Northern raiders rate as good value

Aug 2 2008 The Journal

WHEN it comes to big fields in handicap sprints, so much depends on the draw and where the advantage could be, so it’s probably not wise to put all your eggs in one basket for betting purposes.

The Bluesquare.com Stewards’ Cup looks a minefield for punters, yet it’s surprising how many times it is won by a well fancied contender who has nothing to hide from the handicapper and is there on merit.

With the runners spread all over the track, it’s anybody’s guess which group will come out on top and I think it’s worth backing more than one horse from very different stall positions in the hope that one of them is in the right place.

Sound cases can be made for Prime Defender, Hitchens, King’s Apostle and Beaver Patrol and I wouldn’t put you off backing any of them. It’s that sort of race where few are competing with little hope of collecting.

However, I think the prize will come back north through either Borderlescott or Knot In Wood who filled the minor placings behind Zidane in last year’s race. Back them both and I am sure you will get a run for your money and, with a bit of luck, have something to show for it when it’s all over.

Borderlescott needs no introduction. He landed the spoils in 2006 and was touched off last year. He loves the track, which is important, and goes there primed to deliver provided he can cope with his higher mark.

We’ll all be wiser about the draw after the event, but the trainer has plumped for stall one and here’s hoping it works out for a horse that will be in the firing line all the way. Knot In Wood was half a length behind Borderlescott 12 months ago and, taking into consideration the 3lb claim of competent apprentice Jamie Moriarty, he is a couple of pounds better off with his rival and that’s why he is rated an obvious danger.

Richard Fahey’s great strength is in the placing of his horses and Knot In Wood has followed the same route to Goodwood as he did last year, repeating his win in the Scottish Stewards’ Cup at Hamilton and carrying a small penalty.