergast Hill
The unexposed 4-y-o won a maiden here last season and his reappearance effort at Kempton was full of promise.
Betfred: Prendergast Hill
Has been there or thereabouts on all four career starts to date. Course winner with trainer also bang in form.
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3:40
SBC News: Clayton
Runner up in 2013 and 2014, and shown some good form over the winter, albeit over hurdles.
bettingexpert: Elbereth
Always runs well at these sort of tracks, winning over CD in a busy season last year, and is sure to be primed for this reappearance.
Timeform: Clayton
Though he missed the 2015 flat season, the 7-y-o won’t be found wanting fitness-wise following a hurdles campaign and the recent rainfall has been well-timed from his perspective.
Betfred: Pacify
Consistent sort who was a stayer in 2nd last time out at Doncaster. Ground no issue, and ought to run another big race in what is a very open field.
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4:15
SBC News: Finelcity
A tough race to call, but Finelcity has shown enough in two starts on the soft ground.
bettingexpert: Generalship
Caught the eye travelling strongly in a competitive maiden at Newmarket on his debut last season, and is sure to improve a chunk on that run after six months off.
Timeform: Generalship
Wasn’t unduly punished on his introduction at Newmarket in October. Likely to be a different proposition now, so the son of New Approach gets the nod.
Betfred: Generalship
Should improve on debut run over the Rowley mile and prove too classy for this field.
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4:50
SBC News: Medburn Dream
Much improved in victory at Windsor last week and will take some catching again despite a penalty.
bettingexpert: Gold Faith
Comes from a stable expected to enjoy a terrific summer and he could be let in lightly here on handicap debut.
Timeform: Marshal Dan Troop
Marshal Dan Troop and Gold Faith signed their 2-y-o campaigns off on a successful note and are both open to improvement, but the former is proven on easy surface, which tilts the scales in his favour.
Betfred: Medburn Dream
Turned out quickly after maiden success at Windsor 9 days ago. Ground and trip will suit and ought to be thereabouts at a fair price.
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