Andy Stephens' top tips for Monday: Saint can prove no sinner at 16-1
By Andy Stephens
Last Updated: Tue 5 Dec 2023
Masar was much the best in the Investec Derby and, for all the ground had dried out a bit, it is worth noting he won in a time more than five seconds quicker than Forever Together did when she ran away with the Oaks 24 hours earlier.
Charlie Appleby has indicated the Irish Derby will be Masar’s next assignment and a third clash against Saxon Warrior would be fascinating.
The latter was a big disappointment at Epsom but the way he stuck on at the finish suggests it was not the trip which beat him and perhaps he will be a different proposition back on a more conventional track. William Hill make Saxon Warrior 6-4 for the Irish Derby, with Masar 2-1.
More interesting, in terms of ante-post betting, is Forever Together at 10-1 for the William Hill St Leger. It was a case of the further the better for her in the Oaks and, while it may not have been the strongest of renewals, she won with great authority and looks tailor-made for Doncaster.
Monday’s fare is ordinary but with our regular Monday columnist Tony Calvin away for the day, I’ve got four potential plays for you.
Andy Stephens
Finished: 1stSP: 11/4
Imaginative makes his debut in handicap company for the powerful combination of Varian/Atzeni and the bookmakers are clearly wary of the Camelot colt after an eye-catching effort in a maiden at Windsor last time.
However, his bare form suggests his initial mark is high enough and has achieved little on the clock, so I want to take him on the general 15-8 favourite.
Much more solid is Beringer, who also boasts a Derby-winning sire in Sea The Stars. He was having only his sixth start when a solid second to Shuhood at Newmarket last time and the winner did his bit for the form when a close third off a 9lb higher mark at Epsom on Derby day.
Beringer is only 1lb higher and, at the very least, the 7-1 chance is going to be hard to keep out of the frame.
Andy Stephens
Finished: 4thSP: 9/1
Saint Equiano beat only a couple home in a 15-strong field on his return at Catterick but he was tenderly handled and met some trouble in running on his first run since being gelded. It looked something of a sighter for the months ahead.
The big positive is that he was calm and tractable, something he certainly wasn’t on several occasions last year when he always wanted to get on with things and was his own worst enemy.
I’m certain he has more than enough ability to exploit a mark of 80 - he won off a 2lb higher mark on one occasion last summer despite being headstrong - and Rowan Scott takes another 3lb off his back.
I’m happy to risk him at 16-1 with Skybet and, whatever happens, he is wil be staying in my Racing UK Tracker.
Andy Stephens
Finished: 3rdSP: 7/2
arlington
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Karen McLintock has her team in superb form with five of her past ten runners winning at odds varying between 5-1 and 12-1.
Big Les was an emphatic winner for her over this six-furlong trip at Hamilton 17 days ago - looking an improved performer on his first start for five months. He raced wide but showed a decent turn of foot to settle things quickly.
A 6lb rise will make life tougher for the three-year-old, but it would not have stopped him last time and it could just be he is on the up.
Muscika, who seeks a repeat win in the race after a near-miss at Haydock last time, is feared most but the fitting of a first-time visor is a niggle for the general 7-2 favourite.
Andy Stephens
Finished: 5thSP: 20/1
Carlini was the subject of decent support at Windsor last time but, last turning for home in a steadily-run race, was always swimming against the tide.
He did well to make the frame but it did not strike me as a race to draw any firm conclusions and, like Imaginative earlier in the day, may go off at a false price.
Grace’s Secret rates a much better bet at the 9-1 on offer because she clearly did not get home upped to 1m2f at Chepstow last time, having previously been pipped in a fair contest over a mile at Lingfield.
Ed Walker’s filly quickly returns to a mile and, 1lb lower than at Lingfield, is on a mark she can win off.
Andy's top tips:
Andy Stephens
Finished: 1stSP: 11/4
Andy Stephens
Finished: 4thSP: 9/1
Andy Stephens
Finished: 3rdSP: 7/2
Andy Stephens
Finished: 5thSP: 20/1
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