Acomb Stakes Tips: O'Brien Raider Looks Destined For The Top
It is a dangerous game to declare any two year old race a match, but with Godolphin and Coolmore sending one of their best apiece to clash on the Knavesmire the odds compilers certainly think Wednesday's Acomb will be just that. Billy Grimshaw has picked a side and makes the case here..
This should be a real treat of a race, with two of the most exciting and rapid looking two year olds we've seen so far this seeing doing battle to kickstart what we all hope will be a vintage Ebor Festival. Rarely is a market so dismissive of a full fifteen of seventeen runners, but that shows the strength of confidence behind both the favourite and second favourite, priced at EVS and 5/2 with our friends at Midnite.
Starting with the market leader, Ruling Court could hardly have been more visually impressive on yard debut at Sandown recently with the hugely expensive Justify Colt being backed like defeat was out of the question in his maiden and in the end powering away from his twelve rivals in the manner of one destined for the very top. Connections were positively purring in the aftermath and you can sometimes just tell in racing when people involved with a horse think they have an absolute star on their hands. Godolphin clearly think this lad is destined to be a real flag bearer.
Clearly I am not exactly against Ruling Court, there is nothing at all that can be thrown at him on his profile. The only stumbling block is the most important facet in racing betting; price. Were I an odds compiler, he'd be jousting for favouritism around the 6/4 mark with Irish raider THE LION IN WINTER. Despite costing a fifth what the favourite fetched at the breeze ups, this Sea The Stars colt is no back number and Aidan O'Brien's charge won his maiden in unbelievably taking fashion from a stablemate, reeling him in with a smart finishing effort and hitting the front with 100 yards to go. He was not for stopping and looks sure to be a middle distance colt in time, but for now he has enough boot to trouble any two year old.
#AD 18+ New customers only. Bet £10+ on pre-match accas with 4+ legs, min odds 3/1 (4.0) within 14 days of sign-up. Get 4x £5 Horse Racing Free Bets and 50 Free Spins using code BETGETRACING, valid for 7 days on selected bets and games only. Restrictions and T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org
Tipping at short prices in two year old races is fraught with danger as there is always huge potential for both your pick to blowout or something with no form of note to miraculously have sprouted wings. However, were the winner not to come from the top two in here it would be a massive surprise and I am hopeful both horses bring their A Game so we can see a clash for the ages. This could potentially be round one of a long running feud between the pair and on the evidence we've seen so far, I can't split them. With the price discrepancy, The Lion In Winter has to be the bet.
I've liked what I've seen so far from Yaroogh for William Haggas, since throwing away his chance on debut over five furlongs he's looked much more assured over this trip. I'd probably be sweet on him without the front two were it not for his tendency to want to lead. Trying to lead the two rockets in behind could be detrimental to his chances and as such, I'll avoid a bet in that market.
There are of course a myriad more who could kick on and get involved, with Diablo Rojo only a Redcar novice winner but one who is bred in the purple and looked a smart prospect leading the chances of those who can be 'best of the rest'. Nevertheless, I can't look away from the top two and hopefully we see Ballydoyle triumph over Godolphin in the latest iteration of this age old clash.