Friday 30th & Saturday 31st July 2021: Sayyida’s Cup Runneth Over in Chalice Stakes

It’s Stewards’ Cup Day on Saturday as Glorious Goodwood comes to a close, while brilliant three-year-old Essential Quality warms up for the Travers Stakes and the Breeders’ Cup Classic over at Saratoga.

Betting-wise however, this bunch of beauties racing on Friday and Saturday provide us with the best value over the weekend.

Friday 30th July 2021

3.00 Goodwood (Golden Mile Handicap) – PATH OF THUNDER

This is a typically competitive Golden Mile, but it’s one in which Charlie Appleby’s Path Of Thunder can prove to be particularly well handicapped.

An easy winner last time at Newmarket ahead of some classy types, he’s been bumped up 8lbs but that still does not represent accurately his true ability and he can add this race to his CV. Johan and Magical Morning are best of the rest.

3.35 Goodwood (King George Stakes – Group 2) – BATTAASH

In a normal year, the Bat Mobile would have been odds-on for this race. As it is his price is drifting, but as long as he puts in even his B-game he can take care of this field.

His run in the King’s Stand at Ascot after injury, all things considered, was very good and he is now at full match fitness. Goodwood is Battaash’s favourite track and he should have too much pace here.

The likes of Dragon Symbol and Suesa (if the ground isn’t too quick for them by Friday afternoon, as well as Art Power and Glass Slippers are all decent but not up to the level of Charlie Hills’ brilliant seven-year-old who looks to win this for the fifth year in a row.

4.10 Goodwood (Glorious Stakes – Group 3) – MOGUL

We’ve seen precious little this week of the very biggest names in the training ranks however this race could go the way of the Aidan O’Brien team.

Mogul hasn’t won yet this season, but conditions are coming right for him now and a look back at his form suggests he can begin to peak for the season around this time.

He’s won over the course and distance before and can take care of Euchen Glen and Passion And Glory.

Saturday 31st July 2021 

1.20 Goodwood (Handicap) – QUINTILLUS

I was very sweet on this horse at a huge price in the Britannia Stakes at Royal Ascot, a race in which he ran a blinder to finish a one-length third to Perotto.

The return to seven furlongs is a plus, he is improving all the time and might just have a few pounds in hand at these weights on Spirit Of Bermuda, the main danger, as well as Master Zoffany.

2.30 Goodwood (Summer Handicap) – MY FRANKEL

It’s been a relatively quiet season for Sir Michael Stoute thus far, but he can pull off his familiar ‘improving four-year-old’ trick over this mile and six furlongs with My Frankel.

He looked likely to appreciate this trip as far back as last August when winning easily over a mile-and-a-half at Kempton, while since then he has also beaten Taqareer who is also set to run well this weekend (see below).

Last time out he was beaten only 3¼ lengths in the Old Newton Cup after racing wide, he’ll appreciate this ground and can now win a big handicap of his own.

Prince Alex is interesting, while Aaddeey remains a danger in races of this nature.

2.45 Newmarket (Chalice Stakes – Listed Race) – SAYYIDA

I really wish, given the quality of the horses involved and how important they are to the stud book, that these Listed races were more valuable.

The prize money may not be great then, but this is a competitive mile-and-a-half fillies’ event with nothing much to separate Chiasma, Invite, Portfolio, Save A Forest and Yesyes on my book.

The one who looks as though she is just a level above them however is Sayyida. The Godolphin filly was an easy course and distance winner last time out, her second win in a row, and she can now hit triple digits in terms of her official rating.

3.20 Newmarket (Handicap) – TAQAREER

Frankie Dettori’s main reason for staying at Newmarket instead of going to Goodwood, arguably, is this horse of John and Thady Gosden’s.

A progressive type despite one win in 8, he’s been beaten no more than 2¼ lengths this season by Valyrian Steel, My Frankel and Boss Power (also in the Summer Handicap for Stoute).

His current handicap mark underestimates him, he’ll get the best handling from up top and he can prove to be the best of this bunch ahead of Strawberry Rock.

3.55 Newmarket (Handicap) – MODERN NEWS

In this decent seven furlong, three-year-old handicap you can afford to pay little attention to Great News being given the Godolphin first colours.

