Run over a distance of 1m1f the Cambridgeshire Handicap is staged at Newmarket on the Rowley Mile course. First run in 1839 the contest is the first leg of what is known as the “Autumn Double”, with the Cesarewitch being the second leg run in October.
The autumn double is a very difficult bet to land with many punters tending to give it an each-way attempt. Just take a look at the last five year’s results:
- 2014 Bronze Angel (14/1) & Big Easy (10/1)
- 2015 Third Time Lucky (14/1) & Grumeti (50/1)
- 2016 Spark Plug (12/1) & Sweet Selection (7/1)
- 2017 Dolphin Vista (50/1) & Withhold (5/1)
- 2018 Wissahickon (11/1) & Low Sun (10/1)
Starting Price Trends & Statistics:
- Educate in 2013 is the only successful favourite since 2009 while seven of the last ten winners came from the top six in betting.
- Only two winners (40/1 & 50/1) from the last ten renewals returned at bigger odds than 16/1, with three going off at 14/1.
A field of 33 runners go to post and here is your runner-by-runner guide:
Dubai Horizon
Saeed bin Suroor’s runner was last seen on a UK racecourse just over a year ago when finishing fifth to Dolphin Vista in Ayr’s Doonside Cup. His fitness has to be taken on trust.
Affak
Winner of the Royal Hunt Cup in the soft at Royal Ascot this summer but has struggled in two subsequent runs since. He finished towards the rear in this last year.
Fajjaj
The Al Shaqab-owned four-year-old has finished stone last in his last two runs. He finished second in the German 2000 Guineas last year.
Mordin
Last year's Cambridgeshire runner-up Mordin will be hoping to go one better this year under 7lb claimer, Marco Ghiani.
Bedouin's Story
Hosed up over 7f on soft ground at York in July and ran well on the all-weather at Chelmsford. He looks like Godolphin’s best chance here.
Petrus
A reproduction of his Spring Mile victory in March would put him in with a chance here but he has been fairly inconsistent since.
Baltic Baron
A winless four-year-old whose best run came in the Golden Mile at Goodwood this season.
Zhui Feng
Likely to set the pace to the race but it will be a tall order to stay out in front for the entirety of the contest.
Jazeel
Won off a off a mark of 84 in the Silver Cambridgeshire last year and is hoping to take the big one in his stride twelve months later.
Beringer
Ran well in the Lincoln at the start of the season and has always looked the type do well over an undulating track and trip like this.
Queen Of Time
Consistent mare but whether she is quite up to a race of this magnitude is open to question?
Nicholas T
A six-time career winner at Ayr, it’s also been a “T” for tremendous season for the six-year-old but this is a whole new ball game for him.
Dark Vision
Ran poorly in the Golden Mile at Goodwood and was made favourite next time at York, but again never figured. He doesn’t look to have an obvious chance.
Le Don De Vie
He was a comfortable winner at Goodwood last month on just his seventh outing. Plans to take him to Australia have been put on hold for a good crack at this prize.
History Writer
His last two handicap runs at Goodwood and York do not suggest that he is up to taking this.
Fifth Position
A very interesting three-year-old recruit to handicapping scene from a strong Roger Varian stable. He needs to be noted in the betting.
Another Touch
He has been knocking on the door of late after running well in the Diamond Jubilee Handicap at York and in the Kilkerran Cup at Ayr.
Lord North
Last year’s winning trainer and jockey combination line up again here with an interesting three-year-old. He’s definitely one to put on any shortlist.
Good Birthday
Good Birthday is ridden by jockeys’ championship leader Oisin Murphy, in the colours of King Power Racing. They will be hoping for many happy returns here.
Badenscoth
In great form on the all-weather this season before finally gaining a turf win at Sandown. His last two runs have been a letdown though.
Smile A Mile
The three-year-old finished last of ten at Ayr last Saturday which doesn’t really bode well for this.
Alternative Fact
It’s two years now since the gelding registered his only victory but he has been running with credit recently.
Al Jellaby
Finished second to the progressive Kasbaan at Kempton Park last time out and his price looks rather inflated.
Cockalorum
A winner at Ripon in July and he usually runs fairly well in handicaps. He could sneak a place.
Mulligatawny
Gained a couple of victories in Scotland over the summer but it will take something special to can this prize.
You're Hired
The six-year-old has come agonisingly close a few times this season but is now on a losing run of 13 races.
Korcho
3¾ lengths sixth to Forest of Dean at Goodwood last time and should be suited by the step up in trip.
Chance
He completed hat-trick of wins over the summer but was disappointing last time behind Lawn Ranger.
Majestic Dawn
The three-year-old who has been running well in the big heritage handicaps this season with a few punters now latching onto him in the betting.
Little Jo
Went off the favourite for the Silver Cambridgeshire last year and finished a close third. He hasn’t been seen for almost a year however.
Music Seeker
This Henrythenavigator-colt has performed pretty well over the course of this season. He’ll need to run well above his mark here though.
Zzoro
He will do well to leave his mark on this race but he does have a course and distance win going for him.
Isomer
French riding sensation Marie Perrault takes off a valuable 7lbs at the bottom of the handicap but will the horse be good enough in this company? Usually races in headgear.
Cambridgeshire: Predictions
I’ve been a fan of Beringer (nap) all season long - he is totally made for a race like this and is worth backing in horse racing betting markets. Alan King is sure to have left no stone unturned in his preparation.
Jazeel also catches my eye as another each-way selection, especially with the Jed O’Keeffe team having this race as his target for some considerable time.
Good luck on the first leg of the autumn double!
888Sport suggests: Beringer and Jazeel (e/w).
