Newmarket Tips Saturday: Cambridgeshire Handicap 2020

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:

  • 2015 Third Time Lucky (14/1) & Grumeti (50/1)
  • 2016 Spark Plug (12/1) & Sweet Selection (7/1)
  • 2017 Dolphin Vista (50/1) & Withold (5/1)
  • 2018 Wissahickon (11/1) & Low Sun (10/1)
  • 2019 Lord North (9/2f) & Stratum (25/1)
  • There have only been two successful favourites while seven of the last ten winners came from the top six in the betting.
  • 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

September 25, 2020
Horse Racing

By Steve Mullington

Steve Mullington
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    Steven is a sports and horse racing enthusiast and is a member of the Horseracing Writers and Photographers Association (HWPA) in the United Kingdom.

    He is a regular visitor to Paris Longchamp for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and a lifelong fan of the Aintree Grand National, a subject he writes about 52 weeks of the year. Last year he reached the impressive milestone of attending the last 30 renewals of the Grand National.

    Steven graduated from the University Of Lancaster in 1996 with a B.A (Hons) in Urban Policy & Race Relations (major) with Contemporary Religions & Belief Systems (minor) and still wonders if any of these help him find the winners?

    He writes for a number of websites and online publications and you can sometimes hear him at the weekend discussing racing on a number of local radio stations. 

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    Leeds United Transfer News: Leeds Encouraged By Udinese Transfer Activity

    Today’s hottest Leeds United transfer news relates once again to Rodrigo De Paul but this could be the clearest sign yet that a move is likely to happen this summer.

    Despite Udinese chief Pierpaolo Marino stating earlier in the week that the Serie A club were hopeful that De Paul would stay, reports claim that Roberto Pereyra is set to join in the coming weeks.

    This development has got Leeds fans thinking – is Pereyra viewed as a replacement for De Paul?

    Transfer reports are putting two and two together and this is the general consensus, much to the delight of Leeds supporters.

    According to transfer guru Gianluca Di Marzio, Pereyra’s switch should be announced on Friday and that could give Leeds the green light to finally complete on De Paul.

    Udinese have stood firm over his £35 million valuation but the Italian side may be willing to budge on that slightly having acquired Pereyra for a reasonable fee.

    Rangers Fans Beg Kent To Stay

    As reported by 888sport earlier this week, Leeds are looking to reignite their interest in Rangers winger Ryan Kent.

    With reports suggesting that Kent has a buyout clause in his contract, it seems the Whites may be about to attempt to convince Rangers to part ways with the 23-year-old.

    Kent was sublime in Rangers’ 4-0 victory over Willem II on Thursday evening, winning the penalty for the opener, scoring the second and providing an assist for the third.

    The Ibrox faithful took to social media to beg Kent to stay at the club though Rangers may be forced to sell if Leeds can match their £20 million valuation.

    Football fans across the country will be keeping tabs on this latest Leeds United player rumour – we could see Kent starring at Elland Road in the not-so-distant future.

    Whites In Bidding War For Motherwell Star

    Leeds have had a bid accepted for talented youngster Sam Campbell, according to various media publications.

    Four Four Two report that the 16-year-old has been the subject of interest from a number of Premier League clubs, with Leeds showing serious interest in the Motherwell star.

    The Scottish Premiership side have offered Campbell a three-year contract but a potential switch to England’s top flight could tempt the youngster to pack his bags.

    Reports claim that Liverpool, Brighton & Hove Albion and Crystal Palace have also expressed an interest in signing the 16-year-old before the end of the summer transfer window.

    Marcelo Bielsa could be key to Campbell’s decision making, with the opportunity to learn under the Argentine very appealing indeed.

    Leeds, Liverpool and Brighton have an excellent record at developing young players and it wouldn’t be a huge shock to see Campbell choose any of these landing spots.

    Credit for the main photo belongs to Oli Scarff / Pool via AP*

     

    September 24, 2020
    News

    By Alex McMahon

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    Alex is a sports betting tipster, specialising in Premier League football, the Champions League and horse racing.

    He loves placing a weekly accumulator on the football at the weekend and dreams of landing the big winner that will take him back to Las Vegas.

    As well as writing sports betting tips for 888sport since 2015, Alex has produced content for several international media companies, such as Goal.com and The SPORTBible. 
     