So often the Saeed bin Suroor runners are afforded that honour, but Charlie Appleby’s Modern News is the one with the most talent for certain.

A Shamardal colt out of a New Approach mare, Modern News was one of even this powerhouse ownership’s better-bred juveniles of last season and he did win a very strong Newmarket maiden race first time out.

He was unsuited by the ground when only 4/1 for the Chesham Stakes won by Battleground, before not liking the track when running second to Twaasol over six furlongs at Epsom, that horse reopposing here.

He’s been off the turf since then, for the last 392 days in fact, but is ready to go now and on a line through various horses he’s raced against should be capable of running to a mark some 7-10lbs better than his official rating.

4.30 Newmarket (Handicap) – RANCHERO 

Despite weight allowances being there for a reason, Ranchero getting a stone from Anythingtoday in this race gives him a huge chance.

Second to Ransom on debut before filling the same spot at Newcastle, the Gosden/Godolphin colt got his head in front last time at Nottingham where he beat Kolisi cosily off level weights, a horse now rated 87.

This chap gets in off only 80 and there is a ton of improvement in him yet meaning defeat here would no doubt be a massive disappointment to all involved.

Friday 23rd & Saturday 24th July 2021: Derby Form to Take Another Massive Boost in King George

On a huge weekend for racing, Ascot hosts both the King George which features the Derby winner, and the International Stakes handicap.

Crowds are back, in fact more than 30,000 are expected at York where Mohaafeth essentially goes on trial for the Juddmonte International, running in the Group 2 York Stakes.

There are two closely-matched Newmarket horses taking part in the Beeswing on Newcastle’s Ladies Day card too but we begin with Ascot on Friday and a fast-improving filly.

Friday 23rd July 2021

3.00 Ascot (Valiant Stakes – Group 3) – LIGHTS ON

I’ve been dying to see Sir Michael Stoute’s Lights On back on fast ground. She was a very easy winner on the soft last time but handles anything and could be on her way to Group 1 level.

Indigo Girl has the quality to mix it with the selection, but she’s half the price and hasn’t been sighted since last October.

3.35 Ascot (Handicap) – GRAND BAZAAR

John and Thady Gosden’s Grand Bazaar has featured here a couple of times, but has been withdrawn due to the ground being too soft.

If the quicker ground remains at Ascot, he can continue the improvement he has shown on every run in these conditions and win his fourth race in 12 starts. Labeebb and Alfred Boucher look best of the remainder.

7.22 Newmarket (Novice Stakes) – THOUSAND OAKS

There are only five runners here, but there are enough mentions for Line Of Descent, Constanta and Auriferous in the media as well as an encouraging betting forecast for us to think we can get a decent price for Thousand Oaks.

The Gosden filly has run third on both of her starts so far, but has been waiting for these conditions and is significantly better than what she’s managed to show so far. Cieren Fallon rides for Qatar Racing.

Saturday 24th July 2021

1.15 Ascot (Pat Eddery Stakes – Listed Race) – NEW SCIENCE

Choosing New Science, an excellent debut winner at Yarmouth, is based purely on his not inconsiderable talent as a juvenile.

We do also have to consider though that had he won at Royal Ascot in the Chesham which was expected by many (ground very much not to his liking), then he’d already have been prepped for a Group 2 somewhere by now and he should have more than enough class to win this. Cachet, Mr McCann and Angel Bleu can fight out the places.

1.50 Ascot (Princess Margaret Stakes – Group 3) – DESERT DREAMER

Having attempted to pre-empt the rates of improvement likely shown by these fillies, along with their various speed ratings, it seems this time that siding with experience could prove fruitful.

Already having her sixth start, Desert Dreamer looks like the one with her solid Listed and Group form making her stand out. Nazanin, Delmona, Nymphadora and System can all run well to varying degrees.

3.00 Ascot (International Stakes – Class 2 Handicap) – MATTHEW FLINDERS

This hugely competitive seven-furlong handicap has attracted 22 runners, so the familiar split on the straight course may occur here with the high numbers very likely favoured.

That leaves Shadwell looking vulnerable despite fielding three runners in the top four or five in the betting. Motakhayyel will have to pull out a Group 1 performance off this weight, while Aldaary and Danyah are potentially badly drawn.

