Can Nicconi restore Aussie sporting pride?
Horse racing 
/ Follow The Money / 10 July 2010 / Leave a comment Bet Now View Market
Will Nicconi be a winner at Newmarket?
Damien Oliver takes the ride on Nicconi today and has won on him in the past.
Beaten in the cricket by England and Pakistan, today's Follow The Money team are looking at a big-priced winner by an Australian horse.
We start at Ascot in the 14:25 where Brian Meehan's once-raced two-year-old The Long Game has drifted from [1.81] out to [2.28]. The colt was a good third over six furlongs at Chepstow on debut, having been pushed along early and running on late. The form though has yet to be tested as nothing that ran that day has been out since. It is interesting though that Ralph Beckett sends out a well backed newcomer . Having had the beaten favourite in The Long Game's Chepstow race in the form of Mega Mount, he should have a good idea what is needed to beat Meehan's horse today.
Moving to Newmarket now for their 15:10 in which the Australian-trained Nicconi has been well backed from an initial [21.0] into [14.5]. He was sent off second favourite for the Kings' Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot over five furlongs, but having missed the break and being steadied in rear he ran on late to be beaten only two lengths. On that running he will relish the step up to six furlongs today. Considering the first two raced up with the pace that day, his form could have a better look to it than first though. Frankie Dettori was riding that day but Damien Oliver takes over today and has won on him in the past.
We stay at Newmarket for the final bet in the last at 16:55 where Bay Willow has been supported from [3.75] into [3.1]. The Mark Johnston three-year-old has improved considerably in his last three runs, winning a valuable Curragh handicap last time out. The improvement coincides with him being stepped up to 12 furlongs and adopting front running tactics. With not much pace in the race today Frankie Dettori could have an uncontested lead up front and if timing the fractions right could run his rivals into the ground.
Recommended Bets:
Lay The Long Game @ [2.28] Ascot 14:25
Back Nicconi @ [14.5] Newmarket 15:10
Back Bay Willow @ [3.1] Newmarket 16:55
That's all for today. If you're on the move this information is recorded on 0870 90 80 181.
