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York

3:10 Stowe Family Law LLP Grand Cup

Gulf Of Naples put up a great effort in the Chester Cup in a race that didn’t work out for him and he should go close here

This looks a straight match between Cavalryman and Horse to follow GULF OF NAPLES. The latter has been in great form lately and with the ground no problem and with a number of front runners, this should be a true test and he can grind this out. On ratings he has a little to find with Cavalryman but that rival isn’t very consistent and his best form is over 1m2f-1m4f. There is no reason to suggest Gulf Of Naples can’t run up to his standard anyway, especially in a race that will suit him more. Barbican certainly goes in with a shout too with conditions likely to suit though he still doesn’t convince me as a strong stayer over 1m4f and another step down in time will surely suit. It was good to see Calico Cat show his close 3rd in the Ormonde was no fluke when winning a good maiden last week. 1m6f should suit but he still will probably fall short of this level. Mystery Star and Western Pearl have it to find on figures and need the front three to flop if they’re to win.

Advice – Gulf Of Naples (Horses To Follow List 2012)

3:45 Sky Bet Mobile Sprint Handicap

Not many of these look that well handicapped to go well or may not appreciate the conditions. Celerina is an interesting runner though who looks on a good mark. A few of the favourites sit at the top of the weights, including Secret Witness who ran two huge races in successive days and the Ebor meeting but is now off 105 and that may be too much for him to win. Magical Macey was just behind him on the 2nd run and also may find it tough off 101 while Lexi’s Hero would prefer an extra furlong. Bajan Tryst would go in with a shout but he hasn’t been seen on the a/w behind FRATELLINO who is better off here on turf. He won a good listed race on the a/w over 5f and although beaten on his next tow starts, they were in decent grade and he’s now back over a fast 5f which should suit. He has won over C&D before and looks really well handicapped to go close. Ancient Cross and Ziggy Lee have come in for money already which is interesting. Catfish may come on for this while Johannes could be creeping on to a decent mark and has been there and done it all before.

Advice – Fratellino 1.5pts e/w @20/1 generally

Haydock

2:30 Betfred Silver Bowl Handicap

A desperately tough race to crack. Archbishop is a likely favourite and was unlucky not to win last time at Newmarket when getting collared close home by the smart Rewarded. He looked very likely to win that day but edged left and was caught on the line. He doesn’t strike as the strongest of stayers over a mile and is up 5lb for his defeat. There is a big fight for the lead here and that means there is plenty to oppose him on. In 3rd that day was FROG HOLLOW who made a lot of ground from the rear. He doesn’t go up for that run meaning he’s 5;b better off in a race that didn’t suit him. The ground is ideal and although the price isn’t as attractive, he still is likely to go very close. Gabrial ran close last time when just getting collared by Arnold Lane at Chester on heavy. This is a completely different test but it should suit and he is up only 2lb. Switzerland runs for the Horses to follow list and i’m giving him another chance. He was 3rd behind Gabrial that day and is worth another chance on this ground as he has a lot of ability. The market probably has this race about right to be fair and at double figure prices the biggest challengers look likely to come from Mabaany, who should appreciate the step up to a mile, Forest Row who has a decent enough mark and the progressive Grey Mirage. Apostle won well last time but isn’t certain to stay the trip. Tidentime can run into a place but will need to improve to win. The stronger pace could see a better show in Lord ofthe Shadows though whether he is handicapped to win is another matter. Abishena is worth another chance on better ground. Chapter Seven didn’t stay 1m2f last time and is not a bad shout for a lively outsider while bottom weight Trail Blaze will need to improve in this much better grade.

Advice – Frog Hollow 3pts win @13/2 generally

                  Switzerland (Horses To Follow List 2012)

5:50 Betfred Mobile Casino Handicap

A tough handicap to solve but THACKERAY looks really progressive and the 5lb rise may not be enough to prevent a big run. That first win was on good ground so this ground shouldn’t be a problem and he should be finishing best of them all at the end. Toymaker is the main danger and is going for a hat trick himself while Postscript can go well for Ian Williams even though the yard haven’t had a winner for over three weeks now.

Advice – Thackeray 2pts win @7/1 generally

The first proper 5f test this season being a race that has been hotly contested over the past few years.

On official ratings Bated Breath is the one to beat. He won twice early last year but ran his best races in defeat, notably close 2nd’s in the July and Haydock Sprint Cup. Again he was unlucky not to get an elusive grade 1 win abroad and although he is clearly very good, the worry here is that this will happen too fast for him. All his form is over 6f and this will be an extremely quick 5f. He could only finish 9th on his only try at 5f in the Nunthorpe last year (5th of 9) and with the money that he has attracted for the Diamond Jubilee stakes also suggesting he may just come on for this too.

Sole Power (left) winning last year’s Temple Stakes and he should go close in retaining his crown

Instead SOLE POWER, last year’s winner, looks the best option. He sprung a huge surprise a few year’s back when winning the Nunthorpe at 100/1 but has since shown it to be no fluke. 5f on very fast ground is exactly what he needs and he comes into the race after a big show in Dubai when finishing runner-up to Ortensia in the Al Quoz Sprint. The price is starting to get a little short but there is no doubt last year’s race was better and he is easily the one to beat.

