Horse Racing Betting

Go to War with bookies

Declaration Of War can win the Lockinge Stakes on Saturday, says our Chris Wilson. He has a tip for every UK race. BANGOR: 1.55 Just Cameron, 2.30 Desert Nova, 3.05 Monte Cavallo, 3.40 Brody Bleu, 4.15 Scoglio, 4.50 Blue Buttons, 5.20 That's Rhythm. DONCASTER: 5.25 El Bravo, 5.55 Will To Survive, 6.25 Grand Denial, 7.00 Kerbaaj, 7.30 Intimidate, 8.05 Albasharah, 8.35 Lenny Bee. NEWBURY: 1.30 Remote, 2.05 Harris Tweed, 2.40 Seeking Magic, 3.15 Hillstar, 3.50 DECLARATION ON WAR (NAP), 4.25 Royal Challis, 5.30 You're The Boss, 6.05 Indignant. NEWMARKET: 1.45 Pashan Garh, 2.20 Caravan Rolls On, 2.55 Melody Of Love, 3.30 Dundonnell, 4.05 Holy Warrior, 4.40 Granell, 5.15 Prince's Trust, 5.50 Cafe Society. THIRSK: 2.15 Princess Rose, 2.50 Oldjoesaid, 3.25 Fast Shot, 4.00 Noble Storm, 4.35 Just Darcy, 5.10 Invincible Hero, 5.45 Roland, 6.20 The Tiddly Tadpole. UTTOXETER: 5.35 Letsby Avenue, 6.10 Molon Labe, 6.40 Flash Harriet, 7.15 Coeur De Fou, 7.45 Master Milan, 8.20 Kindly Note, 8.50 Perfect Poison. WEXFORD: 2.10 Daluka, 2.45 Majestic Jasmine, 3.20 Sweet Refusal, 3.55 Concrete And Clay, 4.30 Gothen Niece, 5.00 Ocean Bright, 5.30 Emmy Lou, 6.00 Robina Mai. DOUBLE: Declaration Of War and Holy Warrior. Declaration Of War can lay claim to becoming this year's champion miler by winning the JLT Lockinge Stakes at Newbury on Saturday. With Frankel and Excelebration tucked away in the breeding sheds, racing craves a new star from the older generation. From what we have seen so far, Ballydoyle's four-year-old could easily fit the bill. His price may have contracted quite considerably in the build-up to this coveted Group One, but that should not put anyone off from getting stuck into this handsome son of War Front. Unbeaten in two starts in France for Jean-Claude Rouget, Coolmore were quick to spot his potential as he made the switch to Aidan O'Brien's yard in Ireland. Despite having made an inauspicious start for new connections last September, his class soon became evident when he rattled off back-to-back wins at the Curragh and at Dundalk. His return to action in the Heritage Stakes at Leopardstown in April hinted at an even stronger horse this term as he readily disposed of the likeable Bold Thady Quill by two and a half lengths. Declaration Of War will not have it his own way in the Lockinge, of course, but he is by far the least exposed, and most promising, contender in the line-up. And with four-year-olds having won 18 of the last 26 renewals of the Lockinge, he rates a confident selection from a yard whose big-race victories this month have become commonplace. Harris Tweed often goes well fresh and is an interesting customer in the JLT Aston Park Stakes, while Holy Warrior could surprise a few in the Coral-sponsored Fairway Stakes at Newmarket. Gay Kelleway thinks a great deal of this colt, who was a pleasing Listed winner in France three months ago. Things did not quite go to plan in Group Three company back over the Channel at Longchamp in April, but he was not beaten all that far in the Prix la Force - a run which confirmed his aptitude for a mile and a quarter. This does not look a great field for what is usually a competitive affair, but, in any event, Holy Warrior could still be available at a reasonable price. Dundonnell will go off at cramped odds in the Coral King Charles II Stakes, but it would be folly to pass him. Roger Charlton's Group Three-winning colt grew weary in the Craven Stakes, but his juvenile record was pretty much top class. He should, on all known form, win this Listed contest over seven furlongs with the minimum of fuss. Noble Storm looks a solid shout in the feature race of the day at Thirsk. The Ed McMahon-trained seven-year-old is a speedy sort, and did his best work at this time of the year last season, with victories at Listed level at Haydock and in a hot handicap at Newbury. Plenty of enthusiasm can also be derived from his good fourth at Chester a week and a half ago, when perhaps only a lack of race fitness denied him second spot. Noble Storm has been dropped 2lb by the assessor for the Yorkshire Outdoors Adventure Experiences Handicap, which is never a bad thing, and should be a far sharper animal here than on the Roodee. The best bet on Doncaster's evening card could be Kerbaaj, who runs in the Park Hill Hospital Handicap. The three-year-old colt struggled in the Feilden Stakes on his return to the track in April, but is better than that bare form might suggest. The return to three miles is expected to do it for Kindly Note in the JPW Distribution Mares' Handicap Hurdle at Uttoxeter. Emma Lavelle's mare was caught a little one-paced when second at Ffos Las in April, but arguably now needs this longer trip to help her reach full throttle. Blue Buttons should also be kept on-side in the Patrick Burling Developments Mares' Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race at Bangor.

