Architect analyses the leading runners for the Cambridgeshire at Newmarket.
Cambridgeshire Handicap
Newmarket’s big handicap this weekend is the Cambridgeshire.
Historically competitive, this year’s renewal is no exception, with a stampede of runners set to tackle the race on Saturday. Architect looks at the top 10 in the betting market after yesterday’s confirmation stage. Final decs will be revealed on Thursday.
Cambridgeshire Runners Guide
Roi De France (8/1f)
Yet to finish out of the top two in four starts, with one win and three seconds, and was only beaten by three parts of a length last time out. This son of Sea The Stars is open to a lot more improvement.
However, this race has recently been won by big-priced runners, so he will need to buck the recent trend in order to succeed. Nevertheless, this unexposed three-year-old has solid place claims.
This Songisforyou (10/1)
Irish raider has won two of his last four starts and was very impressive when winning at the Curragh last time out. This will be tougher, so another personal best would be needed, but he’s clearly progressive, and it seems like this race has been a bit of a long-term project.
His handler knows what it takes to do well in these types of events, having landed last year’s Cesarewitch Handicap with The Shunter. Despite dropping down in distance, the lightly raced six-year-old must be respected.
Silver Sword (12/1)
Progressed nicely last year, winning three times before concluding his campaign with a runner-up effort in a Group 3 contest. However, he’s been bitterly disappointing this season and failed to beat a rival home when last of 12 at Ascot last time out.
Therefore, this four-year-old needs a huge revival from a form perspective if he’s going to have any sort of chance of being competitive in a race of this magnitude, so he is best watched at present. In addition, others have achieved a lot more this season.
Godwinson (12/1)
Unexposed son of Saxon Warrior, who displayed a tough attitude to score at Goodwood when last spotted.
He wasn’t beaten far when finishing fourth at York on his penultimate start, but this is a different kettle of fish, and he may find a few too good.
That being said, he does have a nice-looking profile and could easily make the places should he continue his progression.
Balmacara (14/1)
Proving to be an extremely consistent type with two wins and four placed efforts from six starts. He’s only found one too good in each of his last couple of starts and came within a neck of succeeding at Sandown last time out.
There’s plenty to like about his profile and the progression he’s displayed but he will do well to dominate this field should he be ridden from the front again and maybe a place is the best he can hope for.
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Bopedro (14/1)
Has an excellent record here and finished a close-up third in this race 12 months ago off a mark of 102. The eight-year-old is down to a mark of 93, meaning he is 9lb lower in the ratings and arrives on the back of a half-length second at Doncaster.
He has lots of winning form and in-the-frame efforts off much higher marks, so he’s undoubtedly well-handicapped and must have an excellent chance of being heavily involved in the outcome. He’s the most interesting runner of the leading contenders.
Liberty Lane (14/1)
Liberty Lane (tipped last week by Steve Ryder) won a competitive race over C&D in May and went down fighting when a narrow second at Doncaster last time out.
However, he was well beaten in this race last year when finishing 28th of the 34 runners, and I’m not sure how he can possibly and drastically improve to take this year’s renewal.
Others seem better treated, and he can be passed over.
Under Siege (16/1)
Made the frame on his first three starts before opening his account at Chelmsford. He then caught the eye on his handicap debut at Chester when sixth of 13 and would have finished closer had he encountered a clear passage.
With that experience under his belt, he could be thereabouts, but this is a difficult race to win on just his second handicap start, and he may be one for another valuable pot further down the line.
Dual Identity (20/1)
Has plenty of smart handicapping form and only found his stablemate Sir Busker too strong at York last time out.
That being said, he could only finish 10th in this race last year, and I’m not sure where he can find the necessary improvement to get his head in front.
He should be thereabouts given he’s consistent but may have to settle for a minor role behind better-treated opponents.
Theoryofeverything (25/1)
A winner of two of his last three starts and overcame a decent field to score on soft ground at Ascot last time out.
A repeat of that form would entitle him to plenty of respect, but he seems ground dependent, as he needs plenty of rain to be seen to the best of effect.
Cambridgeshire Handicap Tips
Last year’s third BOPEDRO (tipped at 14/1) is 9lb lower in the ratings third time around and provided a very solid second at Doncaster two weeks ago.
He’s a dual course winner off higher marks and has plenty in his favour, so despite his advancing years, the eight-year-old should be set to feature in the conclusion.