The revelation of last year was Tangerine Trees who built into an extremely smart sprinter with two listed wins, a Palace House win and victory in the Prix De L’Abbaye. He wasn’t beaten too far in this last year but is better now though he also had had a number of runs before then. He goes well fresh, winning his last two reappearances but he will have to be right at his best conceding a 4lb group 1 penalty.

Masamah was a steady improver last year, going from handicaps into pattern company in his stride and winning the Audi King George Stakes at Goodwood in August last year. He was just ahead of Bated Breath in the Nunthorpe and although poor here, that was over 6f. He then ran well behind Deacon Blues and could never get into the Abbaye after a poor start. More could be to come this year but he could need this.

Bapak Chinta made many a fan last year when winning the Norfolk on his second try but he put in a no show as if something amiss over 6f before trip would have been a problem. He’s got to bounce back from that while also having to prove his well being first time out in tough grade and at a level where 3yo’s usually struggle. Best Terms now goes sprinting after showing she didn’t stay 7f and this should suit better, but again 3yo’s find it tough.

Spirit Quartz (left) is worth chancing here after being a little unlucky not to win one of his three starts for new connections

Robert Cowell has two runners that include the progressive Monsieur Joe who has a lot going for him and should run his race.  But at a far bigger price, his other runner SPIRIT QUARTZ is worth an e/w saver. He has done absolutely nothing wrong on his three starts for the yard and was unlucky in the Palace House when drawn on the wrong side and being too far back. He won on good ground last year in Italy and his action suggests this ground could see more improvement, meaning his price is far too big.

Elusivity was just ahead of him in the Palace House but had more going for him and although improving, needs to step up a notch and isn’t certain to relish this fast test.It was good to see a better effort from Borderlescott last time at Chester and he went close in this last year but he has lost a yard of pace and he struggles seemingly to keep up at times. He couldn’t find a faster race than this and he may struggle though his trainer says he should improve from his last run. Swiss Dream started the season well when winning at Nottingham but this is a marked step forward and she looks better at 6f. Confessional and Medicean Man will have to improve beyond all previous form to win.

Verdict

SOLE POWER is far and away the one to beat here. He won this last year and this 5f test on fast ground is ideal. He comes into the race off big runs in the UAE in March and should make a bold bid to retain his crown. Bated Breath is the highest rated of these lot but is best at 6f and this may come too quick for him. Masamah and Monsieur Joe both can go well while Tangerine Trees may just need this and has a 4lb penalty for good measure. Elsewhere I really like SPIRIT QUARTZ who has been unlucky not to win a race for new connections and may improve for this fast ground. The 3yo’s Bapak Chinta and Best Terms may struggle in this grade. Elusivity ran just ahead of Spirit Quartz last time but got a better run and the selection should overturn that form here. Borderlescott bounced back to form last time at Chester but it is clear he isn’t as good as he was and this could be too quick for him. The rest have a lot to find.

Advice – Sole  Power 3pts win @7/2 generally

                  Spirit Quartz 1pt e/w @25/1 generally

A top race in stall with a number of the Newmarket participants locking horns again and a number of other challengers too.

Parish Hall winning a tight and steadily run Dewhurst. Power (No. 6) and Trumpet Major (No. 9), oppose again and have already had runs this season

Parish Hall has attracted support in the week after trainer Jim Bolger said he was up there with the best he’d trained. That is some complement taking into account how many good ones he has had over the years. I still feel he was a little flattered to win the Dewhurst from the front, a race his trainer knows how to win and he will need to be at his best to take this. With the Derby also being talked about regularly, he may just appreciate a slight step up in trip in what will be a quick mile here and it will be tough to dominate this field.

Ballydoyle have gone all out to take this with no more than four runners. Power is the choice of Joseph though. He was a Guineas fancy of mine for Newmarket but he seemed to hate the ground and finished completely tailed off. The ground will suit him a lot more now but my main worry is that he really hasn’t trained on over a mile. Daddy Long Legs has already had an adventurous campaign, winning the UAE Derby and then finishing well beaten in the Kentucky Derby. A line can be put through that no show and he looks the best priced of the Ballydoyle quartet. Wrote was 3rd in the UAE Derby and has since finished 3rd again over 1m2f and he also may be better over further. Reply won a valuable sales race on his only try over 6f but was behind Crusade in a muddling finish to the Middle Park last year. The mile should be within his reach and he can’t be totally dismissed.

John Oxx is double handed. Takar has won his last two starts over 7f, winning a back end maiden and a listed race last time out. The form of that win is pretty average though and although the step up to a mile should be fine, the fact he started his career in a mile maiden suggests he could also need further in time with there being a lot of stamina on the dams side. Ground is also a question mark. Born To Sea ran well when keen in the Guineas on unsuitable ground and more could be to come here. Unlike a number of his rivals, he looks likely to be suited by a mile even though his dam Urban Sea’s progeny have thrived over middle distances.

