@TheTippingTim’s Weekend Bets!

My colleagues were raging about some of the rides on fancied Shergar Cup runners last week, but they wouldn’t back Rik Waller to win the Tour de France on Chris Froome’s bike so I have no idea what they were moaning about.  Fortunately for them there are only a couple of inept jockeys on the telly this weekend, so if they find the right horse they have more chance of collecting than they did at last week’s circus.

My nap this Saturday has to be Secret Talent in the seven furlong handicap at Newbury (3.50).  Things didn’t go to plan for Hughie Morrison’s progressive three-year-old in the Britannia at Royal Ascot, but that hot race might have come too soon for this youngster and he is entitled to another chance in this weaker contest.  His second to Professor reads very well now and, with the help of classy Irish pilot Pat Smullen, I fancy him to prove too speedy for all the reliable old plodders.

The next best this week is another in the safe hands of a top-notch jockey from the Emerald Isle, but this time it is Johnny Murtagh doing the steering.  The horse in question is Tawhid in the Hungerford at Newbury (3.15), and the appeal with this one is that it is in a race where a horse with no form in Europe is taking up 40% of the market.  The jolly Soft Falling Rain was last seen mopping up dubious Group races at Meydan, and I could happily oppose him with any one of tomorrow’s opponents.  Libranno is tempting at a big price should he be granted an easy lead, but Tawhid was probably beaten by a very good horse at Goodwood and he looks the solid option.

For the Trixie I will place my faith in the form of my new favourite filly J Wonder, and bet Clive Britain’s Dancealot in the Newmarket nursery at 1.50.  Dancealot became the latest filly to admire J Wonder’s elegant backside at HQ a fortnight ago, but there will be no future 1000 Guineas winners to worry about this time around and she should go close under Luke Morris.

Good luck with all your bets this weekend!

Follow @TheTippingTim on Twitter!