SATURDAY is set to be a grey day both in the sky and on the racecourse at Newmarket. That's because the course is hosting its annual Grey Horse Handicap which, unsurprisingly, is limited to horses registered as grey.
A Popular Betting Heat
Raced over six furlongs, the Class 4 handicap is likely to be a popular betting heat for punters. It'll be quite the conundrum for those punters who love backing a grey, however, as the wealth of choice might be too much.
A Large Field and a Proper Cavalry Charge
With 20 runners declared at the five-day stage, we should have a large field and a proper cavalry charge of greys. Although the last three years have been won by favorites, the seven before that were won by horses at each-way prices.
Brian The Snail: A Fan Favorite
Brian The Snail is likely to be very popular on the day as the nine-year-old already has a big fan club. The quirky grey is hard to predict, but he's on a dangerous mark and loves a big field.
Potential Angles and Previous Winners
There's also two previous winners in the field, as last year's conqueror Strike and the 2021 winner Mitrosonfire could line up. Plenty of people love to back a name and should they be declared on Thursday, Billyjoh and Mighty Max are other potential angles.
A Great Tradition, but Not the Most Unique
Although a great tradition, the grey handicap doesn't even reach the top ten of the most unique races worldwide. That sort of accolade would go to something like the Mongol Derby, billed as the "the longest and toughest horserace on earth". The race recreates 620-mile ancient equine postage route through the Mongolian Steppe. For a less extreme alternative, there is also St Moritz, which is set in the Swiss mountains and raced on snow.
Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.sportingexcitement.com/horse-racing/fourth-charlie-appleby-horse-retired-in-just-53-days-as-trainer-continues-clear-out-amid-unusually-quiet-season/