Hermival did the best of these in the English Guineas in finishing third on the far side. That confirmed the early promise he had shown for Mikel Delzangles. He relished the ground that day though unlike a number of others behind and on a totally different surface it may be a different story.

In just behind him that day was TRUMPET MAJOR. He looks a different proposition this year, winning the Craven in great style and then putting up a big effort in the Guineas on the softish ground. He disappointed badly on that ground last year when his trainer said he didn’t lift a foot in it. But then he popped up with a great performance on very fast ground in the Champagne Stakes before running behind Parish Hall in the Dewhurst. He is much better than that now and the ground is absolutely perfect for him here. Plus loads of these seem likely to relish over further while he looks an out and out miler, making him a huge danger. Richard Hannon won this with  Canford Cliffs in 2010 and went very close last year too with Dubawi Gold and a big show is likely from this one.

Alkazim should come up short on past evidence though the step down to a mile will suit better while Foxtrot Romeo hasn’t run over 6f and has a lot of question marks.

Verdict

A tight renewal. Parish Hall has been given glowing reports over the past week and has come in for support for it. I still feel he was a little flattered to win the Dewhurst from the front and unlike most of his rivals comes into this with no prep run after his Guineas chances were fluffed by ground. Hermival finished the best of who participated in the Guineas at Newmarket but seemed to love the ground there while others didn’t and has a real question mark over whether he handles it here. Takar is going to need to improve from what he has shown. Born To Sea looks a better candidate for the John Oxx yard and should relish this ground. Ballydoyle have four, led by Power who was very poor in the Guineas and although the ground is better, he still needs to prove he’s trained on. Wrote and Daddy Long Legs have run over further this season but the latter can be excused for his last run in the Kentucky Derby. Reply should be better over this trip and could run into a place. But the verdict goes to TRUMPET MAJOR who looks a completely different proposition this season, especially when taking into account that he should improve a lot for this fast ground. A repeat of his Guineas 4th should see him go close but with the ground and his trainer’s record in this race, he seems close to being the one to beat but is certainly not priced to be.

Advice – Trumpet Major 4pts win @7/1 Bet365

Goodwood

2:35 Hazel Wigley Memorial Stakes

BEAUFORT TWELVE (Horses To Follow List 2012) should go really well in this over 1m1f after being out of his depth in the Craven last month. He has far more to give off his mark of 83 with Harry Bentley claiming a useful 3lb. The better ground should also see more improvement and the form of his maiden win is still pretty solid. It’s no surprise that Goodwood Atlantis has come in for money and remains a colt with a lot of potential but the form of the John Dunlop yard is a significant worry. Silver Lime must be respected. As too does Attenborough who could go better this time after being very well fancied to go in first time out.

Advice – Beaufort Twelve (Horses To Follow List 2012)

3:10 Wright Joinery Company Stakes

Off an 8lb lower mark than his a/w mark, Primaeval goes in with a big shout and should go very close. Bonnie Brae was one of my selections for the Victoria Cup and ran a great race in 2nd. Trainer David Elsworth said more would be to come but the ground is a worry for me with her now as I feel she is better when the ground is softer. The 4lb rise is another thing to contend with. Citrus Star is on a good mark with conditions likely to suit today while again I think it is worth avoiding Yair Hill due to the poor form of the Dunlop yard. Instead i’m going to have a small e/w on Rulesn’ Regulations who is smart on his day and has regularly run well here. Money has come in already today which is interesting but he still is a good bet with 16/1 just about available.

Advice – RulesN’ Regulations 1pt e/w @16/1 Boylesports

3:45 Height of Fashion Stakes

A competitive Listed fillies race where Nayarra has to concede at least 2lb all round due to her group 1 win in Italy last year. Mick Channon feels she will be better over this trip and she is of a lot of interest. Coquet finished the year with a listed win last year but should need this run back. Estrela may need to improve on her 3rd to Vow in the Oaks trial two weeks ago. Gathering could be absolutely anything but it is worth going for MINIDRESS who is immaculately bred, being out of Short Skirt who relished over this distance. She has finished behind Nayarra the last twice but the step up in trip and the weight she gets from that rival could see a turn around of that form. Zaina has missed a number of other opportunities due to ground but would not be a surprise winner while Zimira needs to find the most of all.

Advice – Minidress 3pts win @11/2 generally

Sandown

7:35 lovereading.co.uk Handicap

A fascinating handicap for 3yo’s with a number of them possibly being far better than their ratings at the moment. Mubaraza is one of those but again it’s the Dunlop form which would worry me. Dynamic Duo may be open to less progression but could improve more for the extra 2f. Counsel needs to improve significantly on his second handicap start now on better ground. Modernism needs to show a lot more this time. Lancaster Gate is of interest but WILLIE WAG TAIL is the one i’m going for. I really was impressed by his maiden win at the back end of last year and his mark seems pretty lenient. The step up in trip should see improvement and Ed Walker’s horses always must be respected.

