The Betfred Cambridgeshire Handicap – September 26th
The Betfred Cambridgeshire handicap has been around since 1839. It is run over 1m 1f and takes place this year at Newmarket on Saturday 26th September at a predicted start time of 3.50pm. This year sees 35 declared runners ready to line up and contest this hot handicap. Leading names on the entry list include hat trick seeking Bronze Angel, who won this event in 2012 and 2014. Birdman is another to note alongside Gm Hopkins, Portage, Earth Drummer and we take a look at a few of these runners in more depth below.
Bronze Angel, rated -104 (carries a 4lb penalty) – Age 6 – 9-1
Bronze Angel returned to form last time out winning comfortably enough under Louis Steward. That form gives him a great shot at completing a hat trick of Cambridgeshire wins. He stands as the early favourite however in my opinion he has a tough task on his hands, carrying a 4lb penalty here today. He is hold-up performer that will obviously need the breaks to come at the right time for him to be seen to best effect. He should go well but Birdman has the beating of him on recent form as he re opposes on better terms here today.
Portage, rated 98 – Age 3 – 10-1
Portage is one of the co-second favourites for this race and rightly so. He is only a 3 year old and his form speaks for himself. His win at Ascot was top draw and he ran well of his new mark last time out at the Curragh. He again has a tough task of his current mark and William Buick will have to ride him with confidence if he is to be seen to best effect. He should be in the thick of things at the finish but I would oppose him of this mark.
Earth Drummer, rated 99 – Age 5 – 14-1
Earth Drummer is one of David O’Meara’s runners in this field and he looks to have a good chance in this race of his current mark. He ran a great race two starts back when going very close to beating Halation. He re opposes on better terms with that rival and in addition this extra furlong will suit. He disappointed ever so slightly last time out however he didn’t quite quicken in time and still finished a creditable 2l sixth. He should go very well and looks to have a good chance.
Birdman, rated 105 – Age 5 – 25-1
Birdman is one of my selections for this race. He rarely runs a bad race and is suited by big fields. He re opposes with Bronze Angel on much better terms and despite the fact they both ran into trouble in running last time Birdman lost a shoe which makes his chances even stronger. Why on earth he is available at 25-1 is beyond and he looks a great each way bet to me.
Energia Davos, rated 99 – Age 7 – 28-1
Energia Davos returned to form last time out and did it impressively. He won with a bit in hand and unlike Bronze Angel his 4lb penalty looks pretty light given the fashion of the win. He should get a good pace to aim at and he should relish the conditions. He has a great chance if he turns up in the same form.
Other horses that come here with a shout are Express himself who is in top form, Abseil who will benefit from having Ryan Moore back on board. Outsiders that catch the eye are Forgotten Hero who ran a great race last time out and also Margaret’s Mission who was staying on well after being well of the pace over 7f’s last time out.
Birdman – (0.5pts E/W) 25-1
Margaret’s Mission – (0.5pts E/W) 60-1
Good Luck DG tips
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