Damson Ko Another Blow For Ante Post Punters

Ante post punters have been dealt another knock out blow with the news that favourite Damson has been withdrawn from Sunday's 1000 Guineas. Hot on the heals of the disappointment of the Cheltenham Festival when a host of leading contenders, including Best Mate, Kingscliff and Kauto Star, were pulled out, backers would have been hoping for a little more luck come the Classics. But with some well fancied horses over the winter, including Motivator, Sharmardal, Divine Proportions and Damson, now not taking their chances this weekend, William Hill estimate that the bookies have benefited from £2million in ante post stakes this year already.

Hills spokeswoman Jennie Prest said, "Of course, withdrawals are always part of the risk with ante post bets and some punters now have great prices on their tickets for horses that are now leading contenders for both Guineas. But it is safe to say the number of withdrawn favourites this year is unprecedented and so far 2005 is a black time for ante post punters".

Ultimatebet 1000 Guineas 2005: 4-1 Shanghai Lily, 9-2 Karens Caper, 5-1 Cape Columbine, 15-2 Satin Kiss, 9-1 Maids Causeway, 10-1 Virginia Waters, 14-1 Echelon, 16-1 Magical Romance, Penkenna Princess, 25-1 Favourita, 33-1 Bahia Breeze, Fen Shui, 40-1 Simply Sunshine, 50-1 Squaw Dance, Vista Bella, Saoire, Slip Dance, 66-1 Golden Legacy, Joint Aspiration, Market Trend, Pictavia, 100-1 Love Thirty

Ultimatebet 2000 Guineas 2005: Evs Dubawi, 5-1 Rob Roy, 6-1 Footstepsinthesand, 8-1 Iceman, 16-1 Oratorio, 20-1 Diktatorial, Democratic Deficit, 33-1 Montgomerys Arch, Party Boss, 40-1 Forward Move, Tucker, 66-1 Elliots World, Kandidate, Tasdeed, Tony James, 100-1 Capable Guest, David Junior, Mister Genepi, Pivotal Flame, Rebel Rebel, Satchem, Solent,