Advice – Willie Wag Tail 2pts win @9/1 generally

8:40 Fernox Fillies’ Handicap

It’s worth concentrating on the 3yo’s which include Buzkashi who runs her first race for David Lanigan and is in a first time hood. Miss Cato has been in good form and looks an ultra consistent filly but this needs more and she has shown a liking to an easier surface. Cresta Star is entitled to come on for her first run now over a furlong extra. Winter Star could be well ahead of her mark but i’m at a loss of the price of OGARITMO. She ran in a better race last time and although well beaten, that was on heavy ground and it would have stretched her stamina. She travelled well in that race though and the step down in trip will suit back on much better ground. The booking of Ryan Moore is of significance and i’m very surprised she is the price she is.

Advice – Ogaritmo 3pts win @9/1 Stan James

Salisbury

6:10 Betfair Boosts Prize Money At Salisbury E B F Maiden Stakes

I’m not convinced Black Monk is worthy at all of being so short. He couldn’t beat Dreamy Ciara on debut and although he will come on for that, i’m sure he will need to. But it’s a good maiden and Jubilee Brig’s 3rd to subsequent Listed winner Ceiling Kitty is far stronger form. Regal Dan also holds similar form and Pearl Bounty wouldn’t be a surprise winner at all for connections who have already sent out an impressive maiden winner. Interestingly that winner ran in the same race of SHEARIAN. This Brian Meehan colt held up well for half of the way but then faded badly on softer ground. More should be to come  on this ground with the run on his back and in a weaker maiden and he is worth backing at a big price.

Advice – Shearian 1.25pts e/w @33/1 Stan James & Bodog

I don’t fancy too much today but it’s still a superb day of racing with the return of Frankel in a superb Lockinge Stakes.

Newbury

3:05 Blue Square London Gold Cup

A cracker of a handicap here where Horse to follow REWARDED attempts to build on his Newmarket win two weeks ago by stepping up to 1m2f. The trip should really suit and he has a lot of class and speed to win this off top weight. The stats show that 10/10 winners of this race have run at least three times and the two favourites will need to rid that stat to win. Thomas Chippendale comes in with a hefty reputation after winning his maiden at the second attempt, beating subsequent Kentucky Derby 4th Went The Day Well. Obviously that is good form but it wouldn’t surprise me if he was the best horse of these but didn’t win. HAJRAS is well fancied and the form of his last win has worked out well. He looks a typically progressive Mark Johnston and i’d expect him to go very close. Almuftarris has done well too and must come into consideration, getting off the mark last time on his first try at 1m2f. Expense Claim is also 2/2 over this trip and it’s hard to fully rule out anything in the race really.

Advice – Rewarded (Horses To Follow List 2012)

                Hajras/Rewarded 1pt Reverse Forecast

Newmarket

Poptelecom.co.uk King Charles II Stakes

Good 2yo form beats progressive 3yo profiles here. Off the juvenile form, Saigon looks to have the strongest chance. He hasn’t won since his first two starts but sets a nice standard and had showed he has trained on well with a solid run in the Guineas on his reappearance. He does have a 4lb penalty to contend with though and looks plenty short. Balty Boys is best on official ratings though whether that rating is right is open to debate. He’s run well before here in the sales races but may come up short. The Nile, who had shown promise last year, got off the mark in great style on the a/w last time at Wolverhampton, beating a decent rival in the process. He could be absolutely anything but the step down to 7f doesn’t seem to be the best way to go. VAN ELLIS will be more suited by the trip. He went in to many notebooks after travelling like a good thing in one of the sales races here on his debut. He faded into 5th that day (Balty Boys in behind) but took the step up to 7f with victory on the a/w in Ireland. He looks likely to progress and could be absolutely anything, thus he’s worth chancing here. Aljamaheer came into a Newbury handicap with a hefty reputation last time out but the soft ground wasn’t in his favour. This race should show how good he really is.

Advice – Van Ellis 2pts win @17/2 SportingBet

Elsewhere, I don’t have time to really write in depth but SPICE FAIR (Newmarket 3:55) should go well in the Cesarewitch Trial. The penny has seemed to have dropped with him and he looked quite unlucky not to win last time when 2nd to Lifetime at Goodwood. Ground is no problem for him and even though he’s up 4lb, a big run is likely with Ryan Moore booked.

Advice – Spice Fair 3pts win @6/1 Coral

I really like DANK (Doncaster 7:45) who impressed me when winning on the a/w last time. Sir Michael Stoute has hit a bit of form and even though the race is quite good, i’d expect her to go very close off a mark of 88 as the maiden she won was a pretty good one.

Advice – Dank 3pts win @4/1 Betfred

York

3:00 EquinITy Powered By Garmin Fillies´ Stakes Registered As Michael Seely Memorial Stakes

LAUGH OUT LOUD ran a great race in the 1000 Guineas on her first try on turf. She could never get into the race on ground that would have been softer than ideal. Lily’s Angel was just ahead of her but the selection looks far more progressive and looks sure to go well in this. Hello Glory has ability judging on her 2yo form but that was over 6f and she needs to prove she stays. Tactfully was no match for the selection on the a/w while Way Too Hot looks below this standard.

