Belgian Bill shaped really well last time out and looks good value at 12/1 in today’s Bunbury Cup at Newmarket (2.40).
George Baker’s charge developed into a useful sort last season and ran a blinder when fourth of 29 to Sagramor in the Britannia at Royal Ascot off a mark of 97.
He showed plenty of early dash that day over the mile and kept on well under pressure to be beaten just 3/4 of a length.
It’s fair to say that he was not seen to best effect in his next couple of starts, but he left those efforts behind and looked to be back on the up when beaten just a nose by the classy Songcraft on his comeback run at Meydan in January.
That was a really solid effort, and although turned over at Wolverhampton next time up his last two runs have been full of promise and suggested that he has a big prize like this in him.
The son of Exceed And Excel showed plenty of pace before fading a furlong from home when 12 of 30 to Prince of Johanne in the Royal Hunt Cup and then ran really well when dropped in trip to 7f two days later and finishing 7th of 23 to Eton Forever in the Buckingham Palace on soft ground.
The four-year-old raced on the far side that day and was forced to make his move earlier than he wanted to chase the winner who kicked for home as the near side seemed to hold sway.
In the end he kept on well to be second on the far side behind the winner, and although he finished behind Jamsie, Atlantic Sport and Decent Fella they all raced in the nearside group where there was more pace and I fancy him to turn the tables.
He has a good draw in stall 3 judged on how yesterday’s races panned out, and Richard Hughes is a very eye-catching booking as he has a 75% strike rate (three wins from 4 races) when teaming up with the yard in the last 12 months.
Everything looks in place for a huge run, and at the odds on offer he rates solid each-way value.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 3pts each-way Belgian Bill (12/1 bet365, Boylesports – BOG)