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    Leeds United Transfer News: Whites Consider Dramatic Move For Chelsea Star

    Leeds are considering a move for Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley. With limited movement around Rodrigo De Paul in Leeds United transfer news, the Whites could be forced to look elsewhere to bolster their midfield options.

    According to Football Insider, Leeds are pondering potential backups to De Paul despite agreeing personal terms with the Udinese star.

    It’s proved challenging to settle on a transfer fee with the Serie A club, which could lead Leeds towards England international Barkley.

    A loan move for the Chelsea man could work out for both sides. The Blues are thought to be looking to trim their squad after a huge summer spending spree, and Barkley could be deemed surplus to requirements.

    The former Everton man spent a brief spell on loan at Elland Road as a teenager in 2012-13, though he struggled to make much of an impact.

    Football Insider previously mentioned Barkley as a player that could be used in a swap deal if Chelsea land Declan Rice before the window shuts.

    He hasn’t started either of their first two Premier League matches and despite playing 90 minutes in the Carabao Cup in midweek, he looks to be a long way down Frank Lampard’s pecking order.

    Hay Updates On Llorente Medical

    Diego Llorente’s transfer to Leeds has been reported by 888Sport every step of the way. Completion is an inevitability at this point, with The Athletic’s Phil Hay providing the latest update on Llorente’s medical.

    Hay, reporting for The Athletic, confirmed the length of contract and claimed there were ‘no issues’ with the medical.

    “Diego Llorente saying goodbye to Real Sociedad officially tonight. Understood to be no issues with his medical or a four-year deal at Elland Road.”

    The announcement of Llorente’s transfer is surely just around the corner and should come before Leeds’ next match - a Yorkshire derby with Sheffield United at the weekend.

    Llorente is unlikely to be thrown straight into the team however, with Robin Koch and Liam Cooper expected to continue as the defensive partnership.

    Leeds Could Move For Bayern Outcast

    Leeds could make a move for Bayern midfielder Michael Cuisance, according to FootMercato editor-in-chief Sebastien Denis. Cuisance was signed by Bayern last summer, but he started just three Bundesliga matches.

    Denis reports that Cuisance wants more game time and could be willing to leave the Bavarian superclub to get it.

    Marseille are apparently in the mix for Cuisance, but the Ligue 1 side do not want to do a permanent deal at this stage. A loan with an obligation to buy doesn’t interest Bayern, leaving the door ajar for Leeds.

    Bielsa apparently ‘loves’ the player and has asked the Elland Road hierarchy to make a move. Watch this space for transfer news updates on what could be another high-profile saga involving Leeds United.

    Credit for the main photo belongs to Oli Scarff / Pool via AP*

    September 24, 2020
    News
    Body

    Sam is a sports tipster, specialising in the Premier League and Champions League.

    He covers most sports, including cricket and Formula One. Sam particularly enjoys those on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean – notably MLB and NBA.

    Watching, writing and talking about sports betting takes up most of his time, whether that is for a day out at T20 Finals Day or a long night of basketball.

    Having been writing for several years, Sam has been working with 888Sport since 2016, contributing multiple articles per week to the blog.

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    Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo: Who Is The Best Player?

    Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have spent much of their careers pitted against one another, dominating conversation, collecting awards and crushing records on a yearly basis.

    Both as individuals and parts of their teams, Ronaldo and Messi have dominated the top of men’s football over the last decade - with the two players tied for most Ballon 'Or wins.

    Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo: Best Player

    From 2008 through to 2018, Messi and Ronaldo were the only winners of the Ballon d’Or, a streak that was ended by Ronaldo’s long-time Real Madrid accomplice and masterful midfielder Luka Modric.

    The jostling for position between the two has been constant. The debate over which holds the upper hand at any moment has been ever-present.

    Messi vs Ronaldo: La Liga

    Exaggerated by the Barcelona and Real Madrid rivalry, Messi and Ronaldo have become rivals in a bizarre, and possibly overplayed, way.

    This isn’t about two players who call each other out frequently. There’s little from either of man about wanting to beat the other, it’s a case of those two going about their business while a manufactured ‘rivalry’ has brewed.

    Fan bases love to compare and contrast, and each of Messi and Ronaldo have a core of loyal, partisan support.

    Being a backer of Messi or Ronaldo in the ‘greatest player of all-time’ conversation is an identity, it is as meaningful for many as the team they support.