Advice – Laught Out Loud 5pts win @7/2 generally

Newmarket

3:55 Edmondson Hall Solicitors & Sports Lawyers Handicap

QARAABA was extremely impressive over 1m2f last time at Doncaster and although she is up 7lb, it may not be enough to prevent this filly winning again. The 48 day break will have done her good though this race is extremely competitive. Jiwen looks a smart prospect and seems likely to progress over this trip. Danadana should come on for his first run back in better grade here at the Guineas meeting. John Louis, Yasir, Fadhaa and Rawaki are all respected in a desperately tight event.

Advice – Qaraaba (Horses To Follow List 2012)

Hamilton

8:00 William Hill Braveheart Handicap

Good to see a smart field for this race and GULF OF NAPLES looks sure to go well off top weight. His main danger looks like stablemate and Newmarket handicap winner Ithoughtitwasover who runs off just 3lb higher here. A 1-2 looks a decent bet though it’s certainly not a foregone conclusion with the smart Laaheb and Bridge Of Gold in company. The former needs to bounce back from an average time last year while the latter needs to improve. Horse to follow Creme Anglaise runs here after finishing 3rd behind Vita Nova at Goodwood. She ran better than her finishing position suggested as she travelled really well but the race was run at a crawl and it didn’t suit. The better ground will suit, she gets in off bottom weight although is 3lb out of the handicap and with the run off her back she could cause a surprise.

Advice – Gulf Of Naples/Creme Anglaise (Horses To Follow List 2012)

Elsewhere, I’m very much looking forward to seeing BAILEYS JUBILEE again who in two starts has shown to be up there as one of the best early juveniles. She’s odds-on tomorrow but I’d fully expect her to win. At Newbury, FIRDAWS faces Starscope over 1m2f. The latter was 2nd in the Guineas last time out which is good form but the former looks likely to be galvanised by the step up in trip and showed to be smart last year. It’s a fascinating contest but i’d just prefer Firdaws. Being five selections tomorrow, I’d go for some kind of multiple to cover them all.

A really good fillies group 2 here which looks very open. IZZI TOP started the season well when winning the Dahlia at Newmarket two weeks ago after running keen but showing a good turn of foot and staying on best over 1m1f. This Oaks placed filly should relish the step up in trip, goes on all ground, should come on for that first run back and looks a top 4yo in the making.

I’m A Dreamer seems best fresh and showed she stayed 1m2f well when just held in the EP Taylor on her last start at Woodbine last year

She is really tough to oppose and i think she’ll go very close but I think I’M A DREAMER will too. She looks best fresh and absolutely demolished the Dahlia field in 2011 and although she didn’t win again, the step up to 1m2f saw a very close 2nd in the E P Taylor at Woodbine. Sea Of Heartbreak was in behind and that rival also chased her home in the Dahlia. 1m2f looks ideal now and that run also showed she will take to softer conditions although the ground is drying out. The two look the outstanding bets of the race and I really can’t see past them, meaning a forecast looks likely. If I had to choose one though it would be David Simcock’s mare who should have a decent pace to aim at and as already mentioned, is best fresh.

Timepiece should come on for her first run back but still I’ve never rated her as she was flattered to win the Falmouth as the race fell into her hands. She did back it up with a good run over 1m2f in France showing the trip is no problem but she will find it hard to dominate in this field.

Sajjhaa was 2nd to Midday in this last year and after a solid run at Ascot, then easily beat Myplacelater in a Listed race here. She was disappointing in her race after that and her stable are still yet to find their feet this season so she may just come on for this run.

Set To Music has progressive last year especially when moving up in trip and after an impressive listed win here over 1m4f, found only Meeznah too good in the Park Hill at Doncaster over 1m7f. She has to prove she can hack it in this at this trip still and although improvement is likely this season, this is a goo race and she still has it to prove for me.

Beatrice Aurore was seen regularly abroad last year after running a decent race in the Oaks and she was rewarded with a group 3 win and a place in an Italian group 1. That form doesn’t look outstanding and although she is entitled to improve for her first run back in the Earl Of Sefton when beaten by Questioning and Twice Over, she still needs to move forward to win this.

This will be tough for Sea Of Heartbreak who is a likeable filly but has a 3lb penalty to contend with due to her French group 2. That wasn’t strong form either though and more will be needed while she has twice seen the back of I’m A Dreamer and that rival may have the beating of her.

Last year’s Nell Gwyn winner Barefoot Lady ran to a decent level last year but was below this standard and her first run back didn’t see much promise, albeit on bottomless ground. Myplacelater was better last week at Chester when just failing to win the Huxley although on form last year has it to find with a few of these. Finally Mohedian Lady looked very promising last year at a time, especially when winning a Newmarket listed race over 1m4f. She was well beaten albeit in a very good St Simon Stakes and is the 2nd lowest rated of the field but more may be to come this year and it would be the biggest of shocks if she ran a good race.

