I like Maktoum’s backup very Muj
HIT the Bar for the beer money in the Molson Coors Horris Hill Stakes.
Hamdan Al Maktoum’s jockey Jim Crowley predictably rides hot favourite Laneqash in the Newbury Group 3 but I prefer the owner’s second string MUJBAR (3.35).
He went through the soft ground very well when landing a Newmarket maiden by seven lengths in August for today’s rider Dane O’Neill and there was promise in his fourth behind Chindit in the Group 2 Champagne Stakes at Doncaster on much faster going.
He saw too much daylight early on and raced on the slowest part of the track away from the main bunch, but Charlie Hills’s youngster still moved like a good horse.
Heavy ground is a great leveller and he clearly thrives on it. The 14-1 on offer is way too big so have 2pts each-way.
LITIGATOR (4.10) should also love Newbury’s testing conditions. He won twice on deep ground when trained in France and there was a lot to like about his debut for Roger Varian when sixth in a Newmarket Group 3 over an inadequate 1m1f. Have 1pt to win at 11-2 now he returns to 1m4f.
Cheltenham hosts an interesting jumps card.
MINELLA WARRIOR (3.15) didn’t seem to enjoy fences but he is well handicapped returned to hurdles for the Pertemps qualifier.
He goes well when fresh and his trainer Kim Bailey has hit form in recent weeks. Have 1pt each-way at 16-1 with Hills as they and Sky Bet are paying out on six places.
I’m keen to take on
Allmankind in the opening race and STRATAGEM (2.05) could be the one. He beat the smart Solo on his only start in France and he looks likely to improve on last season’s British form.
Harry Cobden takes over in the saddle from Stratagem’s enthusiastic owner David Maxwell. Have 1pt to win at 9-2.