Spear Pressure To Prove Golden In Cesarewitch

Churchill will be one of the main stars of the show at Newmarket on Saturday but the Cesarewitch is sure to be one of the big betting heats of the day and an Irish raider could be about to run a big race at a decent price.

Michel In The Mix
There’s a lot to like about the ante post favourite St Michel, a real progressive looking three-year-old who has had a fine summer. There was some doubt whether or not St Michel would even get into the race earlier in the week but Sir Mark Prescott’s charge does get to take his chance and having perched up in Group 2 company last time and running creditably behind Sheikhzayedroad, he returns for a tilt at the Cesarewitch and really does look a solid prospect at the head of the betting.

In such a race with over 30 runners to take on and over two-miles to negotiate, the 6/1 on offer for St Michel won’t appeal to everyone so for those looking for an each-way alternative, look no further than Tony Martin.

With one major British handicap on the flat already in the bank this season after Heartbreak City’s memorable success in the Ebor, Martin now looks to win the Cesarewitch for a second time having won it with Leg Spinner in 2007.

While Golden Spear might not prove to be as well treated as some of his rivals on Saturday, the 16/1 shot can outrun his odds.

Golden Spear has only been seen twice in 2016, the first saw him win at the Galway Festival when well supported after a lengthy lay-off and next time out he ran a fine race behind stable companion Quick Jack on Irish Champions Weekend. He is a horse who could certainly have a say here and if there is to be a flaw in St Michel, hopefully it will be Golden Spear and Tom Marquand who can expose it.

Aidan Chasing Frankel
Another Group 1 for the great man yesterday and it’s hard to oppose Churchill providing Aidan O’Brien with a 21st top level success of the season in the Dewhurst.

Since getting beaten on his debut in May, Churchill has seemed to get better with each run, winning the Chesham in June, stepping up to Group 3 company to win in July, claiming a Group 2 at the Curragh in August before landing the Group 1 National Stakes in September. He can bow out for the season with a second Group 1 here with his position as Guineas and Derby favourite firmly secured.

It’s a decent looking Dewhurst. Seven Heavens could only have done what has been asked of him and South Seas is a three-time winner who obviously possesses a fair level of ability but…

the expectation is that Churchill is a notch up on these and will hopefully prove that.

Recommended Bets:
Churchill (8/13) – 3.30 Newmarket
Golden Spear (16/1) – 4.10 Newmarket

*Prices correct at time of publication.