totesport Cesarewitch Betting tips

The totesport Cesarewitch, run at Newmarket on October 14, is not a race for the weak of heart. Indeed, two miles and two furlongs of Rowley Mile terrain on what is usually an easy surface makes for a heck of a stamina test, especially when the pace is generous, as it generally is in this marathon of a race. I am not at all convinced by the front two in the market at the time of writing, Key Time and Leg Spinner. The former's trainer, Sir Mark Prescott, has failed in his bids to capture this prize despite pitching some well fancied contenders in over the years, and I doubt that he'll break his duck this term. The son of Darshaan proved his ability to handle the rigours of this type of race when landing the Goodwood Stakes over two miles and two furlongs at the Glorious meeting in August. However, his best performances have all come on top of the ground and, regardless of underfoot conditions, I don't think he's good enough. Leg Spinner, meanwhile, has been laid out for this race in an ambitious manner by trainer Tony Martin, who land the two and a half mile Ascot Stakes at the Royal meeting at York last season. Subsequently, the ex-Mick Channon-trained charge has had just one outing, which was over timber at Listowel on September 19. Despite his lengthy absence going into that race his effort was poor, finishing tenth of the 18 runners in what was just a moderate event. Sure, he'll improve for that outing, but like Key Time he looks every inch a fast-ground horse - he has disappointed each time ha has tackled conditions softer than good to firm, and I could not be entertaining him at a best-priced 10/1. As you might expect, there is value aplenty in this contest and it makes sense to build up a small portfolio of selections rather than pinning your hopes on one horse. Firstly, David Elsworth's patience with Saint Alebe looks sure to bear fruit before long, and it might well be on Cesarewitch day that the plan all comes together. Saint Alebe, a 14/1 shot with Blue Square, has returned from three years on the sidelines this term, and has shaped extremely well in his two starts during this campaign, most recently when staying on to finish under seven lengths fifth to Hawridge Prince over two miles on good to soft going at Ascot. Just 2lb higher compared to when winning the 2003 Ebor, Saint Alebe was putting in eyecatching late work in that event and shaped as though he was returning to form at just the right time, and that the extra two furlongs of the Ces will be just what the doctor ordered. He must have a cracking chance all in all. Another horse that I can envisage being bang there at the finish is the Neville Callaghan-trained Finalmente, who has gone from strength to strength this season and rates a cracking bet at 16/1 with Betfred. He shaped as though this trip would be ideal when getting up close home to beat dual subsequent winner Elusive Dream in a competitive contest on Polytrack at Lingfield in July. The only blot on Finalmente's copybook for the current season was when he finished down the pack in the Northumberland Plate, but he got caught up in the traffic problems which blighted so many of the come-from-behind performers that day and it's an effort to be ignored, put simply. Since his victory on the all-weather, Finalmente has been put away for this race so as to preserve his handicap mark. They invariably go a very good clip in this event which will suit this strong finisher. I cannot see him finishing out of the money. He will also go on any ground. One further horse for your portfolio is Cold Turkey who, like Finalmente, is a strong finisher and has been campaigned meticulously with this race in mind. Gary Moore's charge was putting in good late work when coming home just over five lengths fourth to Mikao in a well-contested heat over an inadequate trip of 12 furlongs at HQ last time. That was the six-year-old's first run for four months after connections decided to tuck him away for this. Cold Turkey looked as good as ever in his early season all-weather campaign and although he doesn't hold many secrets from the handicapper, he is at his best when able to weave through runners from off the pace in big field handicaps and things might just drop right for him on October 14. As such, the 25/1 on offer with Betfred should be duly nibbled at. Classy hurdler Detroit City is well worth considering, although he'll be going into this race on the back of an absence of 191 days which concerns me as his two seasonal bows of his career thus far have resulted in disappointing efforts. Ultimately he's the type of horse that needs a run or two to bring him to concert pitch. Dorothy's Friend, Whispering Death, Numero Due and Theatre are all decent stayers and it wouldn't be surprising to see either of that quartet figure prominently.