Baccarat, or Punto/Banco as it’s also known, is a card game were the Punter (Punto) tries to beat the Banker (Banco). Today I suggest a twist on that as we play Punto/Bookie wherein we punters (Punto) try to alleviate as much money as possible from the Bookies (Bookie!) by backing Baccarat – the Sprint Ace – to win the Betfred Sprint Cup run at 3.50 pm at Haydock .
Followers of my column will know of my affection for this horse over the past couple of seasons and after a successful sting last time at Royal Ascot, I’m ready to go again and hit ’em where it hurts! This horse loves fast ground, big fields and a fast pace. All of which he will get today. Early in the week he was available at an unbelievable 33/1 as the complexion of the race and conditions were not known. The weather has held firm over in the North West of England this week and the ground will ride fast, which will inconvenience some of these horses. Not so Baccarat. He will relish it. George Baker has been entrusted with the steering and he is a man I have great faith in, so no excuses there. R. Fahey knows how to get one ready and we look set fair for a great performance from one of our favourite horses. And then everyone will know him as Baccarat the Sprint Ace.
Over at Ascot, I am looking to bookend the meeting with 2 good priced winners
First up is the 1.55 and I can’t believe that Day of Conquest is nearly double the price of Safety Check. These 2 met at Goodwood earlier in the season and there wasn’t much between them. With normal progress I would expect a strongly run straight 7f to suit Day of Conquest much better and expect him to outrun his odds.
In the finale at 5.15, there are a number of reasons for thinking that New Fforest (Yes that is the correct spelling annoying isn’t it?) is massively overpriced. Firstly, the horse has won twice on the turf and both times have been in September. Secondly it has won at Class 3 and not higher, today is a Class 3. Thirdly it has now dropped to a handicap rating 1 pond below it’s last win. J. Fortune has been booked and New Fforest has been given stall 14 which should prove ideal. This could be the best bet of the day and yet is available at 20/1. Please help yourself and then form an orderly queue at the payout window.
Saturday 6th September 2014 – Best Bets
Haydock 3.50 – Baccarat @ 12/1 with Racebets
Ascot 1.55 Day of Conquest @ 12/1 with Racebets
Ascot 5.15 New Fforest @ 20/1 with Racebets
