Orion’s Bow to star in Sprint Cup
Published:
NAP goes in the main event at Musselburgh
The Scottish Sprint Cup highlights a busy Saturday of horse racing, with the main event scheduled for 3.10pm at Musselburgh. There’s also meetings planned at York, Sandown, Bath, Hexham, Leicester, Lingfield, Downpatrick and Limerick. More than enough to keep us busy.
Focussing on the Sprint Cup, we give our opinions on the most likely winner of the race, while those betting on the go will find our popular race-by-race selections further down the page, intended to give you an interest from an exciting opener to the lucky last.
We take the favourite on
With a monster prize pot on offer to the winner, it’s no surprise we see a whopping 17-runner field marked down for this year’s Scottish Sprint Cup. There’s no lack of quality in the field either, with our trading team pinning David Griffiths’ Duke Of Firenze at the head of the betting. The experienced eight-year-old is currently the shortest price runner, with 11/2 available. That’s already been nibbled in.
We’re going to oppose however, and take him on with something at a bit more of a price. With value in mind, selection of the day goes in the form of Orion’s Bow. A previous winner over the trip, he’s not been seen sticking his head in front for a while now, last winning at Hamilton a year ago. Since joining up with trainer Tim Easterby, he’s had two runs this year, both without troubling the major places.
More to come from Orion’s Bow
Last seen ending fourth in a tight finish at Haydock in May, encouragement can be taken from that effort, and connections would’ve seen it as a step in the right direction. The pick was runner-up in the Steward’s Cup at Goodwood last summer, and races just 1lb higher than that here, which gives him every chance of mounting a strong challenge.
We’re expecting to see further improvement under the guidance of Easterby, and if we get it, Orion’s Bow is more than good enough to go and claim the loot. Coral’s racing team have him as second favourite – opening at 11/1, he’s been clipped in to 8/1 at the time of publishing. Should attract a bit more support on the day.
Musselburgh selections
1.35 – Ce De Nullis
2.05 – Showdaisy
2.35 – Khamarry
3.10 – Orion’s Bow
3.45 – Great Fighter
4.20 – Magic Journey
4.55 – Rosie Crow
5.30 – Tavener
