Horse Racing
Brighton best bets 1625: Mudlahhim looking to turn tables on Kondratiev Wave in wide-open handicap
16:25 Brighton: Gateley: Ambition for Success Handicap (7 furlongs)
During a busy June schedule, Kondratiev Wave put together impressive figures of 1221, with three of those four quickfire outings at this venue, including both wins over seven and eight furlongs.
Tony Carroll’s seven-year-old clearly likes Brighton’s unique undulations and should go well again, although his most recent win just seven days ago gives renewed hope to two reopposing rivals here.
Planet Sport Bet Daily Special: Bet £20+ cash on any runner in the race and if Rivas Rob Roy finishes in the first 3 places, get a £5 Free Bet
Split Elevens is winless in 19 attempts since March last year, but came close to halting that losing streak here last Tuesday, when he was beaten only by the length of Kondratiev Wave’s head, despite having missed the break and giving Silvestre De Sousa a difficult time in the saddle throughout.
Just the width of the runner-up’s nostrils further behind was Mudlahhim, whose seven turf outings this term have all been at this track, with a best-placed second of 14 the last time he was tried over this shorter distance five races ago in May.
Indeed, his four career wins have all been over this seven-furlong trip, and with usual jockey Phil Dennis replacing the last-time-out claimer, they could well exploit Kondratiev Wave’s subsequent four-pound penalty to reverse last week’s form.
Suggested best bet: Mudlahhim in the 16:25 at Brighton
A morning withdrawal has reduced the field to eight runners, and as long as no more drop out there might be room in the each-way frame for one of the less-fancied prospects carrying a much tastier price tag than the four principals.
Bottom of the weights and the betting, Gonzaga finished a much-improved second of 10 at Lingfield last time out, but still remains a maiden after 50 attempts and is hard to back with any degree of confidence.
A more realistic option appears to be Rivas Rob Roy, who is another who appears to relish his visits to Brighton, having enjoyed a hat-trick of victories here this time last year before winning again here three outings ago in May.
John Gallagher’s nine-year-old has since run well to finish second and fourth here in stronger handicap company, so this drop back down to a 0-55 affair should put him right back in his comfort zone.
Whether he can split enough of the market leaders to make the frame remains to be seen, but the drop in distance, weight and class might just align to work in his favour.
Outsider punt: Rivas Rob Roy each-way in the 16:25 at Brighton
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