Saturday Preview: Newbury & Ayr Headline a Bumper Weekend

Horse racing fans are in for a treat this weekend, with top-class meetings taking place on the flat and over jumps.

Punters have some tasty Group-race action to look forward to at Newbury including the prestigious Dubai Duty Free Finest Surprise Stakes.

Over at Ayr, the Scottish Grand National will likely attract plenty of bettors to new horse racing betting sites in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

The race follows hot on the heels of last week’s Grand National at Aintree, which was won in impressive fashion by 8/1 favourite Corach Rambler.

Read on as we take a closer look at what’s in store this weekend, starting with what is shaping up to be an early cracker on the flat this season.

Dubai Duty Free Tops Cracking Newbury Card

The Dubai Duty Free Finest Surprise Stakes at Newbury is likely to be an excellent form pointer for some of the top staying races during the summer.

Richard Hannon’s Mojo Star could make his reappearance in the race having last been seen when running a fine second in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot last year.

The five-year-old is being primed for a return visit to Ascot and has reportedly been working well over the past few weeks.

However, Mojo Star may not have things his own way, with Charlie Appleby’s talented duo Hurricane Lane and Yibir amongst the entries for the race.

The Dubai Duty Free Stakes is another standout race on the card and will see several future superstars test their credentials.

John and Thady Gosden’s Bridestones has been touted as a possible 1000 Guineas contender, while Appleby’s Fairy Cross is another promising horse to keep an eye on.

Olivia Maralda and Magical Sunset could also be competitive, while Small Oasis and Swingalong are others to consider in a competitive renewal of this Group 3 event.

Scottish Grand National Takes Centre Stage at Ayr

The Scottish Grand National is one of the biggest betting events of the year north of the border and this year’s race looks set to be a classic.

Kitty’s Light was a close second to last year’s winner Win My Wings, helping trainer Christian Williams claim a memorable 1-2 in the long-distance event.

The seven-year-old won the Eider Chase at Newcastle on his most recent outing and has been backed as if defeat this weekend is out of the question.

However, Kitty’s Light may find it difficult to fend off the challenge of a horse who ran well in defeat behind Corach Rambler at the Cheltenham Festival.

Monbeg Genius was third behind the subsequent Grand National winner in the Ultima Chase and looks the type who will thrive over a longer distance.

Trainer Jonjo O’Neill has won most of the big races in the United Kingdom, but is yet to saddle the winner of the Scottish Grand National.

Given the way Corach Rambler romped home at Aintree last weekend, Monbeg Genius looks a good bet to frank the form.