The Neighsayers - Ante-post Selections

This is just a short Blog Highlighting a couple if ante-post bets I’ve had for a couple of the top races to look forward to this coming flat Season. 

American Flag - French 2000 Guineas 

(6/1 - 365 & Sky Bet )   14/05/2023

The first one I’ve backed is a horse I have been visually impressed with over the Channel. American Flag has shaped very impressively in his 2 3yo wins this campaign. His first win was in the Prix Omnium II, where he was visually eyecatching before hand and came at a canter from behind to quickly put the race to bed, beating Kendley by 3L. 

He then lined up in the Prix De Fontainebleau, typically seen as the 2000 Guineas trial in France. He opened a rather large looking 10/3 that day and was heavily backed into 9/10 Fav just before the race. The time on the clock was pretty impressive on the going, and he looked to had came on leaps and bounds from his previous win, easily dispatching another horse at the top of the market, Rajapour, a general 12/1 shot for the race. 

The fav for the race, Victoria Road was due to run in the trial, but subsequently had picked an injury up whilst travelling over. With no indication of how severe the injury is, I believe the 6/1 available for American Flag is a brilliant price, and can sure be seen to stick it up to the big boys from the UK / IRE, whoever which they do bring over on the 14th. 

Sakheer - Commonwealth Cup 

(10/1 Unibet , 8/1 General) 23/06/23

A horse were not likely to see until the first classic of the season at Newmarket. Sakheer looked something special when hosing up in the Mill Reef as a 2yo last year, easily dispatching some solid campaigned 2yo. I believe this horse will have only improved form the winter. 

I can see Sakheer not having the stamina for the 1m trip. I believe he is pure speed and power and the obvious target for this horse to me would be the commonwealth cup. A trip I’m sure which will suit the horse to the ground, the general 8/1 could look massive come the day and I’m very keen on this horses chances should he line up here. 

Luxembourg - Prix De L’Arc De Triopmhe

(25/1 Sky Bet , 20s General) 01/10/2023

A horse I’m sure a lot of us will have been raving about last season. Luxembourg looked to be the main protagonist in last years Derby, but an Injury hit campaign meant we didn’t see this horse return until the back end of the summer. A return win in a Group 3 contest at Cork, Luxembourg backed up the hype with a brilliant win the Irish champion stakes, seeing off class horses Vadeni, Onesto and Mishriff. 

He then lined up in the last years Arc, and found himself in a poor position early on, which virtually put the writing on the wall for the horse. He credibly hit the like strong, finishing midfield in 7th of 20. 

Ryan Moore has been quoted that the horrid ground that day and went against the horse albeit he was thorough impressed with how he finished. He fully expects to come back much stronger and better as a 4yo, and can see him being bang there for the main middle distance Group 1s across the continent this year. 

The main aim you’d say would be Europes most famous race, and at the current prices available, I see this as nice play at this stage.

Good luck and be lucky as always 

@swan1_oliver