Bentinck Stakes at Newmarket Betting tips

The Boys in Blue of Godolphin continue to fire on all cylinders and Frankie Dettori can steer another Saeed bin Suroor charge to victory when partnering Bygone Days in the Group 3 Bentinck Stakes at Newmarket today. The son of Desert King, who was previously trained by Willie Haggas, looked well worth a try at this level when readily beating Ayr Gold Cup hero Fonthill Road in a conditions race at Hamilton last time, which was his first start for over six months. Given Godolphin's ability to coax improvement out of older horses bought out of rival yards, there's every chance that there is more to come from the five-year-old, and the easy underfoot conditions clearly suit this gelding well. Although there are some smart sprinters in opposition - the likes of Ashdown Express, Baltic King and Quito are all classy sorts and regulars in this type of race - it's fair to say that they are generally an exposed bunch that win in turn more than anything. Conversely, Bygone Days is lightly raced in comparison and whereas many of his rivals seem to need things to drop just right for them, the selection looks altogether more straightforward and looks well worth a punt at a top-priced 7/2 with Coral. Baltic King chased home Welsh Emperor in this last year and has enjoyed a fruitful campaign this term, winning the Wokingham, a Listed race at Beverley on his penultimate start, and finishing a highly creditable second to Red Clubs in the Group 2 Diadem Stakes at Ascot last time out. Hughie Morrison's charge looks poised to go well, as does Tax Free, who cosily landed a conditions race at Leicester en route to taking the scalp of Ashdown Express in a Listed race at Goodwood last time. David Nicholls' charge would, however, prefer slightly better ground than he's likely to encounter today. Quito's trademark power-packed finish often sees him hit the frame, and occasionally win, this type of race. But he has been well held the last twice and I just wander whether this old warrior has had enough for the season now. The likes of Borderlescott and Tawassol are not out of place in Pattern-race company, while the unbeaten Bustin Justin remains unexposed and is one to watch in the betting. Eisteddfod and Presto Shinko will handle conditions but both appear vulnerable at this level. Verdict - 2pts Bygone Days @ 7/2 (Coral)