Tip Of The Day: Commend primed

I wouldn't even like to hazard a guess what the ground will be at York this afternoon but having got drenched on a misjudged jog to the car park yesterday, I'd be selling at the official soft. Dutch Masterpiece did make the Tip Of The Day shortlist in the 1550 contest there but in the end I'm heading to Newmarket and Commend in the Edmondson Hall Solicitors & Sports Lawyers Handicap. Sir Michael Stoute's charge was an underachiever last season, a Carlisle maiden the only success to his name, but there was plenty of promise in handicaps too. He got bogged down on testing ground on his final two starts but returns to the fray a potentially well handicapped horse and one who looks sure to have benefited from a winter gelding operation. The Stoute team are in great form at present and with his high profile connections persevering with him for another year, it would be a surprise if Commend didn't go very close to landing the spoils this afternoon. He's as big as 5/1 in places which makes tremendous each-way appeal providing the monsoon that hit York yesterday doesn't wend it's way down to Newmarket.

Crackerjack bet at Perth

Chris Wilson is backing Crackerjack Lad to win for Lucinda Russell at Perth this evening. BATH: 5.40 Cockney Bob, 6.10 Lilbourne Lass, 6.40 Kittens, 7.10 Sarangoo, 7.40 Fair Comment, 8.10 Silverrica, 8.40 Comptonspirit. FONTWELL: 2.05 Silver Commander, 2.35 Jamesson, 3.05 Kambis, 3.40 Princely Hero, 4.15 Montefeltro, 4.50 Dougalstar, 5.20 Benny The Swinger, 5.55 Green King. NAAS: 5.15 Bye Bye Birdie, 5.50 Fountain Of Youth, 6.20 Ask Dad, 6.50 Princess Highway, 7.20 Conan's Rock, 7.50 September Lily, 8.20 Hanky Panky, 8.50 Our Manekineko. PERTH: 6.00 Settledoutofcourt, 6.30 Alexander Oats, 7.00 Categorical, 7.30 Cruachan, 8.00 Crackerjack Lad, 8.30 Special Portrait, 9.00 Laybach. UTTOXETER: 1.55 Silver Eagle, 2.25 Regal County, 2.55 Descaro, 3.25 Chosen Dream, 4.00 Tafika, 4.35 Basford Ben, 5.10 Robin Will, 5.45 Run Ructions Run. YORK: 1.45 Clayton, 2.15 Secret Witness, 2.45 WOODLAND ARIA (NAP), 3.15 Mince, 3.50 Opera Box, 4.25 Haikbidiac, 5.00 Line Of Reason. DOUBLE: Woodland Aria and Mince. John Gosden can claim a third consecutive renewal of the Tattersalls Musidora Stakes at York with Woodland Aria. The Clarehaven handler intentionally targets this race with a good one, having struck in 2011 with Joviality and 12 months ago with excellent filly The Fugue. Woodland Aria admittedly must have to make a big step up on the Knavesmire, but it is not inconceivable the Musidora has been the plan for quite a while. Connections of the daughter of Singspiel were convinced she has the potential to become a contender for the Oaks at Epsom later this month following a striking victory on debut at Wolverhampton in April. Woodland Aria never came off the bridle in a nine-and-a-half-furlong maiden, in which she defeated Elik by an eased-down half a length. Sir Michael Stoute considered that runner-up good enough to contest the Cheshire Oaks last week, when she finished a fair fourth, so the form might stack up quite tidily by the end of the year. Another Stoute inmate, Liber Nauticus, is a huge threat but she might not be quite as forward as Woodland Aria on her return from a 253-day lay-off. Gosden's inmate crucially has bags of stamina in her pedigree, so this step up to a mile and a quarter is still likely to be the shortest at which she is campaigned this summer. Plenty of the usual suspects are out in full force for the Duke of York Clipper Logistics Stakes, but pick of the litter could be Mince. The four-year-old filly enjoyed a marvellous season as a three-year-old, with five victories from eight outings. Roger Charlton's sprinter seemed to improve with each start, too, and signed off with a battling head victory in the Bengough Stakes at Ascot in October. The ground was very demanding in Berkshire that day, so a return to a faster surface at York is sure to be a boon - as is the fact she is already a course-and-distance winner. Assuming Mince is fully fit and ready to go, the deeply likeable four-year-old has every chance of manipulating her 3lb allowance under James Doyle. Punters could also be rewarded at generous odds if Secret Witness is anywhere near at his best for the Whixley Stakes. Ron Harris' seven-year-old loves York, and was a half-length scorer in this race 12 months ago, after which he finished second over a furlong shorter a day later. Although his season rather tapered off, this was perhaps understandable as he had been on the go for quite some time. Suitably freshened up by a lengthy break, Secret Witness is now back on the same mark off which he finished runner-up over five furlongs here last July. It would be a shame if Silverrica did not go close in the Premier Conservatory Roofs Handicap at Bath. The Malcolm Saunders-trained filly did well over six furlongs here a fortnight ago, when she chased home the above-average Asian Trader. Saunders will be unlucky if she encounters a similarly sharp rival in this low-grade affair, in which the shorter trip could feasibly tip the scales in her balance. Cruachan is taken to go well at a price in the Strathbraan Brewery Maiden Hurdle at Perth.