Oisin Murphy has been booked for Matthew Flinders here who is getting quicker as time goes on and now looks the perfect type for this race. Dance Fever and Acquitted also deserve big mentions.

3.35 Ascot (King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes – Group 1) – ADAYAR 

Despite some defections this is a proper Group 1, as the King George always should be. This hasn’t always been the clash of the generations that we want, but with awesome 2020 Oaks winner Love and this year’s good Derby winner Adayar at the head of things, it certainly will be this time.

Beginning with Adayar; he was indeed a high-quality Derby winner for Charlie Appleby and he’s been left alone to recover while third-placed Hurricane Lane has gone on to win two Group 1 races.

It can’t be underestimated how important it is for the industry to at last have another Derby winner score in this race. Despite a lack of three-year-old participants in recent times, history has shown us that when a top-class one shows up, they invariably win.

Adayar has won despite softer ground in the past rather than because of it, he stays very well, has lots of class and is obviously still getting better. This isn’t a race for good mile-and-a-quarter horses who might stay, it’ll be a battle to the line and this fellow possesses the ability and the stamina to get the job done.

Love is a brilliant mare. She’s very similar in ability to Found, also by Galileo, who went 2nd (13/8f), 2nd (9/2), 2nd (4/1) and 2nd (5/2) at Ascot, never pulling out her very best there. Over 1m4f on good or faster ground she ran 9th (18/1), 1st (4/1), 2nd (2/1f) and 3rd (11/4), again never being at her very best. Even more closely related is Magical, again similar in ability and never quite at her best in these conditions.

Love for her part stayed brilliantly in last year’s Oaks and was a brave winner over 1m2f around Ascot at the royal meeting, but she may not quite get to the genuine superstar level that three-time winner Enable did which makes her vulnerable at short odds against a good Derby winner.

Mishriff is very consistent and genuine Group 1 class, but in running to his usual standard he should be third-best here. Wonderful Tonight is a lovely filly heading to the Arc but needs rain, while Lone Eagle has form with Hurricane Lane but is in against real good horses now and may just not cope.

4.30 Newcastle (Handicap – Class 3) – MOSHAAWER

Hasty Sailor is no mug and Brian Ellison (Cormier) loves to win at Newcastle. This is a good race with two well-handicapped horses in it however, meaning it’s a result to keep an eye on for the future.

Second Slip won on Northumberland Plate Day and still has something in hand, but Moshaawer could be different gravy and can be backed as long as he’s offered at a decent price.

The Frankel colt has won his last two easily after finishing third on debut behind the now 95-rated Scope and Derby runner-up Mojo Star. Roger Varian’s runner may be heading to Group races before long, but runs here off a mark of just 93.

Friday 16th & Saturday 17th July 2021: Free Wind Our Aphrodite Goddess

We have a ton of information once again for this weekend. Irish Oaks Day takes place at the Curragh, while the Weatherbys Super Sprint is the biggie in England with Chipotle looking to strike again.

We’ve gone elsewhere looking for value however, with a massive ten selections beginning at Newbury on Friday: 

Friday 16th July 2021

2.45 Newbury (Fillies’ Handicap) – GOLDEN BUGLE

A pretty competitive 1m5f+ fillies’ handicap, one in which we can expect more from Michael Bell’s Horsefly with champion jockey’s title chaser Oisin Murphy on board.

Secret Shadow is no mug and Maytal may well improve, however the one to be on could be Golden Bugle for the very familiar connections of the Gosdens, Golden Horn (sire), Anthony Oppenheimer and Frankie Dettori.

A Doncaster maiden winner last time out, she most likely wants this trip now and previously chased the useful Sayyida home. She looks to be well above her rather anaemic-looking mark of 79 and should have some weight in hand. 

3.20 Newbury (Rose Bowl Stakes – Listed Race) – ORAZIO

A decent Listed contest for the juveniles, one in which as a punter you are tasked with choosing between sheer promise and proven ability.

It’s true that Caturra, Bond Chairman and Bosh have now had some experience and have already achieved good levels of form, however the debut win three weeks ago of Orazio was taking and he could prove to be the best of these.

