THURSDAY RACING TIPS

15:35 Newmarket

Sonny Liston is a half brother to Dame Malliot and Zabeel Champion. He looked very impressive on his debut at Sandown, over seven furlongs, when he scooted home by five lengths from a well backed favourite of John and Thady Gosden’s. He should enjoy the step up in trip and looks to have potential. Connections are in good form but others have more solid form. He’s one to watch today.

Cresta is related to some nice horses down the line, including Gabriel, and he has some nice form. He won his first race at Leicester, beating subsequent Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf victor, Modern Games. The latter got his revenge at Newmarket when inexperience cost Cresta in the gates. Inexperience cost him again at Newbury but there was still promise, especially on heavy ground. He should enjoy the step up in trip but there is the question mark as to whether he will be suited by it. He’s the main danger though.

Masekela won his first race at Goodwood and wasn’t disgraced behind Point Lonsdale in the Chesham at Royal Ascot, the time after. He was incredibly close to beating Phoenix and Dewhurst Stakes winner and Guineas favourite, Native Trail, at Newmarket, in the Superlative Stakes. He won at Newbury the time after and then didn’t get the rub of the green when looking uncomfortable in the Royal Lodge. He’s bred to stay the extra furlong and he has solid form. He stands a good chance today.

MASEKELA (WIN) 15:50 Cheltenham

Ile De Jersey was second to Addosh at Huntingdon and despite winning her first start on a British racetrack, she has filled the medal places the next three times. She still has to give Addosh weight but not as much as when they faced each other at Huntingdon. However, she should enjoy the further trip at Cheltenham. She might well need another few races to assume a winning mark though.

Addosh was victorious at Huntingdon, last time out, pulling clear to win by a length. She probably has the best form in the race, beating Ile De Jersey and subsequent Grade One scorers, Porticello and Knight Salute. She’s having her second run after wind surgery, which should bolster her chances. She has a nice mark and the only concern would be with Cheltenham itself, if she takes to the track again and finishes the course, she’s the main danger.

La Renommee was third behind the aforementioned two at Huntingdon. She has some nice form behind Love Envoi, who has since won at Cheltenham. She looked like she was staying on at Huntingdon and might well be suited to the further distance. Moreover, she enjoys a nice pull in the weights from her rivals. She could be value against them.

LA RENOMMEE (WIN)

written by Kieran McHugh