Today’s FREE ITV racing tips: Newmarket, York, Wolverhampton and Newton Abbot – Steve Mullen’s betting preview for Friday, October 12
Steve Mullen guides you through Friday's racing at Newmarket, York, Wolverhampton and Newton Abbot
NEWMARKET
1.50
This is a big drop in class for SERGEI PROKOFIEV who would be too good for these if finding something like his best form.
He’s had a lot on his plate in a couple of Group 1s since finishing a close-up third in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot.
He won a Listed contest at Naas before that and he looks a fair price here.
True Mason is in excellent form and was a good second in a Newbury Group 2 last time. The return to quicker conditions should help.
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2.25
FROSTY is bred to be a superstar and didn’t have to be asked too many questions when getting off the mark at lowly Dundalk last time out.
She was extremely green there but still managed to win easily.
She should have learned plenty from that experience and can get the better of Hidden Message who created a good impression when winning at Yarmouth on debut last month.
3.00
The soft ground did for LIMATO’s run last weekend and, although this is a slightly better race than that, he still looks the one to beat.
He dropped down from Group 1 level to win a couple of Listed contests on the July Course here and at York where he looked back to his old self.
He won this 12 months ago and the competition doesn’t look any stiffer.
Mankib is capable on his day and won a Newbury Listed race pulling a bus last time. That was over this trip and he’s a threat.
3.35
PRETTY POLLYANNA looked ready for a step up in distance after being done for speed in the Cheveley Park Stakes over 6f here last time.
Maybe 7f would be ideal at this stage but she looks a potential Guineas horse and her wins on the July Course and at Deauville earlier in the season were very impressive.
Hermosa wasn’t stopping over 7f at Naas last time and will relish this distance. She was third in the red-hot Moyglare Stud Stakes and is on the upgrade.
4.10
BERKSHIRE ROYAL can outrun his odds after an excellent third over this trip at Ascot last time out. He has been upped just 1lb for that good effort and he goes on any ground.
This is wide open but he should be on the premises. Rock Eagle looked to be crying out for this distance when a close-up fourth over 1m2f at Goodwood latest. That was just his fourth run and there’s a lot more to come.
YORK
2.40
ALEMARATALYOUM may have had just a short-head to spare when winning at Haydock last time but there seemed to be more in the tank if needed.
That was over a similar distance and built on a good second at Ayr where he handled the soft ground, which he could face today. He is still on a fair mark and will be right there again.
Breanski got no luck in running at Ascot last time as his run of three wins on the spin came to an end. He doesn’t have the best of draws but should be competitive with the trip to suit.
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3.50
CANFORD HEIGHTS is being set a stiffer test than his win at Haydock on handicap debut but it was a convincing victory from a potential pattern performer.
He cruised along before running away from his rivals like a horse that can rate a lot higher than today’s mark of 90.
The trip suits and William Haggas is always respected.
Surya sets the standard after back-to-back wins at Haydock. He was idling in front when scoring by more than two lengths last time and a 5lb rise looks fair.