Thirteen runners were declared at Monday morning's five day stage
Roger Varian’s prolific winner Defoe has been the pick of the punters in the last 24 hours following the five day declarations on Monday morning. The son of Dalakhani has won all four starts this season, progressing from handicaps to land Listed and Group 3 races in his last two starts and connections are confident there is still more to come from the three-year-old.
Punters certainly believe he is open to further improvement with 33% of all bets on the ante-post market since Monday for the Varian runner, making him the clear pick of Oddschecker users. Bookmakers have responded to his popularity by shortening his odds from as big as 6/1 to 4/1 in places (best price 5/1).
Sir Michael Stoute’s Crystal Ocean remains favourite with most bookies at 7/2 and has been the second most popular pick with OC bettors with 20% of bets. Speaking on Monday’s press event, Sir Michael’s assistant Mark Westgate was keen to avoid any more rain whilst also stressing their belief the horse will make an even better four-year-old.
Next in the market but friendless in the betting is Irish Derby winner Capri at 4/1. Since yesterday’s decs were announced, just 3% of all bets have been for the Aidan O’Brien runner despite Coolmore’s Kevin Buckley stating on Monday that soft ground would be no hindrance for Capri and that the three-year-old brought the best form to the table thanks to his Irish classic success.
John Gosden looks set throw two darts at the board in Saturday’s race with Goodwood Cup winner Stradivarius the pick of the bookies and punters ahead of stablemate Coronet. Just over 10% of bets have been for Stradivarius who connections confirmed would not be suited by any soft conditions whist Coronet has attracted just under 9% but should relish any cut underfoot.
Of those at longer odds, trainer Brian Meehan was bullish on the chances of his hope Raheen House who he believed was over-priced at around the 12/1 mark whilst Count Octave’s trainer Andrew Balding was another to state his belief that his horse will be even better at four.
