William Of Orange Full Of Juice For Cesarewitch

Newmarket’s marathon Cesarewitch on Saturday is one of the most competitive handicaps of the season (3.50), and one that has been won by numerous jumps trainers down the years.

This year’s may well follow suit too, with the likes of David Pipe responsible for the well backed, Low Key (6/1).

Could Pipe Have The Key?
This gelding may be an 8yo, but recorded a career best on the Flat in taking the Cesarewitch trial over C&D last month (good to soft), where he skipped over 3l clear. With just a 4lb penalty for that facile victory, he has the look of a well-handicapped individual, especially as he is due to run off a 6lb higher mark in future.

Martin Means Business
Another well treated at the weights is Tony Martin’s 5yo, Heartbreak City (10/1), who also recorded a career best on the Flat when winning a valuable handicap at York in August (2m, good to soft). A 9lb higher mark makes life tougher, but Martin’s runners can never be overlooked in the big handicaps.

Martin also has the popular 6yo, Quick Jack (8/1), who always goes well in these kind of big-field races, including when third in last year’s Cesarewitch. He’ll be 9lb higher on Saturday, though, and will need to improve if getting in front.

Orange Is Juicy Odds
The same comments apply to Sir Mark Prescott’s 4yo, William Of Orange (12/1), who has shown gradual improvement despite having not won in five outings this season.

His best effort was when third in a valuable handicap at Goodwood (2m5f, good), and Saturday’s stamina test will suit.

This test will also suit Willie Mullins’ 6yo, Renneti (12/1), a winner over this 2m2f trip over hurdles who has never been this far on the Flat, and could have more to come. Mullins has also booked Jamie Spencer, while his mark of 90 looks ideal based on past renewals…

Cesarewitch Trends
Of the last 10 winners…
10 won three handicaps or more – others were 0-141
9 were officially rated 87 or higher – others were 1-115
9 were drawn in stalls 24 or lower – others were 1-99
9 ran over 2m-2m2f last time – others were 1-170
Those that ran at Haydock, Goodwood or York last time were 0-81
P Hobbs & B Meehan won it twice apiece

As for the other leading fancies, then Roger Varian’s 4yo, Steve Rogers (20/1), enters calculations having improved to win four of his last six races, including at Chester last month (2m, good to soft).

A mention also goes to Mark Johnston’s top-weight, Oriental Fox (16/1), placed in two Group staying events in France the last twice. He is 2lb higher than when sixth in this last year, but could be each-way material.

Recommended Bets
With Richard Fahey landing the big Saturday handicaps of late, his Angel Gabrial looks primed for a big run, but preference is for Sir Mark Prescott’s, William Of Orange.

He has long shaped as though this race would suit, and may be delivered late under George Baker.

*Prices correct at time of publication.