Greenham Stakes (group 3 ) 7 furlongs (Sat 18th April )

On Saturday we have very decent card from Newbury featuring three group 3 races ,for blogs main bet we will be concentrating on the 7 furlong  Greenham Stakes at 2.50 for 3-Y-0 colts & geldings.

2.50 NEWBURY 7F GREENHAM STAKES GROUP 3:
9 runners declared for Greenham Stakes at 2.50 on ground described as good/firm .This looks high quality 2000 guineas trial .The three main contenders look to be Belardo , Estidhkaar & Ivawood .

BELARDO : Won 3 out 5 last season ,including winning Washington Singer listed stakes over C&D in August .Showed big improvement on final start last season ,winning group one Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket on soft ground .Should be thereabouts ,though has reverse form with Ivawood on earlier form, and seems better horse on softer ground .

ESTIDHKAAR : Progressive sort last season ,winning 3 from 5 ,including winning both group two Superlative stakes at Newmarket & Champagne Stakes at Doncaster .Disappointed on final start of the season when finishing well fourth behind Belardo in Dewhurst .Looked unsuited by the soft ground that day .Needs bounce back ,though will be suited by this better ground .

IVAWOOD : Useful sort last season ,winning 3 out 4 , including winning G2 July stakes at Newmarket & G2 Richmond Stakes at Goodwood both over 6 furlongs .Only defeat came on soft ground in 6 furlong Middle Park stakes at Newmarket when odds on favourite,just getting touched off by Charming Thought by nose .Faster ground will suit, and should stay this longer trip .

VERDICT:  Ivawood is clear second favourite for 2000 guineas and will be popular here with Hannon team already striking form in two guineas trials this week ,ground conditions will suit and the longer trip shouldn't be problem,though doesn't have much in hand on the figures and top price of 7-4 look too short .

ESTIDHKAAR will need bounce back after poor run in Dewhurst ,though  had some useful form last season, winning two group 2 races over 7F .Will also be suited by this faster ground and looks the each-way value against the short price stablemate. 

ESTIDHKAAR 2.50 NEWBURY 
0.50 PTS EACH-WAY @ 6-1 BET365* 
(SECOND SP 9-2 PROFIT +£25.00)