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:
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2015 Third Time Lucky (14/1) & Grumeti (50/1)
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2016 Spark Plug (12/1) & Sweet Selection (7/1)
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2017 Dolphin Vista (50/1) & Withold (5/1)
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2018 Wissahickon (11/1) & Low Sun (10/1)
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2019 Lord North (9/2f) & Stratum (25/1)
Cambridgeshire Handicap Trends:
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There have only been two successful favourites while seven of the last ten winners came from the top six in the betting.
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Only two winners (40/1 & 50/1) from the last ten renewals returned at bigger odds than 14/1. Seven winners have come home at odds of between 8/1 and 14/1 and one winner at 9/2.
A field of 29 runners go to post and here is your runner-by-runner guide (chance in italics):
Certain Lad
The Mick Channon-trained runner came home strongly at York last time to claim the Group Three Strensall Stakes. Prior to that he was second in the Rose Of Lancaster. Big player.
Sir Busker
Last seen finishing second to Century Dream in the Group Two Celebration Mile at Goodwood. Prior to that he was runner-up in York's Clipper Logistics Handicap. Leading light.
Montatham
Enjoying a tremendous season, finishing runner-up in the Royal Hunt Cup then winning at York and Sandown. Surely has to be on the premises.
Fifth Position
Third in the John Smith’s Cup at York then returned there to fill the same position in the Sky Bet Handicap. Strong contender.
Bell Rock
Has won two races from seven - both of them at Newmarket's Rowley Mile course. Each-way material.
Sinjaari
Powerful trainer and jockey combination and the recent John Smith’s Cup winner. There could be more to come.
Afaak
Winner of the Royal Hunt Cup on 2019 but has failed to trouble the judge since. Hard to see him winning.
Al Rufaa
Completed a hat-trick of handicap wins at Newmarket last month and had excuses at Haydock. Has the Frankie factor.
Power Of Darkness
Ran Beringer to a head in April 2019 and that horse was a close runner-up in this last year. Dark horse.
Bear Force One
Won on good to soft going at Newmarket this season but this is a much tougher assignment. Up against it.
Tempus
Has won four of his six starts, including both this season and has been the subject of a gamble all week. Shortlisted.
King Carney
Finished a close up third to Tempus at Newbury and now has a four pounds pull for half a length. Looks like value.
Derevo
Runs in the same colours as Tempus but probably holds a better chance. Knocking on the door.
Celtic Art
Was beaten out of sight in the March Stakes and will need a career best to figure here. Will win other races.
Majestic Dawn
Had an uninspiring return to action after a 313-day break on the all-weather. Look elsewhere.
Lucander
Beat a decent field of handicappers at York and will be right at home in this big field. Top 5 candidate.
Anythingtoday
Ran a stormer last time out in a big field at York. Impossible to say whether he will follow up or not. Risky proposition.
Dubai Mirage
Returned from a gelding operation in August to score nicely at Haydock but failed to follow that up at York. Interesting lurker in the online horse racing betting.
You’re Hired
Form with Scottish Summit looks good now after that one obliged on Thursday at Newmarket. Looks overpriced.
Walhaan
Caught the eye last time at Ascot behind Tempus and wasn’t beaten that far by Montatham at York. Worth a second look.
Good Birthday
Good Birthday came third in last year's Cambridgeshire but has shown no notable form this season. Dangerous to dismiss.
Mutafani
Formerly trained by Simon Crisford and was last seen running on the all-weather at Chelmsford. Big outsider.
Data Protection
Course and distance scorer but all of his successes have come in small fields. Hard to fancy.
Tulfarris
Swerved an alternative engagement at Haydock to run in this which is worth noting. This is much tougher test than those Ascot outings.
Kryptos
Has shown nothing this season to suggest a big handicap win is on the cards. Leap of faith required.
Ilaraab
Registered his fourth victory in succession when prevailing by a neck in the Dubai Duty Free Handicap last time. Top jockey and trainer will command respect.
Zhui Feng
Former Royal Hunt Cup winner but sadly lacks the consistency he had a few seasons back. May outrun his odds.
Balgair
Winner of the Amateur Jockeys' Cambridgeshire at Newmarket last Saturday afternoon. Unlikely to complete the double.
Wild Hero
Impressive form figures at first glance but none of them were achieved at this level. Needs others to underperform.
Newmarket Tips Today: Prediction
Several horses have been popular this week with online betting punters, especially Tempus, but a strong case can be made for Khalid Abdullah’s other runner – Derevo.
Ralph Beckett’s Lucander holds all the right credentials too and is another solid each-way contender.
888sport suggests: Derevo and Lucander (e/w)
*Credit for the main photo belongs to Vincent Yu / AP Photo*
FIRST PUBLISHED: 25th September 2020
