Dafabet looks to increase ‘Guests’ lead in the Tipster Challenge

John Cruces, Head of Marketing Operations at Dafabet, is the latest industry expert to take the Tipster Challenge on SBC News. He will be competing as the ‘Guest’ tipster at Yarmouth Races, alongside regulars Stephen Harris and Timeform.

Cruces arrives at a favourable time, after Darren Haines (Heavyweight Sports) stretched the Guests lead to over 15 points last time out. SBC News remain well placed in second place, whilst Harris, the Horse Racing Guru at bettingexpert, will be looking for big returns after a winless week at Catterick.

The action gets underway with an extremely open Class 5 maiden at 2:10. Keep reading for all of the expert tips, and stay up to date with the action throughout the day on @SBCGAMINGNEWS.

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2:10

SBC News: Kody Ridge

Placed on all three starts this year. Starting to look exposed but an inevitable contender.

bettingexpert: Ivors Magic

Caught the eye under a quiet ride on racecourse debut and is entitled to improve for the run.

Timeform: Happy Queen

Happy Queen may not represent a yard known for success with first-time-out juveniles, but is ready to roll at the first attempt.

Dafabet: Highland Lotus

A mixed bag of a maiden over the minimum to start the day with a mix of raced and some with bits of form. Kody Ridge sets the standard and will be close to favouritism with the maiden Happy Queen who has Spencer on board. However, I’m siding with Highland Lotus from the Haggas yard, who had his first 2-y-o winner of the year here last week.

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2:40

SBC News: Princess Roania

Showed enough in victory at Bath last week to suggest she will be hard to beat even under penalty.

bettingexpert: Kristjano

Improved with cheek pieces last time and comes from a stable with a terrific strike rate at this track.

Timeform: Princess Roania

Looked a long way ahead of her mark when winning on handicap debut at Bath last week, and will prove a tough nut to crack turned out under a penalty.

Dafabet: The Ducking Stool

Princess Roania will be the favourite after an easy win over further last week at Bath and likely the one to beat, however I’m going to side with The Ducking Stool who has very strong course form.

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3:10

SBC News: Dalavand

It’s almost a case of flipping a coin for what looks to be a two horse race. We’ll hedge our bets with the marginal second favourite.

bettingexpert: Coarse Cut

Has been running well in better races and can take advantage of a dramatic drop in grade.

Timeform: Coarse Cut

A race between Coarse Cut and Dalavand, with the former preferred. The rest of the field looks limited.

Dafabet: Coarse Cut

Should be a two horse race between Coarse Cut and Dalavand, but sellers and poor ones at it can be unpredictable. I’m siding with Coarse Cut and could be tempted to include Duc De Seville in a speculative forecast.

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3:40

SBC News: Phoenix Beat

A hat-trick of second place finishes across the last month, including at Leicester just two weeks ago.

bettingexpert: Refulgence

Posted a career best effort when 2nd last time out and should take all the beating here in a handicap lacking unexposed contenders.

Timeform: Rowlestonerendezvu

Was always going to be up against it dropped to an inadequate 6f last time, but she looks to have been handed a fair opening mark and much better is expected now back up in trip.

Dafabet: Wings of Esteem

A kind of pin in a paper race as you can make a case for and against all. I can see why Phoenix Beat is amongst the favourites with Frankie on board, but I can’t help think it will be too short of a price for such a race. I’m going to take a chance on Wings of Esteem, at a price to get back to the form that was seen in the maiden winning race at Southwell.

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4:10

SBC News: Heatstroke

Should improve for his performance at Sandown, and the extra furlong will suit.

bettingexpert: Heisman

Has long been in the notebook and perhaps needed his stable/seasonal debut last month.

Timeform: Heatstroke

Has clearly had his problems since winning a strong maiden in October 2014, though shaped very well making his handicap debut at Sandown.

Dafabet: Heatstroke

Clearly well thought of with big race entries held, after an encouraging return from a lay-off following an impressive maiden win. Step up in trip should suit, a worthy favorite.

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4:40

SBC News: Warrior Prince

Went down narrowly in a similar race at Thirsk, and is taken to edge out Crystallographer.

bettingexpert: Warrior Prince

Improving run by run and has been found a fantastic opening to get off the mark at the fourth attempt.

Timeform: Warrior Prince

Undone by a steady gallop at Thirsk 3 weeks ago, and this looks a very good chance for him to gain compensation.

Dafabet: Crystallographer

Another two horse race, of which I wouldn’t be getting involved personally, but having to make a pick I’d go with Crystallographer who receives 5lb and will hope turf brings some improvement.

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5:10

SBC News: Harry Champion

Traditionally hard to call the winner of the final race, so we’ll go with the big outsider.

bettingexpert: Brigliadoro

Hails from an astute small yard in the winners and caught the eye at York last time out.

Timeform: Hollywood Road

Runner-up effort over C&D appeals as solid handicap form and he looks the one to be with.

Dafabet: Coherent

Hopefully a ‘Lucky-Last’ with Coherent who has come on for each race. Based on previous runs, the return to the mile should suit so I favour over Mukaabra.

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