Epsom Betting Tips – 2.05pm Woodcote Stakes

Richard_Fahey_Horse_Racing-371315.jpg

Horse racing betting tips for the 2.05pm Woodcote Stakes at Epsom on Saturday.

 

This year's renewal of the Investec Woodcote Stakes, run over six furlongs for two year-olds, has attracted a field of nine runners.  This Listed contest was won last year by Thunder Strike.

 

 

 

Sign up HERE with Betfair to get Australia at 5/1 to win The Derby

 

 

 

Richard Fahey enters two in the race, and it doesn’t look like there is much between them, with both BALLYMORE CASTLE (11/4 Betfred) and Burtonwood (14/1 SkyBet) scoring impressively this season.  The former burst through to win on soft ground at Chester on his second start, while Burtonwood won on his second start at Nottingham before disappointing a little at Newmarket last time out.  On that evidence Ballymore Castle is preferred as he looks a tough, hardy two year-old, who stayed on very well in the end to lead close to home at Chester.  He looks to have solid claims as he should handle the undulating nature of Epsom and this race has been his target for a while. 

 

Richard Hannon's father took the spoils last year with Thunder Strike, and Hannon Jnr enters Baitha Alga (5/2 bet365), picking up the same stall number as Thunder Strike did to win a year ago.  Today's runner won at Chester 10 days ago, and handled it well enough to suggest that the Epsom idiosyncrasies shouldn’t be too much of a problem.  He looks an athletic two year-old, who has the necessary tactical speed to adjust to trouble in running, as shown at Chester.  After initially entering six runners in the race, this is Hannon's only representative, so connections must fancy the two year-old's chances.

 

Lightning Stride (11/2 Coral) improved massively for his initial experience at Newmarket to win at Leicester and is expected to come on again.  He was well on top at the end of the race and the fact he handled the undulations well should stand him in good stead on this tricky course.  He has been stepped up in trip for the first time but, judging by his previous two runs, he should benefit thanks to the extra furlong and there looks to be further improvement to come.

 

Last time out Red Icon (6/1 Ladbrokes) made all to win his maiden at Haydock just nine days ago, seeing off a few newcomers and staying on strongly over the six furlongs.  The step up suited, and the two year-old looked to have improved since his first career start when finishing fourth behind the aforementioned Ballymore Castle.  He’s a progressive type, who looks to still be improving, and is worth noting here.

 

Another who steps up to six furlongs for the first time is the Robert Mills trained Fine Prince (18/1 William Hill), who until now has had his two career runs over five furlongs.  On both occasions he found short priced Hannon favourites just that bit too good.  He should be suited by the slight step-up in trip and looks an interesting contender.

 

 

Sign up HERE with bet365 to receive a deposit bonus up to £200

 

 

In a wide open renewal to The Woodcote Stakes, it is difficult to pick out an easy winner here. Many have similar backgrounds, and many will be suited by conditions.  Richard Fahey goes into the race with a strong hand, and BALLYMORE CASTLE just edges the vote.  He should be suited by the course, the drop of rain that could arrive, and by the six furlongs on offer.

 

 

Woodcote Stakes Betting Tip – 

 

BALLYMORE CASTLE (WIN)(NAP) (11/4 Betfred)

 

 

 

Sign up with Betfred today to receive a free matched bet up to £25 

 

Simply follow these simple steps – 

 

1. click on the above link 

 

2. create an account and enter your details

 

3. your initial bet will be matched up to £25

 

 

Sign up and bet £40 on Ballymore Castle at 11/4 with Betfred to receive a return of £150 plus a free bet of £25

 
 
Thatsbettingtips Staff

Thatsbettingtips Staff

Content Contributor at Thatsbettingtips.com
The team behind the betting tips, offers and promotions at tipster website thatsbettingtips.com.

Thatsbettingtips Staff

The team behind the betting tips, offers and promotions at tipster website thatsbettingtips.com.