Sound the Battle cry

Battle Of Marengo can cement his place among the Derby favourites with victory at Leopardstown today according to Chris Wilson. KEMPTON: 2.20 Otto The Great, 2.50 Lemon Drop Red, 3.20 Black Spirit, 3.50 Mibleu, 4.20 Dalavar, 4.50 Pentiffic, 5.20 Hannibal The Great. KILLARNEY: 2.15 Age Of Glory, 2.45 Tropical Three, 3.15 Supreme Carolina, 3.45 Chill, 4.15 Dedigout, 4.45 Another Flutter, 5.15 Macnicholson. LEOPARDSTOWN: 2.25 Heart Focus, 2.55 Duntle, 3.25 WE'LL GO WALKING (NAP), 3.55 Battle Of Marengo, 4.25 Waydownsouth, 4.55 Rossvoss, 5.25 Tamaah. PLUMPTON: 2.00 Somchine, 2.30 Sharp Suit, 3.00 Franklin Roosevelt, 3.30 Ardmaddy, 4.00 E Street Boy, 4.30 Chestnut Ben, 5.00 Business Mover. WORCESTER: 2.10 Alwaystheoptimist, 2.40 Jomade, 3.10 Woolcombe Folly, 3.40 Church Hall, 4.10 Dresden, 4.40 Ironical, 5.10 My Lad Percy, 5.40 Master Cardor Visa. DOUBLE: We'll Go Walking and Battle Of Marengo. Battle Of Marengo can state a realistic case for Classic honours later this summer by winning the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial at Leopardstown. Trainer Aidan O'Brien, who has won this Group Two eight times in the last 12 years, has always thought the world of this colt - and it is easy to see why. Winner of the Beresford as a juvenile, the son of Galileo picked up where he left of last term in the Ballysax Stakes over this course and distance in March. Ballydoyle's inmate stayed on earnestly in his first try over a mile and a quarter to defeat Sugar Boy by a length and three-quarters. With the runner-up that day having since won Sandown's Classic Trial in the style of an upwardly mobile animal, the form obviously looks strong. The ground was very demanding in the Ballysax, so the likelihood of a sounder surface upon his return to Leopardstown can also be considered a good thing. Jim Bolger has made a fairly breathless start to the season and can carry on the good work with We'll Go Walking in the Derrinstown Stud 1,000 Guineas Trial. Despite being unraced as a two-year-old, the daughter of Authorized has swiftly found her stride this term, with an excellent debut success at Gowran backed up by an honourable second-placed finish in a Listed race at the same track. That half-length defeat to Caponata was arguably even better than her first-time-out triumph as that rival was far more streetwise, having enjoyed a prolific juvenile campaign. The fact the third home that day, Aloof, finished some eight lengths adrift of We'll Go Walking is also a revealing insight into the calibre of Bolger's representative. The better ground at Leopardstown is also likely to be a considerable boon for a horse who could feasibly be the class act in this always informative Group Three over a mile. Similar comments apply to Duntle in the Amethyst Stakes. David Wachman's filly already boasts a proud archive of performances, with victories in the Sandringham Handicap at Royal Ascot and the Group Three Desmond Stakes over this mile trip to her name. Indeed, Duntle was only denied Group One glory in the stewards' room here last September when she was demoted into second in the Matron Stakes. Reassuringly, the general consensus is that we have yet to see the best of this flashy daughter of Danehill Dancer. It will be interesting to see how Black Spirit gets on in the Download The Coral App Novices' Hurdle at Kempton. The six-year-old gelding was a very impressive Flat campaigner when in the care of Clive Cox, for whom he won a Group Three at Newbury last September. Although he hardly ignited on his first start for Nicky Henderson in February, the fact he made his hurdling bow in the Grade Two Dovecote Novices' Hurdle over course and distance perhaps speaks volumes about the regard in which he is held at Seven Barrows. Best bet on Plumpton's card could be Ardmaddy, who contests the Award Winning Extech IT Handicap Hurdle for the Sheena West team. The nine-year-old gelding might be lumbered with top weight, but there was much to admire about his staying-on second here two and a half weeks ago. Ardmaddy was also a winner over this two-mile trip a few years ago and will be well suited by the prospect of fast ground. My Lad Percy should also be trusted to do the business in division two of the Neu-Servo Handicap Hurdle at Worcester.