Dave Metcalf has over 35 years of experience in the media industry having worked for regional and national newspapers. He is a life-long horse racing and football fan, and has done interviews on various radio and TV stations, including talkSPORT and Sky Sports, whilst working as a PR frontman for major betting firm Betfred.
Dave has written for At The Races, provided betting previews for the 2010 World Cup via a website he owned. It was the first time they had covered any football event. He also appeared weekly on Sing When You’re Winning – football and general sports betting show on MUTV to provide odds and tips alongside former Manchester United striker Lou Macari.
Mill Reef Stakes betting tips – Rhythm Master can call the tune
In the feature 6f Group 2 Mill Reef Stakes for juvenile colts at Newbury on Saturday (15:25), Rhythm Master looks the one to be on now eased in grade following a cracking run last time out.
This Richard Fahey trained son of Dark Angel made an impressive winning debut at Haydock when landing a seven-runner novice contest by just over four lengths.
After being held-up towards the rear, Rhythm Master made smooth headway to track the leaders three from home. When switched left at the two marker, he then showed a smart turn of foot to shoot clear and win with tons in hand.
The third home Rolfe Rembrandt has won since, whilst the fourth home Cairn Island has gone on to bag a brace of successes. It gives the form a solid look.
That taking success saw connections pitch Rhythm Master straight into Group 1 company. He performed with huge credit when a 2 1/4 lengths third of nine to Campanelle in the Prix Morny at Deauville.
Rhythm Master fly jumped as the gates opened and got bumped soon after before staying on to be nearest at the finish.
Given how the race panned out, it was a performance which could be upgraded. The Mill Reef Stakes represents a return to calmer waters.
His form sets a clear standard in this eight-runner line-up and Rhythm Master appeals as the type that has plenty more improvement left in the locker.
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Legacy Cup Stakes betting tips – Desert Encounter can retain crown
A disappointing field of just four are set to go to post in the 1m 3f Group 3 Legacy Cup Stakes (14:50).
As his best form has come in small fields, Desert Encounter looks worth siding with at the 5/2 available with 888sport to win the race for a third time.
This David Simcock trained eight-year-old landed the spoils in 2017 and only had to be driven out 12 months ago when comfortably accounting for Pivoine by a length.
Desert Encounter went to round off the campaign with an easy four-length success in the Grade 1 Canadian International Stakes at Woodbine and make it four wins on the bounce.
The veteran has had just four starts this season and has shown that he retains plenty of ability when posting some solid efforts in defeat.
They include when third to Dame Malliot in a Group 2 at Newmarket and when a three-quarters of a length runner-up to Pablo Escobarr in the Group 3 Glorious Stakes at Goodwood.
Desert Encounter was also far from disgraced last time out when third in a Listed contest at Windsor and not ideally placed.
As his main market rivals Extra Elusive and Elarqam both like to force the pace, there is every possibility that they could get locked in a battle for the lead and do too much too soon.
If that does prove to be the case, then it will set it up for a closer like Desert Encounter who likes to be produced on the scene as late as possible with one telling burst of speed.
William Buick, who now gets the leg up on him for the first time, looks the ideal partner to carry out those tactics to the letter.
World Trophy betting tips – Wise Words appeals each-way
Having shaped really well on his belated return to action, Wise Words makes plenty of each-way appeal in the 5f Group 3 World Trophy Stakes (13:40).
Trained by James Tate, this four-year-old filly progressed throughout last season when winning three of her nine starts.
In the last of those successes, the daughter of Sepoy on had to be driven out to beat Corinthia Knight by a neck in a conditions contest at Leicester.
It was a performance which suggested there was better to come from Wise Words. That view was confirmed when she finished fourth of eight to Tarboosh in a Listed contest at Doncaster 10 days ago.
After being held-up, Wise Words got hampered when attempting to challenge at the furlong marker and then kept on well to be beaten 1 3/4 lengths
She looked unlucky not to finish much closer and it was a highly promising effort following 12 months on the sidelines.
Wise Words is entitled to come on a bundle for that spin and is now reunited with McDonald, who is two from three on her.
Ground conditions are also fine and her handler has been back among the winners of late, so Wise Words looks to have plenty in her favour.
It will be disappointing if she doesn’t at least hit the frame, so Wise Words looks siding with each-way at a standout 8/1 with Bet365.
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