Horse Racing - Hawkish value lies with these two plays

HORSE RACING boff Graeme Johnston (@GraemeJ_83) picks out his best bet from Saturday’s action.

1:10pm Haydock | Lancashire Oaks

The Lancashire Oaks looks a very good race and there are 4 or 5 fillies who are on the verge of top class. Older fillies and the classic generation clash here and to me the older fillies look like taking top honours here.

Precious Ramstowe is a very very progressive filly and she was one of my horses to follow last year. She was blighted by injuries but has since returned with 2 wins this season. She could be top class, but this is a step up and it may be she still needs experience and will improve with time.

Horseplay was fourth in the Oaks last season, albeit well beaten and hasn’t won for over a year however she is the one to beat here. Her best form is on quick ground and the form of her second last time out looks solid with the third winning at group level and the winner narrowly losing a group 1. I expect her to finally win a group race here.

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2:10pm Sandown | Coral Eclipse

The Coral Eclipse takes centre stage and it’s always a top class race. The classic generation meet the older horses and despite some key protagonists missing it’s still likely to be an informative race.

Saxon Warrior is a 2000 Guineas winner and he now drops in trip after two failures over a mile and a half. He’s a top class horse, however I’m still not sure what his ideal trip is and this comes very quick on the back of the Irish derby so I’m avoiding him.

Roaring Lion has only won once from his 4 starts this season however it was over this trip on fast ground so he’s of interest here. He is probably the most interesting of the classic generation here however he is by no means bomb proof.

I’m not sure how good the current crop of 3 year olds are and I’m taking them on here. The top older horses are missing but Hawkbill is of interest to me. A previous winner of this race, he’s top class on his day and stays well. With doubts over the stamina and also of the ability of some of these he appeals as an each way option, although the fact there are only 7 runners effects the place value.