Tote Placepot tips: Newmarket selections for Saturday

Charlie Appleby has been operating at a strike-rate of 44 per cent over the past fortnight and looks to hold strong claims here with STAR GUEST. 

The Dubawi filly has proved to be a consistent performer (she’s never finished outside of the first three in seven starts) and looks an ideal candidate for Tote Placepot purposes. 

This looks a competitive race on paper, though, and FUNNY STORY is another who has a good chance having produced some decent form last season and is the best of these on ratings. 

Selections: Funny Story (1) and Star Guest (6). 

He may be a ten-year-old now but, despite his advancing years, SUMMERGHAND has proven he retains plenty of ability this year and caught the eye in defeat last time out. 

Provided he gets luck in running, he should be on the premises again plus he also remains nicely treated. 

Given his style of racing, he does come with risks attached, so it’s probably best to add another selection into your perm. APOLLO ONE ran well in this race 12 months ago on his return to action and off a 3lb higher mark, he should be capable of going close again. 

Selections: Apollo One (4) and Summerghand (10). 

THEORYOFEVERYTHING was an eye-catcher at Newmarket last time out on his first start for David O’Meara and looks a must for the shortlist off the same rating. 

William Buick is a positive jockey booking, too, and his handler remains in fine form.

Stablemate BOPEDRO has some smart handicap form next to his name and with the visor back on, he's another who could sneak a place in this fiercely competitive contest.

Selections: Bopedro (4) and Theoryofeverything (13).

MITBAAHY ran with plenty of credit in defeat on his first start for Charlie Hills at Newmarket last month where he fared best of those ridden off the pace and has a leading chance here. 

The ground should be in his favour and is the one to beat on ratings. 

BEAUTIFUL DIAMOND produced some strong form as a two-year-old last season and is held in high regard by her connections. She has had only four starts and it will be disappointing if she’s not capable of going close at this level based upon her form from last season. 

Selections: Mitbaahy (3) and Beautiful Diamond (9).

It will be a big shock if doesn't finish in the first three here. Last year's impressive Dewhurst winner looks to be Ballydoyle's next superstar.

Stepping up in trip looks sure to suit, he's already proved he handles Newmarket and the ground conditions won't be a hinderance, so there's unlikely to be any excuses.

If you did want add another in your perm at a bigger price, then could be capable of outrunning his double-figure odds, but we're relying solely on City Of Troy here.

Selection: City Of Troy (2).

Another tricky puzzle, so it's probably best to include at least a couple of selections.

MAXI KING impressed at Ripon last time out and is firmly on the upgrade. He will need to take another step forward to defy a higher mark here, but is lightly raced and should have lots more of improvement in him.

Another to consider is YOUTHFUL KING who ran well in the Rosebery Handicap when last seen and should be in the mix on his return to turf. 

Both selections hold decent chances, and hopefully at least one will hit the frame.

Selections: Maxi King (4) and Youthful King (5).