2.00pm Newmarket Tips & Betting Preview 23/09/2017

2.00pm Newmarket tips for Saturday’s Class 3 race. Many horses drop down in class to take this assignment, so it promises to be a competitive affair. Read on for our free betting tips, predictions and analysis.

IN SUMMARY: If back to the form of his win at Windsor in May, CROWNED EAGLE will be very tough to beat here now he’s gelded. He was well held in Group company the last twice, but he now drops back into Class 3 Handicap company and a mark of 95 looks lenient considering he’s still unexposed. Andrea Atezni takes the ride and he should make it three wins from seven, with the main danger First Nation who is also down in class after some solid efforts.

1 CROWNED EAGLE – Won a Nottingham maiden and a Windsor Handicap both in good style, finding the step up to Group company too much the last twice. He’s been gelded since and is dropped markedly in class, with a mark of 95 more than manageable. Conditions are to suit and he looks very tough to beat if back to the form of his Windsor win.

2 FIRST NATION – Yet to add to a maiden win on his second start, but he’s got plenty of decent form in the book. He was second in a Royal Ascot Handicap, though he was held at the same venue two weeks ago. He’s a pound lower in an easier race here and has leading claims.

3 CITY OF JOY – Has been inconsistent in competitive handicaps of late, but his running on fifth at York over the mile showed he was ready for the step up in distance. He’s down in class and is bred to stay for leading connections, so has to be respected.

4 APEX KING – Won a Listed race at Ascot last year, but he’s struggled in two similar races this term, the latest of which over 1m 4f where he looked like a non-stayer. He’s been gelded and is down in grade here after a 133 day break, so is worth considering for the minor money.

5 AY AY – Won on debut at Lingfield back in December, but he’s been well held since, last seen over course and distance floundering in fifth and beaten 11 lengths. He’s capable of better but he’s a risky play here and others have far more convincing claims.

6 THE STATESMAN – Won a Class 4 race at Sandown on Wednesday for Ian Williams by half a length, hardly too impressive and he takes a step up in class for this. He’ll need to have improved and, with only a three day break, others are higher on the list, all things considered.

7 MONTICELLO – Finished a good second over course and distance in June but he’s lost his way since, well held on three subsequent runs, including in this class. If back to form he’s weighted well here, however that cannot be guaranteed and is not a risk worth taking today.

8 HARBOUR ROCK – Won a maiden at Goodwood four starts ago, but he’s been frustrating to follow since, finishing second in three Class 4 Handicaps. He had ample opportunity to go by on his latest start and doesn’t look the heartiest of horses, perhaps needing further than this. Each way claims at a strong pace but that is all.