Ireland’s increasing supremacy in National Hunt racing has extended to the Cesarewitch, the Flat’s most historic stayers’ handicap, in recent seasons and runners from top Irish jumping yards dominate the betting once again ahead of the 2023 running at Newmarket on Saturday.
Pied Piper, third in the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham in 2022 and a close second in the County Hurdle under a big weight at last season’s Festival, is the best of them over timber and the booking of Ryan Moore for Gordon Elliott’s gelding should ensure that he sets off as favourite at around 5-1.
Elliott has clearly been pointing Pied Piper towards Saturday’s race from a long way out. The same is true, however, of many of the 34 runners and there is little to choose between the market leader and several of his leading rivals on form, with Jesse Evans (2.40) possibly the best each-way option at around 12-1.
Noel Meade’s dual-purpose gelding has been in the form of his life this year, finishing a close second in the Galway Hurdle in July and then putting up a new career-best when fourth, beaten just over a length, in the Irish Cesarewitch three weeks ago.
York 1.15 Esquire could offer some value at around 7-1 having posted a useful time for a debutant when winning with plenty in hand at Hamilton last month.
Newmarket 1.25 With two convincing wins in minor events in the book, Per Contra has as much potential as any runner in the field and may have been missed in the market at around 10-1.
Newmarket 2.00 Three months on from City Of Troy’s emphatic win in the Superlative Stakes, it remains the most impressive performance by a European juvenile this season and he should seal his status as the champion two-year-old here.
York 2.25 A typically competitive York sprint handicap, with Pendleton just one among many possible winners if he can build on his recent success.
York 3.05 Maidens are not the most compelling events for betting purposes but Colorada Dancer does at least have some experience on his side.
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Newmarket 3.15 Possibly less to choose between Gasper De Lemos and Arabian Crown, the favourite, than the betting might suggest so Aidan O’Brien’s colt gets the nod at around 7-2.
York 3.35 A 4lb rise looks workable for La Yakel after a return to winning form last time.
Newmarket 3.50 Fast-improving Real Gain may be able to take the step up to Group Three company in his stride.