Racing Preview & Picks – Sunday 22 March
A solid Sunday card ahead with competitive racing from Carlisle and Exeter. We’re focusing on a few well-handicapped runners, some interesting jockey bookings, and one standout strong bet on the day. As always, we’re looking to find value where the market may have it slightly wrong—so let’s get stuck in.
Racing Preview & Picks – Sunday 22 March
CARLISLE 2:15 – RICKETY GATE (7/1)
That old rogue Mick Easterby knows how to get his inmates a favourable handicap mark, and that could be the case with the stable’s 8-year-old TWO BROTHERS. After all, the son of SIR PERCY is rated 81 on the Flat, suggesting he should be capable of reaching 110 over the sticks. However, he’s a late convert to hurdling, and these odds look a bit short.
In the hope of finding improvement, Jackie Stephen fits a first-time tongue-tie on KARMA DE COTTE. The step up in trip and good ground should suit, but Jamie Hamilton’s mount looks a bit one-paced.
While he’s now an 11-year-old, I like the look of the well-treated RICKETY GATE. The Nicky Richards-trained gelding goes well for an apprentice, and Ella McGarry takes off a useful 10lb. The good ground is a plus for the course-and-distance winner, and a 134-day break isn’t a concern.
EXETER 3:02 – EGBERT (4/1, bigger on the exchanges)
One thing is certain—you need a sound jumper around Exeter’s chase track. While most of these are battle-hardened, I’m not convinced the track will suit the early favourite LIVIN ON LUCO.
James Best is an underrated jockey, and I’d trust him to get more out of ESCARIA TEN. However, while he should run well and hit the frame, it’s hard to see the 12-year-old getting his head in front. SPORTING ACE is opposable, and IRON BRIDGE hasn’t won for three years.
RIVERS CORNER would prefer easier ground, so the vote goes to recent winner EGBERT. The Christian Williams-trained 9-year-old just scrambled home at Haydock, but that was his first run in nine months and his first for the yard. With Harry Cobden booked, a 2lb rise shouldn’t stop him.
EXETER 3:37 – FORTUNEFAVORSBOLD (2/1) – STRONG BET
With a strike rate of 1 from 24, it’s easy to oppose Polly Gundry’s SWEET NIGHTINGALE. The same yard’s winning point-to-pointer could sneak into a place, but winning looks unlikely.
OSTRAVA DE BERLAIS is on a fair mark but also finds winning difficult. SEASMOKE jumped poorly at Hereford before fading badly; the handicapper has eased her another 1lb, making her fairly treated. A recent wind op and first-time tongue-tie could help, but it’s hard to see her beating FORTUNEFAVORSBOLD.
Last time out, the Christian Williams-trained 8-year-old chased home FAY CE QUE VOUDRAS, beaten just 1¾ lengths with the third a further 20 lengths back. The winner has since followed up twice, so a 2lb rise looks manageable. Harry Cobden taking the ride is another positive, and the quicker ground shouldn’t pose an issue.
Best of luck if you’re getting involved today—let’s hope we can land a few winners.
New Video: Do yourself a favour – Watch and learn!
The post Racing Preview & Picks – Sunday 22 March appeared first on Betting-Analyst.