Today’s Beverley Bullet betting preview: Latest runners, riders, odds and trainer quotes for the final field
An exciting field of 11 are set for battle on the Westwood on Saturday
THE big race of the day at Beverley is the Beverley Bullet, a high-class Listed sprint over 5f.
Likeable veteran Take Cover was sixth in the Nunthorpe Stakes just over a week ago but is back to defend his Beverley Bullet title.
1. Mr Lupton (4-1) - Richard Fahey/Paul Hanagan
Classy colt who has won several big sprints over the past couple of seasons.
Often produces his best form at York, where he finished ninth in the Nunthorpe last time.
Was behind Take Cover that day, but this is more his level so should run a good race.
2. Final Venture (7-2) - Paul Midgley/Luke Morris
Ran a cracker to finish second to Take Cover in this contest 12 months ago.
Put a disappointing effort at Hamilton behind him when just touched off at York last time.
Has a good draw in five and looks sure to be involved in the finish once again.
Paul Midgley on Final Venture
"Final Venture ran great at York last week when a second to El Astronaute, who has been terrifc all year.
"It was annoying to get beat, but he's come out of it really well and goes to Beverley with a big old shout.
"On the ratings, he's not a million miles away.
3. Foolaad (25-1) - Roy Bowring/Lewis Edmunds
Made a winning return at Pontefract in April but has been below par on his last few starts.
Has been well drawn in stall three but first-time cheekpieces need to spark significant improvement.
Looks up against it on first start at Listed level.
4. Line Of Reason (16-1) - Paul Midgley/Joe Fanning
Has a good record at Beverley and was narrowly denied in this race by Maarek in 2015.
His form has been hit and miss this season, with a good run at Ascot followed by a flop at York most recently.
Capable of playing a leading role at decent odds if on a going day.
Paul Midgley on Line Of Reason
"Line Of Reason has run so many good races, but he has annoyingly only won once at track.
"To be fair, he's bumped into a few good ones over the years and occasionally the ground has gone against him.
"He loves it at Beverley and is as hard as nails."
5. Mirza (12-1) - Rae Guest/Nicky Mackay
Very smart sprinter back in the day, winning twice at Group 3 level.
Now an 11-year-old and still capable of good form, including when solid sixth in French Listed race last time.
A suspicion he will find one or two too strong here, though.
6. Mythmaker (8-1) - Bryan Smart/Graham Lee
Won well at Haydock in July and not disgraced in a Group 3 last time out.
Doesn't have the experience of this course that some of his rivals can boast.
However, trainer and jockey combined to win the Nunthorpe last week and he has the plum draw in stall one.
7. Take Cover (11-4) - David Griffiths/David Allan
Tough-as-teak veteran who continues to run to a high level of form at the age of 11.
Ran a cracker to finish second to Battaash at Goodwood and ran a good sixth in the Nunthorpe latest.
Won this race last year and looks the one to beat again despite slightly tricky draw in nine.
David Griffiths on Take Cover
"He won it nicely last year and ran a cracker at York last time.
"He came out of the Nunthorpe really well and looks as good as ever at home.
"He's the class horse in the race. He's proven at this level and in Group company, with his second at Goodwood in the King George probably as good a run as he's ever produced without winning.
"He brings the best form into the race and it would be lovely to see him get his nose in front again in a big race like this.
"Everything has gone well this week and he's as fit as we can have him. We are going to Beverley very confident."
8. Tanasoq (20-1) - Paul Midgley/James Sullivan
Rattled up a four-timer earlier in the season, with his four victories including the Dash at Epsom.
Ran a rare poor race at York last time but that performance is easily excused.
Has the widest draw to overcome but could hit the frame if getting luck in running.
Paul Midgley on Tanasoq
"Tanasoq has been brilliant for us this year. It's there in black and white what he's done.
"He's got a big engine and is a very fresh horse.
"It's been disappointing not to have won the Bullet before, but hopefully our luck can change."
9. Elnadim Star (8-1) - Kevin Ryan/Kevin Stott
Progressive three-year-old sprinter has won twice over this course and distance.
Ran out a cosy winner of a Listed race at Ayr last time, coming home in a good time.
This is a deeper race so she will need to step forward again, but she is more than capable of doing so.
Bruce Raymond on Elnadim Star
"It's obviously going to be a tough race as there are a lot of older, smart horses in there, but she has won twice already at Beverley.
"We know she likes the course, and the ground is also going to be fine for her.
"Jaber (Abdullah, owner) likes to take things step by step with his horses and not to aim too high, too soon, but it will be interesting to see how she gets on."
10. Short Call (50-1) - Rebecca Menzies/Shane Gray
Made a winning debut in a three-runner race at Goodwood in June last year.
Finished third at Bath after that and not seen since.
Having her first start for Rebecca Menzies, but this looks a tall order.
11. Tricksy Spirit (33-1) - Mick Channon/Scott McCullagh
Useful filly finished second in a Listed race at Sandown earlier this year.
Has struggled to repeat that form since and ran poorly in a Goodwood handicap last time.
Hard to fancy in this company.