Horse Racing – British-bred star can excel in Irish 2000 Guineas

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FOLLOWING an excellent effort at Sandown on Thursday night, racing expert Graeme Johnston (@GraemeJ_83) picks out his best bet from Saturday's action.

4:10 Curragh | Irish 2000 Guineas | AtTheRaces

The Irish 2000 Guineas is usually a benefit race for Aidan O'Brien and unsurprisingly he has a strong hand here.

Gustav Klimt (5/1 William Hill) was my idea of the winner of the English version but he disappointed and I've overlooked him here.

Us Navy Flag (10/3 William Hill) is a dual Group 1 winner and number one jockey booking, but I'm not convinced of his optimum trip yet and he looks vulnerable.

I've backed the Mark Johnston-trained Elarqam (15/8 Paddy Power). Beautifully bred, he lost his 100% record in the Guineas but ran a great race and with the promise of more to come; I think he can take the prize back across the Irish Sea with him.

3:25 Haydock | Sandy Lane Stakes | RacingUK

The Sandy Lane Stakes is one helluva race and this is likely to have a huge effect on the outcome of the Commonwealth Cup in June.

Sands Of Mali (7/2 Ladbrokes) was a top juvenile and returned this season in France winning a Group 3. He gave weight to all that day and the horse in second has won a Group 3 since.

I feel he is underrated despite being the highest-rated in the field and he looks well overpriced, to me.

3:05 York | ITV4

Not the biggest race of the day but this Group 3 for fillies contains the horse I'm most excited about all weekend.

Precious Ramotswe (7/2 Boylesportswas one of my five to follow last season but she got injured, missed most of the year and ran unplaced on her final start.

She returned this year with a cosy success at Brighton, and although this requires a lot more, I think she is more than capable of winning this.

Best Bets

3:05 York – Precious Ramotswe to win (7/2 Boylesports)

3:25 Haydock – Sands Of Mali to win (7/2 Ladbrokes)

4:10 Curragh – Elarqam to win (15/8 Paddy Power)

About Author

I grew up watching Hearts games with my dad and playing football at every opportunity so betting on it was the logical next step! Football coupons became a Saturday ritual and it introduced me into the world of horse racing. I started watching it on a regular basis, and after Galileo's Derby win in 2001 I was hooked. I follow both flat and national hunt racing attending the northern meetings when possible.

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