The 2025 Spring Cup (Handicap)

[Ian_Davies]

25 entries for this 1m Handicap at Newbury and one that initially catches my eye is Classic, 25/1 in a truly heinous 153% best odds book.

The 5yo isn't exactly a winning machine, in fact he's only obliged twice in 16 starts.

But he's run well at the track in the past and he's now 4lb lower than when only beaten a neck in a valuable Handicap at Sandown Park last June.

His record first time out isn't the best, he might not want the ground too quick, and I've no idea if he's an intended runner, but he certainly starts the season on a fair mark.

Ante-Post Betting: https://www.oddschecker.com/horse-racing/ante-post-racing/flat/spring-cup-handicap/winner

 

[Mr Whatoxo]

This race being run on the round course this year and maximum 14 runners.

 

[Robicheaux]

Quite interested in Inishfallen.. Reasons given on the Longshot thread.

 

[Ardross]

This race being run on the round course this year and maximum 14 runners.

Glad to see the round course back in action but strange such a low limit of runners nowadays - there were 19 when Lester and St Ninian won it in 1991.

 

[Anadin]

Pearl Eye has e/w chances if not better.
The claimer is no mug (Mason P.) and his 7lbs could be the difference here, currently 16's.


Edit:
****Disappointing, Egan now booked****

 

[Ian_Davies]

14 left in this and I would rate Metal Merchant the biggest danger to my original bet, Classic.

Metal Merchant also looks fairly treated, just 6lb higher than when winning this last year, and I don't think quicker ground this time will be an issue as he ran a subsequent stormer when fourth in the International Handicap at Ascot last July.

 

[Barnestormer]

I read somewhere that Cogitate of Charlie Hills was working well.
Won with three of his last six runners and just crept in at the bottom of the handicap.
Hollie Doyle takes the ride ( she won on him on his first start as a 2yo over 7 furlongs on similar ground at this course).

 

[Ian_Davies]

Betting: https://www.oddschecker.com/horse-racing/2025-04-12-newbury/15:12/winner

 

[Anadin]

14 left in this and I would rate Metal Merchant the biggest danger to my original bet, Classic.

Metal Merchant also looks fairly treated, just 6lb higher than when winning this last year, and I don't think quicker ground this time will be an issue as he ran a subsequent stormer when fourth in the International Handicap at Ascot last July.

I think Andy put this up at the weekend when 20's now 7's at best.

 

[Desert Orchid]

Metal Merchant is not really on my radar for this.

 

[Desert Orchid]

 

[barjon]

Idling my time by the pool yesterday a couple of maybe or maybe not interesting snippets

Classic has always been ridden by Pat Dobbs and has underperformed in the last two season openers. Son has also always been ridden by Pat Dobbs and put in his career best performance in his last season’s opener - the Greenham - was good/soft.

Jamie Spencer said last year that he was now only interested in getting up on horses with a good chance. Silver Sword fits the bill

William Buick has never been up on James McHenry before. That one won his last two season openers.

Metal Merchant won this last year on good/soft ground and is 6lb higher this time. His best performances have come on good or good/firm ground.

Pearl Eye put up a career best winning at Doncaster at 50/1, albeit via the Stewards Room.

 

[reet hard]

Son (12/1 in places) finished a running on 4th in last season's Greenham

Idling my time by the pool yesterday a couple of maybe or maybe not interesting snippets

Classic has always been ridden by Pat Dobbs and has underperformed in the last two season openers. Son has also always been ridden by Pat Dobbs and put in his career best performance in his last season’s opener - the Greenham - was good/soft.

Jamie Spencer said last year that he was now only interested in getting up on horses with a good chance. Silver Sword fits the bill

William Buick has never been up on James McHenry before. That one won his last two season openers.

Metal Merchant won this last year on good/soft ground and is 6lb higher this time. His best performances have come on good or good/firm ground.

Pearl Eye put up a career best winning at Doncaster at 50/1, albeit via the Stewards R

 

[Desert Orchid]

Idling my time by the pool yesterday a couple of maybe or maybe not interesting snippets

Classic has always been ridden by Pat Dobbs and has underperformed in the last two season openers. Son has also always been ridden by Pat Dobbs and put in his career best performance in his last season’s opener - the Greenham - was good/soft.

Jamie Spencer said last year that he was now only interested in getting up on horses with a good chance. Silver Sword fits the bill

William Buick has never been up on James McHenry before. That one won his last two season openers.

Metal Merchant won this last year on good/soft ground and is 6lb higher this time. His best performances have come on good or good/firm ground.

Pearl Eye put up a career best winning at Doncaster at 50/1, albeit via the Stewards Room.

Yes, Bj, I noticed those points last night so ended up taking a saver on Levey's mount at 20/1. I do think if JMcH was here to win Rodriguez would have come down for it. It's a high-profile Saturday TV race, and Buick doesn't seem to win for the yard (but I only checked two seasons).

My figures say Metal Merchant needs to find 4lbs from somewhere to have a chance of winning, or hope the race falls his way. A jog out the back might get those pounds off ahead of the Victoria Cup or they might need to wait until the royal meeting (but he'd probably need 8lbs off there).

Pearl Eye does look like an improver but I prefer ones that are coming down in class rather than those going up off a rise in the ratings.

As long as one of us on here wins I'll be happy.

 

[reet hard]

I like Son,and the gelding at the end of the season indicates improvent,imo.

 

[Outsider]

Cogitate for me as well.
Iam a classic fan but jockey bookings is off putting.