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Spectator
18-07-2025
- Sport
- Spectator
Three big priced bets for the summer
This weekend's racing does not get me excited from a betting point of view so instead I am going to put up three ante-post bets at big odds. These horses should give those who follow my tips an interest, hopefully even a profit, at some of the bigger meetings over the coming month. I can't resist a big-field handicap on Ascot's long straight course so the International, run a week tomorrow over seven furlongs, is just my cup of tea. There could be some value about because I rate the favourite, More Thunder, and another fancied runner, Skukuza, as doubtful runners. The most likely winner of this race in my view is Aalto after his splendid run when pipped on the line by More Thunder in last week's bet365 Bunbury Cup at Newmarket. He is 5lbs well in for the forthcoming Ascot race for which the weights were set before last weekend's big performance by trainer Ian Williams' five-year-old gelding. However, Aalto has been backed from 20-1 to single figures odds in the past five days, plus he is a hold-up horse who needs luck in running. More worrying, there are a lot of thunder showers forecast for Ascot next week and Aalto is a confirmed fast-ground horse. All in all, single figure odds in a likely 29-runner maximum field are a shade too short. On the other hand, odds of 40-1 on last year's winner of this race, NORTHERN EXPRESS, are too long, especially as Michael Dods' runner can race of a 2lbs lower official mark this time around. At seven years old, this admirable gelding might just be past his very best but he was fourth in this race in both 2023 and 2022 and he clearly loves this course and distance. Unlike with Aalto, all ground conditions come alike to Northern Express which is a big plus. He has run moderately so far this season when Dods' horses seemed a little out of sorts but the trainer is in much sharper form now with six winners from his last 29 runners over the past fortnight for a strike rate of 21 per cent. Back Northern Express 1 point each way at 40-1 with bet365 or Unibet, paying four places. Glorious Goodwood is only 11 days away and I am going to put up a couple of horses that are not ground-dependent just in case the rain finally arrives. Both selections also have strong form on Goodwood's unique turning and undulating track which demands a well-balanced horse if he or she is to run well. In the seven-furlong Group 2 seven-furlongs HKJC World Pool Lennox Stakes on July 29, WITNESS STAND could outrun his odds for the Dr Richard Newland and Jamie Insole training duo. There was a lot to like about his return to the track after a break when he has second, beaten only a head, by Holguin in a listed race at Chester last Saturday. Furthermore, Witness Stand ran two big races at Goodwood, when then trained by Tom Clover, in August last year including winning a seven-furlong handicap on good to firm ground at the Glorious Goodwood meeting. Interestingly, his joint trainers are sure this horse will be even better on soft ground so if the wet stuff does finally arrive that would be a bonus not a concern. Back him 1 point each way at 33-1. Those odds are offered by bet365, Sky Bet, Paddy Power, Betfair, BetVictor and Unibet. The Coral Golden Mile at Goodwood on 1 August is one of the most competitive handicaps of the year and the draw often plays a key part, with low numbers favoured (although last year the first two home were drawn in stalls 21 and 20). EBT'S GUARD is a likeable, consistent four-year-old gelding and all tracks and all ground descriptions come alike to him. This horse is in the hands of another extremely capable joint-trainers team of William Muir and Chris Grassick. Ebt's Guard was second in a one-mile handicap for three-year-olds last year at Glorious Goodwood and might have won with a clearer run. The Golden Mile at Glorious Goodwood on August 1 is his only current entry and he is capable of a big run in the race with better luck in running. Back him 1 point each way at 25-1 with bet365, William Hill or Unibet, all paying four places. Anyway, that's three horses, one at 40-1, one at 33-1 and one at 25-1, for an interest over the coming weeks. I have a couple more horses that I am hugely keen on for the second half of the season: one is soft-ground dependent so not suitable as an ante-post bet and the target for the other is undecided. They will, however, certainly be highlighted in this column, hopefully sooner rather than later. I also have some strong views on ante-post bets for York's Ebor meeting but that is not until the end of August so I will save those thoughts for a later blog too. I am pleased to say that last weekend was profitable for this blog with a 12-1 winner in Oneforthegutter and three other placed horse from the five tips. However, See That Storm in the John Smith's Cup at York was the one that got away, put up each way at 14-1 ante-post before going off at 11-2 on the day. Through no fault of jockey Callum Rodriguez, the horse pulled far too hard because of the desperately slow early pace and yet, despite this, he still ran a mighty race to be second. I strongly suspect See That Storm, an improving four-year-old gelding, will be winning again before the season is out so, if you have a horse tracker, I suggest you put him in it. Pending: 1 point each way Northern Express at 40-1 for the International, paying ¼ odds, 4 places. 1 point each way Witness Stand at 33-1 for the Lennox, paying 1/5th odds, 3 places. 1 point each way Ebt's Guard at 25-1 for the Golden Mile, paying ¼ odds, 4 places. Last weekend: + 15.4 points. 1 point each way Celandine at 5-1 for the Summer Stakes, paying 1/5th odds, 3 places. 3rd, Quits. 1 point each way Oneforthegutter at 12-1 for the bet365 Trophy, paying 1/5th odds, 4 places. 1st. + 14.4 points. 1 point each way Real Dream at 17-2 for the bet365 Trophy, paying 1/5th odds, 4 places. 3rd. + 0.5 point. 1 point each way Thunder Run at 12-1 for the John Smith's Cup, paying 1/4 odds, 4 places. Unplaced. – 2 points. 1 point each way See That Storm at 14-1 for the John Smith's Cup, paying 1/4 odds, 4 places. 2nd. +2.5 points. 1 point each way Existent at 11-1 for the Mark Heritage, paying 1/5th odds, 6 places. Non runner. Stake returned. 2025 flat season running total: + 54.86 points. 2024-5 jump season: – 47.61 points on all tips. 2024 flat season: + 41.4 points on all tips. 2023-4 jump season: + 42.01 points on all tips. 2023 flat season: – 48.22 points on all tips. 2022-3 jump season: + 54.3 points on all tips.
