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 Boylesports) was 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)
