Horse racing betting tips: Fendale can fend off his rivals to land Michael Dods the Ladbrokes Handicap
A whopping 22 runners go to post for the Ladbrokes Handicap (Thursday 6.00pm) – and I’ll be backing FENDALE to build on last month’s encouraging fifth at Ripon.
A promising youngster, Fendale won his first two career outings before going off 10/1 for the 2014 Group Two Gimcrack Stakes.
He finished well down the field that day and subsequently lost his way, but that fast-finishing fifth in the Silver Trophy hinted at a return to form.
The four-year-old put in a cracking effort despite an unfavourable low draw, with the top four in the race all coming from double-figure stalls.
He’s in the capable hands of Michael Dods, whose sensational recent form has been highlighted this week following a 53/1 Redcar treble.
It would be no surprise to see him continue the yard’s form and he looks a decent each-way proposition off the same mark. Take the 14/1 with Coral.
Highland Acclaim could prove best of the rest under a penalty having won at Epsom last month, while Tiger Jim will hope for a bit more rain.
Elsewhere on the card I like the chances of Sir Michael Stoute’s ABINGDON, who runs in the Group Two Park Hill Stakes (3.05pm).
The highly-progressive filly has won three of her four races this season and I think she can go close again for a trainer who has won this race four times.
Simple Verse, who was first past the post in last year’s St Leger, could blow them all away if back to form, but she’s disappointed of late and I’d rather side with Abingdon at 9/4 with Coral.
John Gosden’s California could chase home my selection as she bids for her third win on the bounce following victories at Ascot and Goodwood already this year.
The Newmarket trainer is another who has enjoyed success in this race having won it in 2015 with Gretchen.
Pointers
Abingdon, 3.05pm Doncaster
Fendale e/w, 6.00pm Doncaster