24th Jun 2017 | Horse Racing
Newmarket Tips: Merlin
Tough individual who has won his last two starts. Potentially still ahead of his mark and trainer has won this twice from four runners.
Over the past ten years, Michael Bell’s record in this race (5.55 Newmarket) is 5191 and although it is just a handicap he should know what it takes to win.
Merlin has tasted success on his last two starts and although not a flashy type he’s tough. Last time out he was given no peace up front by Storm Cry, the pair set a strong gallop (100.6% finishing speed) but Merlin dug deep and fought off all challengers.
This ability to grind out results is often underrated by the market but it’s a trait everyone would love in their horse. A mark of 83 isn’t insurmountable given he earned an adjusted speed rating of 88 last time at Haydock.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 06:23 24th Jun, 2017 but subject to change