Horse racing tips: Old Borough Cup predictions, preview and best bets

The 2024 Old Borough Cup promises a thrilling contest at Haydock Park on Saturday at 2:25 pm. Herrin Kendrick believes crucial jockey bookings could play a decisive role in this competitive stayers’ race. Read on to find his preview and the best bets for the Old Borough Cup.

Old Borough Cup Preview, Predictions And Best Bets

Can Epic Poet’s Odds Reflect the True Challenge in the Old Borough Cup?

• Caliyza comes into the race with a handicap mark of 91, which could be generous considering her French form.
• Oneforthegutter finished ahead of Epic Poet in the Ebor, despite Epic Poet’s shorter price in this race.
• The Goat could struggle with the drying ground, having shown better form in softer conditions.

Best Bet

The 2024 Old Borough Cup is set to unfold at Haydock Park, promising a thrilling contest of endurance over the 1m6f distance. With ITV Racing providing live coverage, fans are eager to witness how the race will develop among the field of 15, each hoping to make their mark on this prestigious handicap. The race, known for demanding a perfect blend of stamina and tactical awareness, will put both horses and jockeys to the test, especially on what is expected to be relatively dry ground.

The leading players in this year’s race bring plenty of intrigue. Epic Poet, ridden by Daniel Tudhope and trained by David O’Meara, heads into the event as the market leader at 4/1. His powerful late surge in previous races has caught the eye of punters, making him a strong favourite. However, with rivals like Divine Comedy, guided by the promising Kaiya Fraser and trained by Harry Eustace, and Oneforthegutter, ridden by the exceptional Ryan Moore, it’s far from a one-horse race.

Oneforthegutter, priced at 8/1, is a standout contender. He finished just ahead of Epic Poet in the Ebor, suggesting a tightly contested battle between the two once again. Knightswood, with Joe Fanning in the saddle, and The Goat, handled by Oisin Murphy, also offer credible threats, while Waxing Gibbous, under the guidance of Hollie Doyle, and Dancing In Paris, with David Egan aboard, further complicate the picture.

Success in this race requires a delicate balance of pace control and a well-timed finishing effort. Jockeys must ensure their mounts conserve enough energy to tackle the long stretch to the finish, a common downfall for those who push too early. As the field is packed with stamina-heavy horses, especially those with previous form over long distances, the tactical elements will play an equally critical role as the horses’ inherent abilities. The draw could influence early positioning, but as many will settle towards the rear, the key will be in executing a decisive finishing kick.

Best Bet for the Old Borough Cup: Caliyza to Win

After careful analysis, the horse that stands out most compellingly is Caliyza. The ex-French filly, now under the watchful eye of trainer John McConnell, is a fascinating runner for her stable debut in the UK. She has been allotted a handicap mark of 91, which appears to be lenient considering her achievements in France. Her victories, including a notable handicap win at Compiegne, underline her quality, and her final start in France saw her tackle Group 3 company—a clear indication of her potential.

Given this, Caliyza’s current odds of 20/1 are highly tempting. While she may not have the headline status of Epic Poet or Oneforthegutter, the fact that McConnell has chosen this prestigious race for her debut suggests confidence in her abilities. The key to her success will be how she adapts to British racing conditions and how well she is handled by her jockey in what will be a high-pressure environment.

Caliyza’s stamina is proven, and she has the tactical versatility to position herself well during the race. If she can replicate her French form, where she demonstrated a strong ability to stay on late, she could easily be a contender at a price. Her handicap mark could prove to be a gift, and while this race will be no easy task, she offers immense value for those looking beyond the favourites.

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Please gamble responsibly (18+ begambleaware). The odds and predictions mentioned are based on the information available at the time and may change as the race day approaches.

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