Verdict

IZZI TOP and I’M A DREAMER look to have the best chances and a forecast is advised. Izzi Top impressed when keen in the Dahlia just under 2 weeks ago but she readily scooted clear of Timepiece (may get closer here but step up in trip suits the latter more) and with conditions fine and the stable in great form, she looks a very solid favourite. I’m A Dreamer ran really well in Woodbine when last seen on her first try at 1m2f, only just failing to reel in the winner. She was a really impressive winner of the Dahlia the year before from Sea Of Heartbreak and may be best fresh. Conditions should be fine and there also should be a good pace for her to run at. Sajjhaa, 2nd in this last year, may need the race this time. Set To Music has to prove her effectiveness in this grade at this trip but would be interesting if she did. Beatrice Aurore needs to step up on her form last year and come on for her first run back. Barefoot Lady needs to bounce back now on better ground. Myplacelater is the lowest rated on figures but showed more promise again at Chester last week while Mohedian Lady may run a decent race at a price although will need to step up.

Advice – Izzi Top/I’m A Dreamer 1.5pt Reverse Forecast

There is certainly reason to oppose Mijhaar (right) who has his first run since July and looks far too short for this good 1m listed handicap

Mijhaar looks likely to go off as a strong favourite for this decent prize. He is very lightly raced for a 4yo so is clearly not straightforward and after a decent run in the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot, had been strongly fancied to follow up in a similar handicap at Newmarket in July, only to find Fulgur, who had in fact beaten him on his debut over 1 mile, too good again. He is extremely short even though he could be well above these and especially since this race is at a mile when he gets further. It’s also his first run since July and I wouldn’t be touching him at the price.

Fury has run with a lot of credit this year already without winning and it seems the handicapper may have caught up on him. He may not have seen out the 1m1f on tough ground last time at Newmarket so a return to a mile will suit and he also ran into the clearly well handicapped Captain Bertie before that. This will be tough for him off 104 though and he surely only has a few lbs in hand, even that.

Thus it’s better to look elsewhere and off bottom weight NEUTRAFA could be where to go. She could not have been more impressive when demolishing her rivals over a mile at Nottingham on her first run back and after pulling very keen throughout in listed race at Goodwood that was run at a crawl, she again travelled like the winner only to not get the right passage and then the tank ran out late on. A return to better ground will suit while more importantly she gets a stronger pace to run at. She has bags of ability and should be more than up to running to a mark of 93.

Justonefortheroad has started the season well, winning his last two. He beat the progressive Captain Dimitrios in April and then beat Rodrigo De Torres two weeks later off this mark in a conditions race. Off 99 though he now looks handicapped up to his best and improvement will be needed in this grade, especially as the form has taken a couple of knocks already.

One who is hard to judge is Bezique, an Italian import who could be absolutely anything. She did subsequent Arc De Triomphe winner Danedream on her penultimate start but taking that form literally is hard. It seems as if she didn’t enjoy the soft ground at all when last seen and something else may have been amiss as she’s been off for over a year since. She doesn’t look that well handicapped for this and the safe call is that she is worth opposing, especially as she  will need this. Money would be interesting though.

Cambridgeshire 1st and 2nd Prince Of Johanne and Stevie Thunder run, the winner for the first time since that victory. He won on his reappearance last year but the trip may be on the short side for him with all of his form at 1m1f+ and this being his first run at the trip since a 3yo. Stevie Thunder is now only 1lb lower than the mark he ran 2nd in that on but took a step backwards last time at Thirsk when holding up well in the Lincoln before then.

Although the form figures of Navajo Chief aren’t that inspirational, he ran a good race back on turf last time when 4th behind Penitent in a Listed race. He was rated 107 at a time last year, namely after winning a C&D handicap and although he didn’t acquit himself that well in Dubai, he is dropping onto a very good mark and conditions should be ideal.

Trade Storm seems to be a consistent type though he did find it tough to win off his mark last year. Connections tried him at 7f for one run last year and then at 1m2f which suggests they don’t know where to go to find any improvement and bacrs will probably have to bank on him simply improving for the winter.

I fancied Common Touch last year to run well in the Britannia at Royal Ascot but he never really got into the race on his first try over 7f. He did run a good 2nd after that though when back down a furlong to Webbow who seemed progressive at the time. More could be to come for one so lightly raced going in as a 4yo but Tony Hamilton prefers Justonefortheroad and he needs to prove the trip first too.

Titus Mills is reportedly going well at home and is interesting if fulfilling promise shown as a 2yo after two decent runs this season

Godolphin had two representatives but Invisible Man is a non-runner and they’re left with Bridgefield who runs for the first time back from Meydan. He didn’t set the world alight there and I can’t see where improvement is going to come from on what he is already handicapped up to be.

One I haven’t mentioned and must have a saver on is TITUS MILLS. He was very smart as a juvenile but missed all of last year due to injury. He showed up well in the Earl Of Sefton for a long way and though he was last of seven last time at Kempton, again he is fully entitled to come on for both those runs. Brian Meehan has stated he expects a big run and he is going really well at home. Blinkers are on this time which may have a desired effect and he is dangerous to dismiss at a big price. Sos Brillante is the only other runner but is rated 74 and is miles out of the handicap.

