Horse Racing: the Betting Week

After a week of inconclusive "trials", punters are none the wiser about the 2,000 and 1,000 Guineas. But there is plenty of form in the book when assessing the last big prize of the jumps season at Sandown on Saturday and Flat racing will take a back seat to the Betfred Gold Cup. Unless the heavens open, the ground will be pretty quick and several of the runners towards the head of the ante-post market could be vulnerable on this front.

There has to be value amongst the bigger-priced contenders and at 20-1 the much-improved Presenting Express fits the bill. He is currently 8lbs out of the handicap, but three recent winners of this have overcome such a disadvantage.

Yesterday he was reported "in very good order" by his in-form trainer, Emma Lavelle, who added: "This has always been the plan. We have no worries about the trip or fast ground."

For the notebook

Capable Guest 1m Newbury

The draw had its say in the outcome of the Spring Cup, and Capable Guest deserves plenty of credit for finishing seventh in the 25-runner field. He was first home of a small group that raced on the far side from the low numbers and is handicapped to win a good prize.

Ron Cox's tip of the day

Crimson King 7.40 Southwell

Five-lengths winner of a 6f maiden here in February, Crimson King is an interesting prospect for handicaps and could prove to be very well treated on his debut in that grade tonight. A big gelding with scope for improvement, Terry Clement's five-year-old drew clear in the home straight to win in a fast time on only his second start. With Neil Callan booked, a follow-up is on the cards.