We have plenty of exciting racing today, with one of the highlights being the QIPCO 2000 Guineas running at Newmarket at 3.45, the going is good to soft (good in places) and there are 13 runners.
Stormy Antarctic is the second favourite today, with high expectations after winning the Craven Stakes by three and a half lengths. No runner has won the Guineas and the Stakes since 2004 when Haafhd did the double so the pressure is on. Trained by Ed Walker, the ground today suits him better than the Stakes so definitely worth a bet but get the early prices, 6/1 with Ladbrokes. Ridden by George Baker word from the stable is Stormy Antarctic’s best is yet to come.
Also running and on really good form is Air Force Blue, today’s favourite, trained by A P O’Brien and ridden by R L Moore, this horse is highly fancied to win having won four times out of five races, Stormy Antarctic would have to do something very special today to beat this horse, its record speaks for itself. Best odds are 8/11 with Bet365.
Odds are shortening the morning on Galileo Gold and Massaad, so keep an eye on them before the race; it may be an each way punt could get a good return for your money.
Today is also the last day of the Punchestown Festival; it’s been a good week for the Irish, and still plenty of time to have a punt on the last day's racing, there are eight races today. Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh have had a great week and are sure to be in the running in the 3.50 today as they are favourites in the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Mares Champion Hurdle. Limine is 6/5 with most bookmakers including William Hill. Watch out for the other Mullins trained horse Whiteout, ridden by P Townend, the odds have dropped this morning from 28/1 to 25/1 with Ladbrokes, but if they drop anymore its worth an each way bet as Mullins is having a great season, sometimes that second horse of his gets overlooked and then get a place in the first four.
Looking to tomorrow, plenty of racing this bank holiday weekend, drop back later for an update on tomorrow's top runners.