Verdict

There is good reason to oppose Mijhaar who although is the least exposed and most promising, is having his first run back for just under a year over a trip which may be on the short side. He could be far too good for these but i’m more than willing to avoid at that price in what is a good race. Fury may not have much in hand to win this off 104 but should get involved. Justonefortheroad may also find this tough off his mark in a better race, especially as the form of his last win has taken a couple of knocks. Navajo Chief was an impressive C&D handicap winner last year and runs off a good mark. I can’t see Trade Storm being good enough off a mark of 99. Common Touch still needs to prove he stays the mile well enough while Bezique, who comes from Italy, could be absolutely anything though may need this. Instead i’m going for NEUTRAFA. I was really taken by her when she won at Nottingham on her penultimate and she pulled far too hard last time out off a very slow pace but still travelled extremely well, only to find little due to her early exertions. The stronger pace will suit her and she could have a lot in hand off 93. Cambridgeshire winner Price Of Johanne may find this test a little start on his first start back, while the runner-up Stevie Thunder ran well enough in the Lincoln but has a poor run to overcome from last time. Bridgefield needs to find more on his first run back in the UK since Meydan but at a big price, TITUS MILLS is worth siding with. His trainer Brian Meehan expects a big run and after missing all of last year, is fully entitled to come on for his first two runs back where he showed to still have ability twice. If bouncing back to his best then he could go very close off a mark of 100 and I can’t not have a little on him.

Advice – Neutrafa 1.5pts e/w @12/1 generally

                  Titus Mills 1pt e/w @25/1 Stan James

Bonfire

Impressive winner of a maiden on his first start at Salisbury on soft ground and built on that with a running on third in the Criterium International behind subsequent 2000 Guineas runner-up French Fifteen. Always been well regarded and comes here with significant Derby aspirations.  Trip to prove but it would be very surprising if he didn’t stay 1m4f at least, while both his runs have been on soft so . Seems to have that bit of class needed to win this though whether he deserves to be so short on form is questionable.

Dream Tune

Built on a decent debut when runner-up to Frankel’s brother Noble Mission last time at Newbury. No match for that rival who has gone in since though in listed company. Now needs a huge step forward stepping up yo 1m2f.

Ektihaam

Ektihaam really impressed on his first try at 1m2f last time and is fully entitled to hold Derby claims here

Impressed on debut over 7f (form decent) and then readily beat high 70, early 80 rated rivals next time to make it 2/2. Given an easy time when not getting the clearest of runs in the Dewhurst and that run can be forgotten. Started the season in great style though when an impressive winner of a 1m2f conditions stakes at Newbury, settling in last and quickening up in taking fashion to beat the very well regarded Wrotham Heath by 5 lengths, although pretty fresh throughout. More to come over these distances as that needed some getting. This race is much better but he’s fully entitled to take his chance and he looks an extremely interesting runner. Ground quicker here but should be no problem as there is a bit of cut in it.

Ernest Hemingway

Represents an all-conquering yard who already have a very strong Derby hand already. Once raced colt who was an impressive winner of an a/w Dundalk maiden over 1m3f. 2nd is rated 75 so it’s not great form but he won by 10 lengths and he’s entitled to take his chance. 1m2f may just be about a minimum for him with notable stamina on the dam’s side in particular. Will have to be pretty smart to take this although if tasting defeat, he may be the one to take out of the race when stepping up further in trip.

Fencing

Well regarded colt who broke his maiden tag on his second start in a listed race, beating the smart Telwaar easily over 7f. Was put in his place seemingly in the Racing post Trophy though when third behind Camelot over a mile. Showed he had trained on nicely with a good solid run in the 2000 Guineas, running on eventually to finish 6th. 1m2f should be right in his compass on pedigree and in running style. Ground is fine and trainer is in great form after winning the Fillies’ trial today with The Fugue who also came off the back of a good run in the Guineas. Fascinating contender.

Mandaean

Bought by Godolphin after two impressive victories for Andre Fabre late last year in France. Runner-up on his maiden win is a solid yardstick though he improved significantly to take the Criterium De Saint-Cloud last time out after running green but always holding on. Shows he stays the trip very well already and far more to come this season. Ground is the main worry as he did win twice on soft ground and it is better ground here, although a little but of cut will help. Yard hasn’t kicked off too strongly yet either but remains a colt with considerable potential although he will learn far more about him here.

Ptolemaic

Listed race 2nd last year when stepping up a mile and ran a decent race in the Craven and then also in The Guineas, beaten only 6 lengths. Wouldn’t surprise if he improved for 1m2f with decent stamina on the dam’s side. Sire more about speed though. Got to improve a lot in a really good race but shouldn’t be slightly shorter than he is and wouldn’t be the biggest surprise ever to me if he ran okay he’s rated fairly close to a number of these but is a significantly bigger price.

