The record stands as one winner from two bets for this column on Wednesday, with a narrow defeat for our second selection. Newturf Virtual Racecourse offers a four race betting card on Thursday and we have two recommendations to go into battle with on what could be a tough day.
The main race of interest for us is the New Approach Derby (19:40 Newturf.) Twelve go to post but with Inspire Me discounted on account of the firm ground, there are three to concentrate on. This trio consists of Superman II D’Ourasi, Odile and Ut Pluvia. Superman II seems to be at home on good ground and ran an excellent race when finishing runner-up in a Melbourne Cup Qualifier recently but still found Odile too hot to handle and looks booked for third at best here. Odile and Ut Pluvia have actually met before on firm ground in the Hong Kong Derby a couple of weeks ago and they filled the first two positions, with Ut Pluvia coming out on top that time. However, there was very little between them on speed and Ut Pluvia was able to take advantage of the use of blinkers to outstay her opponent. She will not have that advantage this time around and although it is likely to be a close run thing, Odile is tipped to turn the tables.
You can place a bet here. Betting is open to residents of UK and Ireland only.
In the Baracouda Hurdle (20:10 Newturf), my first inclination was to side with Norina Ts. This mare has never finished out of the frame in any of her five attempts in Golden Races and also won a Royal Team Cup on firm ground. Those credentials will make her tough to beat. However, another who has shown an aptitude for lively ground conditions is La Boheme Du Palais. With the blinkers on, it looks likely this mare will be using the maximum drive and as such she is worth taking a chance on here.
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Odile to win. (New Approach Derby, 19:40 Newturf.) Combine with Ut Pluvia and Superman II D’Ourasi in an exacta.
La Boheme Du Palais to win. (Baracouda Hurdle, 20:10 Newturf.)
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You can place a bet here. Betting is open to residents of UK and Ireland only.