DEADLY D’BAI POISED TO FLY
Money down for raider
GODOLPHIN’S D’bai (4.00) has been well backed with Unibet in today’s John Of Gaunt Stakes at Haydock.
The step back up to 7f will suit Sheikh Mohammed’s 4-1 shot who was originally 6-1 on the first show.
Unibet ambassador Richard Hannon saddles 10-3 chance Tabarrak who was impressive over course and distance last time out and his trainer expects another bold show with the fast ground very much in his favour.
The Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot could be a possibility, so he’ll need to perform well to be in with a shot there.
But in a wide open renewal, Unibet has seen cash for the unexposed Emmaus who, despite winning in heavy ground at Leicester last time, is not a mudlark.
Connections believe he could be even more effective on better ground and he should not be ignored at 11-4.
God Given (2.50), trained by the wily Luca Cumani (below), is the 15-8 jolly to lift the Pinnacle Stakes and bids to emulate Pongee who bagged this prize for the same trainer in 2004.
That said, the Italian handler has saddled only two winners from 28 runners this season so there have to be question marks over the form of the stable.
What A Home can be expected to strip fitter for her seasonal return at Goodwood and punters have latched on to this 8-1 shot from William Haggas’s yard which boasts a 26 per cent strike rate.
In the Achilles Stakes, Muthmir (3.25), who is well clear on ratings, has his ideal conditions and should be seen to much better effect stepping down to Listed level. In addition, 5-2 for Sheikh Hamdan’s speedster are decent odds. Judicial arguably produced a careerbest effort when second in the Palace House at Newmarket last time and the form of that race looks strong, therefore 3-1 could be a generous price for Paul Mulrennan’s mount.
Justify (11.46) is a short-priced favourite to win the Belmont Stakes late tonight and complete the coveted US Triple Crown.
He would become just the 13th horse to achieve the feat.
But winning all three races is a tough ask and, as a consequence, we’ve seen plenty of money for Bravazo who will be suited by the step up in trip and 8-1 is extremely good value.
World Cup fever has started and Unibet are top-priced 13-2 for 1998 winners France to regain their crown.