The Irish Sun
15-07-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Templegate tips up a massive 288-1 Glorious Goodwood ante-post double including a ‘rock-solid' value pick
TEMPLEGATE came close to delivering a perfect three-from-three with his most recent ante-post tips. Readers will have gladly snaffled the 3-1 about More Thunder and watched in delight as he snatched victory in the Bunbury Cup at odds-on. 1 Holkham Bay loves Ascot but he can make his mark at Goodwood too in the ultra-competitive Stewards' Cup Credit: Getty While other value picks Raafedd and Endless Victory also finished in the places - beaten just over a length combined. Here, our top tipster, who's enjoying a hot run of form, picks out two others at eyecatching prices he fancies over the coming weeks. GOLDEN MILE (Goodwood, Fri Aug 1): Back ARISAIG each-way at 16-1 Glorious Goodwood is just around the corner and ARISAIG looks a solid each-way bet in Friday's Golden Mile. The Johnston stable has an excellent record in this race with Mark lifting it three times in four years between 2009 and 2012. He also saddled Maydanny to take it in 2021 and Charlie was second with Dutch Decoy at long odds 12 months ago so they know what it takes to win. Arisaig has a win over course and distance from a hot handicap at last year's Festival and it looked like that was her level for a while. That was until she ran an absolute belter in the Coral Challenge at Sandown last time. Most read in Horse Racing She was a little unlucky in that she didn't get the clearest of runs through the pack and that allowed the winner to steal a march. She came home like a train for second and was gaining with every stride. There's always a little luck involved thanks to her hold-up style but her two visits to Goodwood have been excellent and 16-1 looks rock solid for her to make the frame again. She has performed on fast and good ground along with slow on the all-weather so it shouldn't matter too much what the weather does. STEWARDS' CUP (Goodwood, Sat Aug 2): Back HOLKHAM BAY each-way at 16-1 HOLKHAM BAY is in plenty of notebooks thanks to his barnstorming fourth in the Wokingham when he was beaten less than half a length ploughing a lone furrow up the stands' side. Plenty will have lost faith in him after a modest effort back at Ascot last weekend when he didn't enjoy dropping back to five furlongs. The main problem was he was upset by a ridiculously loud PA system near the parade ring before the race and being drawn on the wrong side only made matters worse. So I'm happy to keep the faith for the Stewards' Cup where hopefully Goodwood will turn the sound down! The 16s on offer looks a fair price as he'll enjoy the six-furlong test and the ground is likely to suit. We obviously need some luck with the draw but that's reflected in his odds. FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. . Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Read more on the Irish Sun Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
Scottish Sun
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Templegate tips up a massive 288-1 Glorious Goodwood ante-post double including a ‘rock-solid' value pick
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) TEMPLEGATE came close to delivering a perfect three-from-three with his most recent ante-post tips. Readers will have gladly snaffled the 3-1 about More Thunder and watched in delight as he snatched victory in the Bunbury Cup at odds-on. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Holkham Bay loves Ascot but he can make his mark at Goodwood too in the ultra-competitive Stewards' Cup Credit: Getty While other value picks Raafedd and Endless Victory also finished in the places - beaten just over a length combined. Here, our top tipster, who's enjoying a hot run of form, picks out two others at eyecatching prices he fancies over the coming weeks. GOLDEN MILE (Goodwood, Fri Aug 1): Back ARISAIG each-way at 16-1 Glorious Goodwood is just around the corner and ARISAIG looks a solid each-way bet in Friday's Golden Mile. The Johnston stable has an excellent record in this race with Mark lifting it three times in four years between 2009 and 2012. He also saddled Maydanny to take it in 2021 and Charlie was second with Dutch Decoy at long odds 12 months ago so they know what it takes to win. Arisaig has a win over course and distance from a hot handicap at last year's Festival and it looked like that was her level for a while. That was until she ran an absolute belter in the Coral Challenge at Sandown last time. She was a little unlucky in that she didn't get the clearest of runs through the pack and that allowed the winner to steal a march. She came home like a train for second and was gaining with every stride. There's always a little luck involved thanks to her hold-up style but her two visits to Goodwood have been excellent and 16-1 looks rock solid for her to make the frame again. She has performed on fast and good ground along with slow on the all-weather so it shouldn't matter too much what the weather does. STEWARDS' CUP (Goodwood, Sat Aug 2): Back HOLKHAM BAY each-way at 16-1 HOLKHAM BAY is in plenty of notebooks thanks to his barnstorming fourth in the Wokingham when he was beaten less than half a length ploughing a lone furrow up the stands' side. Plenty will have lost faith in him after a modest effort back at Ascot last weekend when he didn't enjoy dropping back to five furlongs. The main problem was he was upset by a ridiculously loud PA system near the parade ring before the race and being drawn on the wrong side only made matters worse. So I'm happy to keep the faith for the Stewards' Cup where hopefully Goodwood will turn the sound down! The 16s on offer looks a fair price as he'll enjoy the six-furlong test and the ground is likely to suit. We obviously need some luck with the draw but that's reflected in his odds. FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
