THE CAMBRIDGESHIRE CONUNDRUM

As we approach Newmarket's Cambridgeshire Handicap it can only mean one thing; autumn has arrived! With close to thirty set to run this is a very tough race to pick a clear winner especially as there are so many horses coming into the race with good form. Some are stepping up in class and others dropping down in grade also making it hard to weigh up. Tempus steps up into heritage handicap company off the back of "technically" an unbeaten campaign this year having been awarded the race at Newbury after the disqualification of the winner Overwrite due to interference. He then went on to back up that run to win well at Ascot. Trainer Roger Charlton has his horse in good form of late and clearly fancy’s his chances. Sinjaari is one of the current market leaders and has been competing at this level for the latter of his three year old campaign although he was only hitting the cross bar he did go on to score this year at York in July winning gamely. Unbeaten as a 4 year old he is definitely one to watch.

Montatham's form speaks volumes having ran eleven times in his career and claiming success on five occasions. He's also never finished outside of the first four. Although the majority of those runs were in a lower grade last year his races this term have been at a high level. He went well in a Listed contest at Sandown and also holds a course victory under his belt. He definitely seems to be a horse on the up. That's not even mentioning the current on-fire duo of Crowley and Maktoum who are flying at the moment, especially in major Saturday races.

The William Knight trained Sir Busker won the Silver Royal Hunt Cup in impressive style when delivered late on the line. He showed he had the temperament to improve going forward. A second in the Group 2 Celebration Mile was mightily impressive and a return to handicap company should be a positive.

Both Montatham and Sir Busker get my vote. Montatham based on his form and level of consistency makes him hard to ignore. Sir Busker seems to have a fantastic attitude and William Knight has done a superb job with him. He has proved himself at a higher level and although he has hit the goal post a few times I’m sure it won't be long before he repays his trainer with a big race victory. MONTATHAM (E/W)

SIR BUSKER (E/W)

written by Nathan McCann

ITV Newmarket Selections: 13:50 Newmarket (Royal Lodge) - COBH

14:25 Newmarket (Cheveley Park) - SACRED

15:00 Newmarket (Middle Park) - THE LIR JET