Verdict

A superb race where Bonfire looks worth opposing on price grounds. He certainly is promising and should stay the trip though is going to need to improve as a 3yo to win this. I’d rate him around the 3/1 mark rather than 2/1 and so it’s better to look elsewhere for value. Mandaean impressed in two runs for Andre Fabre and although handles quicker gorund for the first time, he could be absolutely anything. Fencing looks likely to improve for the step up to 1m2f after running  a good race in the Guineas. The yard are in great form and took the Fillies’ renewal today too. Ernest Hemingway represents the all conquering Coolmore operation who have won this three times in the last six years. He won a maiden over 1m3f and this trip looks the minimum for him so whether he can win tomorrow is a doubt but he certainly will improve stepped further up in trip. However EKTIHAAM is the selection. He really impressed when beating Wrotham Heath at Newbury last time on very heavy ground on his first try at this trip. It is well worth him trying this and although he hasn’t got a Derby entry, he can boost his claims for the race with a big run here with conditions certainly likely to suit. Dream Tune needs to improve significantly while Ptolemaic isn’t the worst 66/1 shot ever as he is officially rated 109 and should appreciate the step up to 1m2f with bundles of stamina on the dam’s side.

Advice – Ektihaam 2pts win @5/1 generally

I haven’t got too much time today as I do have an hour exam today which had to be from 2-3pm didn’t it. Anyway I have a few fancies for York today. The Duke Of York preview is already up though the money for Hoof It could be highly significant but I still stick by the fact that Libranno has a solid chance, but he’s 8 times the price.

1:30 Infinity Tyres Stakes

I’ve been wary in backing Sir Michael Stoute horses lately as he doesn’t seem in great form after such a poor season last year but he has had some good winners, especially in the 3yo department. The feature in the Racing Post on him highlighted how important 3yo winners in May are for him as it always sums up how good a season he has. He is represented by the very smart LABARINTO here. I really liked this horse last year and i’ll be surprised if he isn’t up to pattern class some time this season. He will come on for his first run back where conditions didn’t suit at all over a mile on very soft ground. Back on a better surface and over 1m2f, he should be wound up for a big run in what doesn’t strike to me as a significantly good handicap. Gatewood has been fancied for John Gosden but he certainly will need to step up on what he’s shown so far. Flag Officer was 2nd to Sea Moon over C&D on his last start and with that rival going on to do what he did, on that form line, he is the one to beat. He is up 9lb for it though and hasn’t been seen for just under a year, while Labarinto is double the price. Right Step who won last time out at Epsom on heavy is up 9lb and that may be enough to prevent him winning but he can certainly reward e/w support. The main danger could come from Kirthill who looks certain to give more this season though bar him i’m finding it hard to give anything else a real good chance.

Advice – Labarinto 3pts win @8/1 BetVictor & Bet365

2:00 William Birch & Sons Construction Stakes

York Glory is an interesting runner and more is to come with this rival this year but he will need to in what is a good race and the fact this is his first run back. I backed Shropshire last time when a close 2nd in a good Newmarket handicap and he runs the same mark with Matthew Lawson also taking off 5lb. He was drawn on the right side but that stills entitles him to significant respect. However on his start where he was 8th at Pontefract, COOLMINX was ahead of him in 5th. Both were drawn badly and made the wrong decision to go wide and it has been wise to follow all horses that have done that. He should come on for that run and still looks progressive after winning the Ayr Bronze Cup last year. I’m a fan of New Planet who could easily be better than his mark of 100 while Escape To Glory is finally fulfilling some of his potential though i’m still not fully convinced he’s up to winning off 84. More could come from Barnet Fair last year who finished 4th in a handicap behind the favourite last year but could go closer over 6f.

Advice – Coolminx 1.25pts e/w @12/1 generally

4:45 McArthurglen´s York Designer Outlet Stakes

Richard Fahey has stated he will be disappointed if BACCARAT can’t go very close here and off 75 he could be extremely well handicapped. He has to prove his liking to turf though 7f looks ideal and although the form isn’t ideal he is still certainly worth chancing. The form of Tartiflette’s 2nd to Gregorian has been franked by that rival running an eyecatching race in the French 2000 Guineas. He’s up 5lb but that should not stop a big run now on better ground. Nameitwhatyoulike has improved for the step up to a mile and the drop to 7f may not suit in good grade. Three Am Tour and Grizzle both ran good rasces on their reappearances and both should come on for them. Off 6lb extra, Warfare comes into consideration but it’s worth chancing e/w with an outsider and BYRONIC HERO is that rival. I’m a big fan of Jedd O’Keefe as a trainer and I backed this horse last time at Pontefract but he missed the start and had no chance, until making significant headway near the end. He seemed to badly need that race and he looks really well handicapped now after being dropped 2lb for that run. The step up to 7f is unproven but it seems as if he will get it and he is worth a squeak at a huge price.

Advice – Baccarat 3pts win @13/2 Ladbrokes

                  Byronic Hero 1.25pts e/w @33/1 BetVictor