Rhyl Journal
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Rhyl Journal
More Thunder holds on for Bunbury Cup glory
The winner of two valuable six-furlong handicaps on the Rowley Mile in the spring, the four-year-old was beaten a head by Get It when bidding for his hat-trick in the Wokingham at Royal Ascot last month. More Thunder was a 6-5 favourite to get back on the winning trail in this £100,000 contest and having been dropped out last by Tom Marquand early on, he was angled towards the stands' rail to mount his challenge and quickened up smartly to challenge for the lead. More Thunder gets up on the line to land the @bet365 Bunbury Cup 👇🏻 — Newmarket Racecourse (@NewmarketRace) July 12, 2025 Last year's winner Aalto, a 40-1 shot to successfully defend his crown, bounced back from an uninspiring run of form to make a real race of it inside the last of seven furlongs and the pair flashed by the post almost as one, but it was More Thunder who had his head down where it mattered, with the judge confirming him the winner by a nose. Haggas said: 'I need to watch it again, but for me they didn't go fast at all and he struggled to get momentum. I think he's better going fast and Tom came in and said 'if you run him over this trip again, they need to go hard'. Six furlongs, he feels, is his best trip.' More Thunder holds big-race entries in major handicaps and Pattern races and it is clear his trainer is keen to see him compete in Group One company at some stage. When asked if he had thought about running in the July Cup later in the afternoon, Haggas added: 'We considered it strongly, but we also wanted to go up to seven furlongs at some stage and this was an opportunity to do so. 'That is why he came here, but we will have a crack at a six-furlong stakes race. He just needs pace this horse, but in six-furlong Group races, you'll see in the July Cup, they don't go slow! 'He could run in another handicap, but I think he deserves a shot at a good race now.'
Daily Mirror
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Aidan O'Brien reacts after hot favourite Italy suffers shock defeat at Newmarket
Italy (4-6f) found Charlie Appleby-trained Saba Desert too strong in the bet365 Superlative Stakes. Other winners on the day were More Thunder and 66-1 chance No Half Measures in the feature Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai July Cup Aidan O'Brien was remaining upbeat after a shock defeat for 4-6 favourite Italy in the Group Two bet365 Superlative Stakes. The hotpot was the shortest price of all runners contesting seven contests on the final day of Newmarket's July Festival. Italy arrived at the course after winning a maiden event at Leopardstown in good style and was racing away from home for the first time. And O'Brien felt the 200,000 guineas Wootton Bassett colt came up short on the experience front, as he was passed by Saba Desert who continued a great week for Charlie Appleby and Will Buick. "We were very happy - he was a bit babyish and green," the Ballydoyle trainer reported. "We thought that might be. So he will go back to the Futurity (Group Two at the Curragh in August) probably now. If he had won today he would have had to go into a Group One next so it's better as he's a baby and he came (here for experience). "He hasn't been worked up at all (at home) really. We will look forward to him the next day." Saba Desert (6-1) fly-leapt as he exited the stalls and finished strongly in what turned out to be a messy renewal. Long-time leader Venetian Lace drifted left when coming off the bridle and carried her across to the winner's stablemate Wild Desert, forcing Italy across too. The winner came down the stands side and placings remained unaltered after a stewards enquiry was called, when it was found no riders were at fault. "He's a horse that we've held in high regard from early on," said Appleby. "The most important part once you hit that rising ground and you are finishing and he showed that class in doing so." Punters had better luck with More Thunder (6-5f) who scraped home by a nose from Aalto in the bet365 Bunbury Cup at Newmarket. Pipped in the Wokingham at Royal Ascot, he quickened up smartly for Tom Marquand but had to battle hard for the prize late on. Cheers rang out when the judge confirmed the smart handicapper had put his head down at the right time and trainer William Haggas said: 'I need to watch it again, but for me they didn't go fast at all and he struggled to get momentum. I think he's better going fast."
