Newmarket Horse Racing Tips: Frankie Dettori set for Saturday success

2.10 Newmarket, 7f handicap

Healthy statistics are generally considered a bonus rather than a necessity when it comes to selecting a certain horse - the equine talent is what matters most, right? As much as ability should be the number one factor, don’t sleep on figures. Whether that comes in the form of ratings or strike-rates.

The latter is the focus of my attention in this handicap as trainers John and Thady Gosden have done notably well with their runners on the July Course at Newmarket this season. From just 39 runners, the father-and-son combination have racked up ten winners, a 26% strike-rate that has resulted in a £1 level-stakes profit of +£12.82.

Spinaround is their only representative on Saturday’s card at racing’s HQ, and he will be partnered by leading rider Frankie Dettori, who has a 31% strike-rate (5-16) with his mounts on this track this season. The numbers stack up well for this three-year-old colt, who ran creditably in a tactical race over a mile at this venue when last seen and can go one better.

Selection: Spinaround @ 4.2

2.45 Newmarket, 6f sales race

A pleasing total of 18 juveniles will head to post for this £100,000 sales contest at Newmarket - a race that richly rewards connections for buying talent at relatively cheap prices. The weights are allocated due to purchase price rather than proven ability, so it’s not difficult to find a well-treated runner or two here.

Market leader Woolhampton is just that. Rod Millman’s filly will carry just 8st 8lb despite boasting an official mark of 91 - the second-highest in the race behind Eddie’s Boy, who has to give her 13lb. On paper she is hard to overlook, but Woolhampton is yet to win from five career starts and it is difficult to argue that there is much value in her price.

I’d prefer to take a small risk on a lightly raced rival, and Ed Walker’s Amichi stands out after showing drastic improvement from his first to second start. This gorgeous grey took money on his debut in July but showed plenty of signs of inexperience and failed to trouble the judge. He subsequently underwent a gelding operation, which seemed to work the oracle as he bolted up in a Kempton maiden just 25 days ago.

Although his opposition didn’t boast much quality, the runner-up has scored since which gives a stronger look to the form. Amichi now returns to turf, which should see him in better light, and has drawn nicely in stall six.

Selection: Amichi @ 5.8

Recommended trades

Spinaround (2.10 Newmarket) @ 4.2
Amichi (2.45 Newmarket) @ 5.8