2024 Cambridgeshire Tips - Emmet's raider worth chancing at 16/1

Jon Vine

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Last updated: Sat 21 Sep 2024 13:09

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Jon Vine 21 Sep 2024

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Newmarket hosts the Cambridgeshire Handicap next Saturday
Emmet Mullins' This Songisforyou is a standout contender at 16/1
Favorable conditions and potentially top rider Colin Keane could boost his chances

Expired

The Cambridgeshire Handicap at Newmarket. (Getty)

Next Saturday's card at Newmarket may feature two prestigious Group Ones, but the big betting race is undoubtedly the Cambridgeshire Handicap. This nine-furlong handicap was first held on the Rowley Mile way back in 1839, and most bookies are currently offering 14/1 the field, some eight days out from the race.

Today, I've picked out an Irish raider who could be worth backing now, before he's punted off the boards during the week.

2024 Cambridgeshire Handicap Ante-Post Tips - This Songisforyou

Saturday's Cambridgeshire is looking decidedly open, with few bringing rock-solid claims into the contest. Real Gain is favourite, despite failing to finish better than ninth in his three starts this term. Roi De France probably had to win at Yarmouth last week to get into the contest, but John & Thady Gosden's colt was beaten into second by James Webb, and needs 12 above him to come out to get a run.

Godwinson, Liberty Lane and Theoryofeverything are horses I like, but all three need cut in the ground. Balamacara also seems like he'd appreciate dig in the turf, and the weather forecast suggest that the current good-to-firm going at Newmarket will stay that way throughout the Cambridgeshire Festival.

One who I could see getting back into favouritism is THIS SONGISFORYOU (16/1) for Emmet Mullins. Having started his life running under National Hunt rules, Mullins' gelding has improved plenty since joining the flat ranks and was last seen scoring in the Northfields Handicap over ten furlongs on Irish Champions Weekend.

In his post-race interview, Emmet said that he felt This Songisforyou would need the run at the Curragh, and he'd instructed Colin Keane to get the best result possible. Keane then stalked the pacesetters in the early stages, powered into contention once a gap opened on the rail and comfortably held his rivals on the run to the line.

This Songisforyou would enter the Cambridgeshire off the same mark of 94 that he won off at the Curragh, despite the handicapper putting him up to 100 after that victory. Mullins' gelding has only had six runs on the level and just three in handicap company, so there's plenty of scope for further improvement.

Given his US breeding, Mullins has said that quick ground is key to unlocking this horse's ability. This Songisforyou is likely to get his desired conditions at Newmarket and a favourable, high draw might see him go off at a single figure price.

Verdict

2024 Cambridgeshire

This Songisforyou was good value for his victory at the Curragh earlier this month and Emmet Mullins' raider looks likely to take his chance in the 2024 Cambridgeshire. If Colin Keane is confirmed in the saddle, or another top rider, I think he'll go off as the favourite.

This Songisforyou

2024 Cambridgeshire

@16/1 - 10 Units

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