An easy winner at Windsor, this Caravaggio colt now has Frankie on board for Charlie Hills and he undoubtedly clocked the best debut in this field, so the usual improvement from that to a Class 1 race would see him home.

4.10 Haydock (Conditions Stakes) – MUTASAABEQ

A major fancy for the 2000 Guineas at the start of May, Mutasaabeq hasn’t become a bad horse overnight. After his disappointment in the Jersey Stakes however it seems Charlie Hills wants to kind of start again but that shouldn’t be taken as a negative.

At Ascot he was drawn way out on the wrong side and hated the ground. Before the Guineas, he clocked a great time in similar conditions to this in a small field and it may be that he just runs them ragged here as he did there at Newmarket. Many will be backing Baradar which may help us as regards the price on Mutasaabeq.

4.42 Haydock (Maiden Stakes) – MONHAMMER

We’ve backed Monhammer before with no success to be fair, but he’s one of those big improving types who makes a mug of you when you stop supporting him!

After a bad debut in which nothing went right, he came to himself last time over this course and distance when finishing second and plenty more is expected now. Nine Tails and Marie Antoinette are the two dangers.

6.45 Newmarket (Handicap) – MAGICAL LAND

At the time of writing at least, it seems we are most keen on the outsider of this four-runner field. It is a close betting heat to be fair, with little to chose between Zagato, Dickens and Il Bandito.

Charlie Appleby’s Magical Land however is the standout. Despite now being rated 4lbs lower than his peak, he has improved nicely overall in six career starts. He was gelded before his run at Haydock two weeks ago and may have just needed the run.

Based on normal improvement, and what was expected last time considering he was favourite, he should have enough now to take it to this small field under William Buick.

Saturday 17th July 2021

1.50 Newbury (Steventon Stakes – Listed Race) – DERAB

This is a very competitive affair, at least on paper. Blue Cap may have wanted more rain, Real World may have been flattered by his performance in the Royal Hunt Cup to a degree while Felix and Solid Stone should run to around about their handicap marks.

That leaves a great opportunity for John & Thady Gosden’s Derab who could be a level above. A very easy winner at Newmarket in May, he was tried at Group 1 level last time but hated the going and the style of the race and so can still prove to be too good for Listed level.

2.55 Newmarket (Handicap) – IRISH ADMIRAL

Always looking like a potential Group horse, Irish Admiral has flattered to deceive a little in England so far but hasn’t had the ideal conditions.

He has them now for sure, so while Rifleman (faller) and Stunning Beauty (pulled-up after being trapped in the stalls) have scores to settle and can improve, Irish Admiral really does look the one off a mark of just 95. Finest Sound was next on the list.

3.00 Newbury (Hackwood Stakes – Group 3) – ROYAL CRUSADE

Though King’s Lynn’s form is solid and last year’s winner Tabdeed prepared well at Newcastle last time, we can afford to take a chance on Royal Crusdade at a price in this six-furlong contest.

Always held in high regard by Charlie Appleby, Royal Crusade hasn’t hit the heights yet but he ran well in Dubai back in March, he’s only four years old and he is having only his ninth career run which means we have not seen the best of him yet.

3.30 Newmarket (Aphrodite Stakes – Listed Race) – FREE WIND

Don’t be put off by the official ratings here, as had this been a handicap, I’d be telling you that Free Wind had got away with it off a mark of 92.

She’s way better than that, maybe a stone better, with John Gosden noted for not throwing them into to these Listed and Group races unless they are ready which I think Free Wind is. She can score here, with Abstinence, Golden Pass, Oriental Mystique and Talbeyah all very close.

11.16 Saratoga (Diana Stakes – Grade 1) – SUMMER ROMANCE

Charlie Appleby landed a 1-2 in the Just A Game Stakes at Belmont on Derby Day with Althiqa and Summer Romance, now he’s looking to repeat the trick with the same two fillies in this Grade 1.

There was less than a length between them last time over the mile, Althiqa coming out on top, but with a difference in the stalls, a furlong more to cover and a 4lb weight turnaround this could be Summer Romance’s day with Harvey’s Lil Goil and Lemista also fancied for places.

Friday 9th & Saturday 10th July 2021: Follow the Creative Force in July Cup Belter

It’s ‘Super Saturday’ this weekend across numerous meetings, countless top handicaps and pattern races being run. We have a mammoth ten value bets across Friday and Saturday, beginning at HQ on day 2 of their July Meeting.

