Betting Advice for Weatherbys Super Sprint Stakes

July 18, 2008 - Donald Jones

Last week we used a trainer's form as the key to successfully unlocking a tricky handicap and we will need similar clues to help us in Newbury's big race on Saturday - the Weatherbys Super Sprint Stakes (3.25) over 5f. This £140,000 contest provides an opportunity for smaller operations to bag a major league prize. The race is for two-year-olds bought or sold as yearlings by public auction for less than 45,000 guineas. A 23-runner sprint might still look a tricky proposition. But when we consider just how trainer Richard Hannon has monopolised this race since its inception in 1991 our task is made a little easier.

The Wiltshire handler could hardly have been more dominant. He has won the race six times - three of those victories occurred in the last five years. He also has the record for the shortest price winner Lyric Fantasy (2-5) in 1992 and the longest when Lady Livius (100-1) romped home in 2005. He regularly saddles the favourite and if he doesn't actually land it usually has representative in the frame. Hannon has five entered this year - a sure sign he means business. I've gone for Penny's Gift who cost 10,000 Guineas as a yearling and carries just 8st. The daughter of Tobougg is in tip top form having finished under two lengths second to the heavily-backed Cuis Ghaire in the Group 3 Albany Stakes over 6f at Royal Ascot.

Neither going nor distance should be an issue. The selection racked up wins over 5f and 6f at Chepstow prior to the Royal meeting over soft and good to firm ground. Penny's Gift is one bargain that might help Hannon to a decent prize and we will hope to be celebrating too.

Posted: July 18, 2008

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