Megan Nicholls Racing Preview: Ascot & Newmarket Tips
SATURDAY RACING TIPS
Ascot 1.15 – BetMGM October Stakes
This looks a nice opportunity for Bright Thunder (10/3 fav) to get her head back in front.
She’s been pretty consistent this season and was only beaten a short-head in a Group 3 at Doncaster last time and I can see her taking this back down in Listed company.
At an each-way price, keep an eye on Ellaria Sand (20/1) with the first-time tongue tie. She could take a step forward from her return at Sandown in August and outrun her likely decent odds.
Megan’s Tip: Bright Thunder WIN; Ellaria Sand EW
Ascot 2.25 – BetMGM Cumberland Lodge Stakes
Al Qareem (2/1) can make it three wins in a row in the BetMGM Cumberland Lodge.
He’s obviously taking on Hamish (7/4 fav) and does have to give weight away to that rival but they are very closely matched and it’s pretty hard to split them.
I just favour Al Qareem as I can see him getting into a rhythm on the front end and being really hard to pass. This seems his time of year and he can bring up a Cumberland Lodge hat-trick.
Megan’s Tip: Al Qareem WIN
Newmarket 2.40 – BetMGM Sun Chariot Stakes
I like Fallen Angel (2/1) in the BetMGM Sun Chariot.
She has been right back to her best on the last two starts and the ground and track play to her strengths.
There isn’t much between her and Cinderella’s Dream (15/8 fav) based on their run at Ascot but these conditions just look in Fallen Angel’s favour.
To add, if any rain does fall, as it supposed to on Friday, Karl Burke’s charge won’t have any issues with a softer surface.
Megan’s Tip: Fallen Angel WIN
Ascot 3.00 – Bengough Stakes
This looks trappy but I’m in the Prince Of India (4/1 co-fav) camp.
I think on a stiffer track he can get the better of Elmonjed (4/1 co-fav), who seems to thrive over a sharp six furlongs at York.
This looks a perfect track for Prince Of India and with Jamie Spencer on board, a jockey who rides Ascot so well, I can see him getting the better of Elmonjed this time.
Megan’s Tip: Prince Of India WIN
Ascot 3.35 – BetMGM Challenge Cup
Another very tricky Ascot sprint handicap, with BetMGM paying five places each-way.
I’ve come down on Hickory (15/2), who goes so well at Ascot. He seems to be almost 10 pounds better here than anywhere else and is pretty versatile when it comes to ground conditions, so if the heavens do open he shouldn’t be too concerned.
He’s the one I like from a win perspective, but the Irish raider, Rahmi (10/1), could be worth a few quid each-way.
Johnny Murtagh’s runner has only had two starts this season, but absolutely bolted up at Leopardstown last time winning with tons in hand. He’s a son of Pivotal so any rain that does fall won’t be an issue and while he’s up in the weights, he’s progressive.
Megan’s Tip: Hickory WIN; Rahmi EW
Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation
