Daily Dial #107 – Three Bets across York, Hexham and Leicester

A real mixed day of it yesterday, with one outright disappointment in Fantasy Master at Sandown, one hard-luck story who was probably the eyecatcher of the day in Trean at Gowran Park, and a big-priced winner in debutant GYMBAAZY, landing us a great 33/1. Owen Burrows and his newcomers on the turf really do have some record, and they continue to be overlooked in the betting — yesterday’s winner even had clues in the family of being ready at the first time of asking. We’ve had a tough start to the month, so that was a welcome boost.

Today, like any Saturday, looks tough enough. It wasn’t hard to fill a page with those who interest, but it was a far stiffer task narrowing down the ones I actually want to bet. I’ve ended up taking two vastly out-of-form types, which is a gamble in itself, but at the prices, and looking at the respective races, I was happy enough.

First up is BOSTON DAN for Richard and Peter Fahey, who surely boasts the strongest course form in this field but does need forgiving a few recent poor runs. His course form last year saw him run a ¾-length 2nd of 21 in the Harry’s Half Million By Goffs (one of the most valuable sales races in racing) in August, and a 1¾-length 2nd of 13 in the Rockingham Stakes in October. His first run of this term, at Newmarket, was his first dip into handicaps, and two disappointing runs since saw him treated for stomach ulcers. He returns now eased 5lbs from his worthy opening mark of 97 at the turn of the season. If his stomach issues are behind him, he could run a big race at a monstrous price. 1pt Each-Way @ 80/1 (generally available, paying 5 Places 1/5).

Next up is one for David Killahena & Graeme McPherson, who we mentioned recently on account of the blistering form the yard have suddenly bounced into. They send BILLY BOI BLUE to Hexham, a track they are 7/20 at with 12 in the frame, for a 35% win and 60% place strike. Interestingly, they have David Bass booked for the ride, his only one of the day, and when pairing up they’ve recorded 4 wins and 8 places from just 15 (3 wins + 2 places from 8 in 2026). The charge is a lightly raced 9-year-old, who has won 3 from 15, all in handicaps, and goes off the lowest mark he has run from here. He has been out of form, but the yard have really turned a corner since then, so I’m going with the gut and taking a chance on the standout course and jockey stats. 1pt Each-Way @ 14/1 (Bet365, paying 3 Places 1/5).

Lastly goes GIFTS DIFFERING for the outgoing (at the end of this month) James Ferguson, a yard who do really well with these 3-year-old races, fillies especially. This Teofilo filly is out of a nice dam and could well find bounds of improvement for this track. I’ve mentioned Teofilo’s recently on undulating tracks, and Leicester is only behind Hamilton and Fairyhouse for strike rate with Teofilo progeny — both undulating tracks themselves — and Leicester boasts a far bigger sample pool than either of them, too. She is unexposed, with a very vulnerable-looking short-priced favourite heading the betting and taking a chunk of the market with him, so I’d fancy this as a good bit of placement which should see the filly in far better light. 1pt Each-Way @ 14/1 (generally available, paying 3 Places 1/5).

Others to note: Flash Of Fire (9/2, Sandown 14:05), White Crown Star and Midnight Strike (50/1 and 125/1, York 14:25), Eye Of The Water (20/1, Bath 17:02), Regal Chita (10/11, Leicester 18:30), Under The Twilight (15/8, Leicester 19:30).

Good luck to all getting involved. Be Lucky!