Megan Nicholls Racing Preview: Newbury, Market Rasen & Curragh Tips
SATURDAY RACING TIPS
Newbury 1.50 – Steventon Stakes
I’ll be backing Rashabar (7/2) here.
He’s been running well in defeat in some really good races and this is a drop down in class.
The step up in trip should suit and jockey Sean Levey confirmed that after his run at Royal Ascot last time.
This is still a very classy horse and he gets the vote, particularly given he receives weight from his older rivals.
Megan’s Tip: Rashabar WIN
Curragh 2.35 – Railway Stakes
The fields in Ireland this weekend are a bit disappointing, to be honest.
In the Railway Stakes, True Love (SP) is the one to beat after her win in the Queen Mary.
She’s a big girl and will only improve, but I’m going to take her on with Power Blue (SP).
He’s got a bit more experience and ran very well in the Coventry behind Gstaad.
I expect that to turn out to be a very good race and a repeat run should see him go close in this Group Two contest.
Megan’s Tip: Power Blue WIN
Market Rasen 2.40 – Summer Hurdle
I know he’s carrying top weight but I do like the chances of Kihavah (7/1) in this.
He’s been in good form on the Flat and comes into this in good order. The weight is a concern but he’s carried plenty in these handicaps successfully before, so I’m not too worried.
He was only just touched off in the race 12 months ago and, while he’s 10 pounds higher now, I’d like to think he’ll be able to go pretty well again.
Megan’s Tip: Kihavah EW
Newbury 2.57 – Hackwood Stakes
I’d love to see Regional (2/1 fav) gets his head back in front.
He’s run some crackers recently and I’ve got a feeling a win isn’t far away given how consistent he is.
I can see him being very well-backed as this looks a race that should set up very well for him and I expect him to emerge victorious.
Kind Of Blue (7/1) has shown nothing in two runs this season but we know he’s very talented based on last season and he could easily bounce back.
Megan’s Tip: Regional WIN
Curragh 3.05 – Sapphire Stakes
It could be a good day for Amo Racing in Ireland as I fancy Arizona Blaze (7/2).
He had a very rare flop at Haydock before running a belter in the Commonwealth Cup when a neck-second to Time For Sandals.
Adrian Murray’s charge is very consistent and the drop back to five furlongs on a stiff track should suit him well.
Megan’s Tip: Arizona Blaze WIN
Market Rasen 3.12 – Summer Plate
Ceanndana (7/2 fav) is who I’ve come down on in the Summer Plate.
Stepping back up in trip, having run nicely at Tipperary last time where he stayed on in pretty eye-catching fashion, looks a big positive for this horse.
He’s steadily improved over his career and has taken very well to fences. He rarely runs a bad race and you always have to respect the Irish when they send horses over for these handicaps.
He should come on for the run at Tipperary given it was his first since October and, off a low weight, I can see him being very competitive.
Megan’s Tip: Ceanndana WIN
Newbury 3.30 – Super Sprint
Havana Hurricane (6/5 fav) will surely take a lot of beating in the Super Sprint.
He was a pretty decisive winner of the Windsor Castle and dropping back to five furlongs clearly suits him well.
Even Johnson Houghton has done well in this race before and has her juveniles in great form, so I expect him to be too good for them.
Kamakameleon (16/1) might be the overpriced one.
He wasn’t beaten far behind far when fifth in the aforementioned Windsor Castle and, while he’s not necessarily bred for this minimum trip, I think he’s still improving and could outrun his odds.
Megan’s Tip: Havana Hurricane WIN; Kamakameleon EW
Curragh 4.15 – Curragh Cup
Al Riffa (SP) should take the beating here for Joseph O’Brien.
He ran a cracker when second to Rebel’s Romance in the Hardwicke and is the class act in the field.
This looks a nice opportunity to get his head in front and I don’t see any issues with him running over 1m6f.
Megan’s Tip: Al Riffa WIN
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Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation
