Eabha won the 2:30 William Hill Epic Boost Nursery at Newmarket at 15/2 — flagged as the value at exactly that price in this morning’s preview — while 6/5 favourite Mysterious Times was mugged close home. If you backed the favourite, you lost by less than a length. That’s the game.
| Pos | Horse | Jockey | SP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Eabha | Charles Bishop | 15/2 |
| 2nd | Mysterious Times | Billy Loughnane | 6/5 F |
| 3rd | Theheatison | Silvestre De Sousa | 33/1 |
The Race Story
Eve Johnson Houghton’s filly sat second as Charlie Appleby’s top weight tried to make his class tell up the July Course rise. Ridden over a furlong out, Eabha was carried left inside the final furlong mid-challenge, straightened up, kept on and took it near the line in 1m 25.80s. Epsom form over this trip held up; the Appleby hype at the head of the market did not, and 33/1 chance Theheatison sneaked third for forecast players. The Tote paid £8.50 the win.
Tipster Accountability
Split verdict against the preview: the named selection Sanbona Warrior (11/4) was only fourth, but the value line — “Eabha won over this trip at Epsom and should have more to offer at 15/2” — is the winner, at the price. No confirmed interest from the tracked ledger quartet in a Class 4 nursery; the bankroll table waits on the Ascot races. Earlier on the card, Sugar Yes Please had already beaten the site’s fancy in the Sweet Solera.
Looking Ahead
Next up after the 3:05 newcomers’ maiden is the 3:40 William Hill Handicap — the race the preview is sweating on, with Castle Rock (6/5 this morning) carrying the “a mark of 89 could seriously underestimate him” label for Appleby. A nursery reversal here makes that one no formality.