    For the two players themselves, though, there isn’t an obvious desire to be considered better than the other. Messi betting prices are usually similar to Ronaldo odds on scoring in any given game.

    They, for the most part at least, get on with their football, they shake hands when they face each other, and continue to accumulate accolades and goal scoring records.

    Being the greatest ever in any sport, or even in a generation, is a significant and oft-asked question. It is a provoker of conversation, and something that will divide.

    Messi and Ronaldo’s careers have caused this in a way like few others can.

    There’s a stylistic clash between the two. While their roles in their respective teams are markedly different and always have been, their physiques, and even their personalities, are hardly similar.

    Messi has a slight frame, his athleticism is a long way down the list of his skills. Ronaldo is like a cartoon athlete, unafraid to show off his superman-esque torso whenever given the chance.

    In his peak years, he had Olympic-sprinter pace. He’s strong, and was the perfect back-page photograph with his extraordinary leaps.

    Ronaldo vs Messi: Goals

    Football fans are going to have preferences. Some will lean towards the undersized Messi, others will be in awe of Ronaldo as a pure athlete. Of course, plenty of people will be appreciative of both.

    That’s the part of the argument that is impossible to settle. It’s a simple matter of taste in the same way that some people will prefer a player like Mesut Ozil to Fernandinho and vice-versa.

    It’s the goals scored and trophies won, which is often where the Ronaldo-Messi conflicts will end. And the truth is, they’re impossibly hard to call. The Ronaldo vs Messi debate blazes on, whichever way you look at it.

    Messi has 23 major trophies to Ronaldo’s 22. Messi has 671 goals to Ronaldo’s 689, but the Argentinian has played nearly 140 fewer matches.

    Messi has out-assisted Ronaldo throughout his career (hardly surprising, of course, as he’s a far superior creative force). Everything can be qualified, and these aren’t exactly giving a conclusive answer on ‘greatness’.

    Then there’s the favourite nugget for the pro-Ronaldo base. Ronaldo has done it in England, Spain and Italy. He enjoyed international success with Portugal at the last European Championships – something Messi missed out on once again at Copa America 2019.

    How much attention to pay to those two things is tricky to judge. Is winning in different countries, when Ronaldo was on brilliant teams each time, really worth much?

    Does international success carry any weight at all, considering Argentina’s dysfunction has been out of Messi’s control?

    The other challenge here is that, as was touched on earlier, this isn’t a direct comparison. Sure, they’re both forwards, but that’s really where the similarities end.

    They both score a lot of goals, but they do it in different ways, and their skillsets are – particularly in recent years – very different.

    Messi vs Ronaldo: Best Player

    Messi might be the best passer in the world. His close-control dribbling might be the best we’ve ever seen.

    Ronaldo has become more of a poacher. His size and use of his body makes him useful with his back to goal, and he’s a force aerially.

    Popular names on the Ballon d'Or winners list, they are both prolific and continue to terrorise defences well into their thirties but they boast very different styles.

    Messi is a greater technician and creator and could play as a deep-lying midfielder if required. Ronaldo couldn’t do that, but he can lead the line and feed off scraps in a way Messi can’t.

    We've seen the best of Ronaldo and Messi but both players are showing no signs of stopping at the top level, and will feature in football betting news for years to come. Their status as two of the top five players of all-time is almost universally agreed.

    Messi’s legacy, once both have retired, will ultimately be greater. He brings a different reaction from football watchers, a jaw-dropping ‘did he really just do that?’, in contrast to the impressive predictability of Ronaldo’s sustained goal scoring.

    Messi’s magic captures fans in a way that Ronaldo doesn’t. The Argentinian will be considered the greatest to have ever played the game, ahead of Johan Cruyff, Pele, Diego Maradona and Ferenc Puskas.

    Meanwhile, Ronaldo will have to settle for a spot inside the top five, and perhaps even top three.

    September 23, 2020
    Football
    Body

    Sam is a sports tipster, specialising in the Premier League and Champions League.

    He covers most sports, including cricket and Formula One. Sam particularly enjoys those on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean – notably MLB and NBA.

    Watching, writing and talking about sports betting takes up most of his time, whether that is for a day out at T20 Finals Day or a long night of basketball.

    Having been writing for several years, Sam has been working with 888Sport since 2016, contributing multiple articles per week to the blog.

    Sam Cox
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