The 2018 Grand Criterium betting tips given by Horsebetting.com experts say the unbeaten Freddie head trained Anodor is a worthy favourite to land the Group 1 contest for juvenile fillies and colts at Longchamp on Sunday, 7 October, and further enhance his Classic claims. Boitron is three from three, so looks the obvious danger in the 1m test also known as the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere. The Godolphin owned Royal Marine impressed when scoring last time out and appeals each-way. More details on these horses chances can be found by reading our in-depth 2018 Grand Criterium betting tips preview.Anodor a worth favourite for Grand CriteriumAnodor is an exciting prospect, so looks a worthy favourite to take the step up into Group 1 company in his stride and land the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere, also known as the Grand Criterium, for juvenile colts and fillies over 1m at Longchamp on Sunday (13:55). This Freddie Head trained son of Anodin is unbeaten in two outings and currently a 20/1 shot in the ante post betting for next year’s 2000 Guineas at Newmarket.
The colt looked an above average sort when scoring by two lengths on debut at Deauville and that view was confirmed when he landed a Group 3 over this course and distance 28 days ago. Anodor took up the running as soon as the stalls open and when shaken up two furlongs from home quickened two lengths clear. He then ran on strongly under a hands and heels ride to readily beating Insandi by two lengths.
Anodor was value for much more than the winning margin and it was a most taking display. He also has nothing to fear from the re-opposing Shaman, who finished third, and the way in which he travelled powerfully and showed a smart turn of foot suggest he is one that needs keeping firmly onside.
Although what he beat is questionable, there is no doubting the style in which Anodor got the job done. Head has also made no secret of the high regard in which he’s held and sees him as a future Classic prospect as a three-year-old.
If Anodor is to live up to those lofty expectations, then he has to be winning what is a poor renewal of this contest. We therefore find him impossible to oppose, and he’s fully expected to get the job done the minimum of fuss en route to better things. Anodor thus heads our 2018 Grand Criterium betting tips.Boitron feared mostThe pick of the overseas raiders on form is Boitron. This Richard Hannon trained colt has won all his three starts, posting an improved performance on each, so rates the main danger to Anodor. In the first of those, he was impressive when beating subsequent winner Fox Coach by 4 1/2 lengths over 6f at Newbury.
The son of Le Havre then beat Dancing On A Dream by a length over 7f at Doncaster when staying on strongly to score a shade cosily. Connections then decided that it was time to step Boitron up in grade and he delivered in style when landing the Listed Denford Stakes, again over 7f, at Newbury.
After travelling strongly throughout, he was ridden to challenge at the furlong marker and quickly forged clear. Jockey Silvestre De Sousa than had the luxury to ease down and Boitron was value for more than the 1 3/4 success over Dutch Treat.
The runner-up is a useful sort and the pair pulled 6 3/4 lengths clear of the third home Good Fortune, who has since run well to be second in a conditions contest, so that gives the form a solid look. This demands much more from Boitron, but he is clearly going the right way.
The step up to a mile also promises to suit; so, if Aondor does fail to live up to expectations, Boitron looks the most likely one to take advantage. He is therefore feared most among the 2018 Grand Criterium betting tips on offer here.Royal Marine can’t be ruled outOutside the big two in the betting, Royal Marine looks the best of the rest and capable of making his presence felt. This Saeed bin Suroor trained colt, who carries the famous all blue colours of leading owners Godolphin, left his debut run well behind when running out the easy winner of a seven-runner maiden over 7f at Doncaster last month.
The beautifully bred son of Ravens Pass out of a Singspiel mare made all, and drew readily clear to beat Turgenev by 2 1/4 lengths. Royal Marine hit the line hard suggesting that he would have no problem with the extra furlong of this.
Turgenev has since come out and bolted up by six lengths at Newcastle, whilst the third and fourth home both ran well to finish second next time up. That suggests it was a decent maiden, so for Royal Marine to win in such authoritative fashion was very taking.
This does represent a big step up in class but, although it’s a Group 1 on paper, the standard of this in reality is more akin to a Group 3 contest. Therefore, Royal Marine cannot and be ruled out and features as the each-way punt in our 2018 Grand Criterium betting tips.Your Next Bet
