Horse Racing Betting Tips: OBriens filly Can Fly to Guineas glory
ON SUNDAY, its the turn of the fillies with the QIPCO 1000 Guineas (3.35pm) and once again its that man Aidan OBrien who looks to hold all the aces.
The master of Ballydoyle has won the last two renewals of the mile Classic and holds a strong hand in his attempt to win it for a fifth time.
Favourite Happily ended her two-year-old campaign with a disappointing run at the Breeders Cup, but had previously landed two Group One prizes, including victory against the boys in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere at Chantilly on Arc day.
Thats by far the best form on offer and if she is match-fit on her return, she should prove very hard to beat.
However, its that lack of a prep-run that is slightly off-putting and I have a feeling that she may be vulnerable to her stablemate I CAN FLY who has had that all important recent outing.
Admittedly she didnt set the world alight when third to Whos Steph in Leopardstowns 1000 Guineas Trial over seven furlongs a fortnight ago, but shell be spot on for this now.
Her two-year-old form is miles behind that of her more illustrious stablemate, but its significant that OBrien deemed her good enough to bring here to Newmarket last October on the back of an easy victory in a Dundalk maiden.
She finished third to Altyn Orda in the Group Three Oh So Sharp Stakes that day, but was backed as if defeat was out of the question which suggests she is more than well-regarded at home.
That was a fair enough run, though, and I expect her to take another huge step forward on Sunday at 7/1 with Star Sports.
Dont forget that 12 months ago, the Ballydoyle second-string Winter was victorious in this race, beating hot favourite Rhododendron.
She did so on the back of a defeat in the Leopardstown 1000 Guineas Trial and was too good for her stablemate who came into the race without having had a recent run. Heres hoping that history repeats itself.
There are plenty of obvious dangers, including the Godolphin filly Soliloquy who looked smart at Newmarket last month and Mick Channons Dans Dream who continues to improve with every start.
However, one that could go well at a big price is Irish raider Liquid Amber at around 20/1.
She hasnt been seen since landing a Group Three at the Curragh by five lengths last summer and if she was trained by OBrien, shed be a fraction of that price.
Looking at the rest of Newmarkets Sunday card and Wuheida should be too good for her rivals in the Dahlia Stakes (2.20pm), while the immaculately bred Lah Ti Dar will more than likely take the Pretty Polly Stakes (4.45pm) on her way to a tilt at the Investec Oaks.
However, the best bet on the card could well be the Sir Michael Stoute-trained ADAMANT in the opening Qatar Racing Handicap (1.50pm).
He caught the eye at Newbury last month running on over 10 furlongs and looks to be crying out for this step up in trip to 1m4f.
The handicapper raised him 4lbs for that effort, but he is likely to be much better than this current mark of 90 and will strip fitter on Sunday with that run under his belt.
POINTERS SUNDAY
Adamant 1.50pm Newmarket
I Can Fly e/w 3.35pm Newmarket
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