Friday 9th July 2021

1.50 Newmarket (Heritage Handicap) – PETER THE GREAT

After winning the Wood Ditton, running second to Nagano and then scoring easily on the Rowley Mile, it has always been felt that John & Thady Gosden’s Peter The Great was going to prove to be a Group horse.

They’re taking their chance while they can in a handicap in that case, the New Approach three-year-old getting in here off just 92 which makes him potentially very well in at the weights.

2.40 York (Summer Stakes – Group 3) – VADREAM

A competitive fillies’ Group 3 over six furlongs, there are numerous horses in with chances on paper in this contest.

There are however doubts about many too. Given the ground, or in Final Song’s case her 3lb penalty, a few have obstacles to get over and yet Vadream looks rock-solid.

Sixth in the 1000 Guineas and third in the Jersey Stakes, Charlie Fellowes’ filly gets better as she goes on and appears to keep getting quicker. This is well within her compass.

3.35 Newmarket (Falmouth Stakes – Group 1) – INDIE ANGEL

While most attention is on the July Cup, the Falmouth has also shaped up to be a very good Group 1 indeed.

Snow Lantern can improve, the Guineas winner Mother Earth should go well, while there may not be too much to choose between Lady Bowthorpe, Queen Power, Alcohol Free and Primo Bacio.

They are all quality, but for the second race in a row the Gosdens’ Indie Angel has been hugely underestimated in the betting. A very good winner of the Duke of Cambridge Stakes at 22/1 at Royal Ascot for this column, she is improving all the time and was supplemented for this race at a big cost.

Frankie Dettori can sit in behind what should be a strong pace, perhaps being able to just inveigle the grey into contention when it counts.

Saturday 10th July 2021

2.20 York (Silver Cup Stakes – Group 3) – HUKUM

On a brilliant afternoon of action at York, John Smith’s Cup Day, this Group 3 can help us kick things off in style.

Fujaira Prince still has ability and course winner Ilaraab may continue to improve, but the real class act in the race is Hukum and he should make Jim Crowley’s journey from Newmarket to York very much worthwhile.

An easy Listed winner at Goodwood and a fine third in the Hardwicke at the royal meeting, Hukum is still improving and can put this race to bed.

2.40 Newmarket (Handicap) – ROYAL FLEET

Qaader is solid but doesn’t seem to be improving while Kaheall may not be very well handicapped on the turf.

I was quite sweet on Latest Generation the last time he ran and there are races to be won with him, but Royal Fleet is very definitely ahead of the handicappers and should be able to make short work of this race. William Buick is now back to ride the no.1 Godolphin contenders.

3.00 Ascot (Summer Mile – Group 2) – TILSIT

This quality mile contest is about redemption for one or two contenders. Lincoln winner Haqeeqy remains a horse of some potential, while Al Suhail was thought of as a potential Guineas winner last year and could bounce back here.

Overpriced once again however is Tilsit. A good Group winner for us at 10/1 at Goodwood last year, a close fourth at Group 2 level to Kameko and half a whisker short of winning a Group 1 in France, he has all the quality needed. He’s still improving and wouldn’t be winning out of turn for Charlie Hills.

3.25 Chester (City Plate Stakes – Listed Race) – KHAADEM

Rhoscolyn is a good win rate but may not be good enough, Oh This Is Us is regressing and is penalised 5lbs, while Safe Voyage is also not quite the force he once was. Clearly on the comeback trail however is Khaadem.

Since winning the Steward’s Cup in 2019 he hasn’t been the same horse. However, after an inauspicious start to 2021 he’s improved with each run, finishing a 2¾ length fifth to Chil Chil in the Group 3 Chipchase Stakes at Newcastle who now goes for the July Cup.

The seven furlongs looks ideal for him and he can take another step forward in his recovery to land this race.

4.00 Chester (Handicap) – MONBAHER

John & Thady Gosden’s Monbaher has been on a terrific run and each time he wins, he always looks as though he hasn’t had to put it all in. He can win for the third time in a row, Act Of Wisdom and Oman being the biggest dangers.

4.25 Newmarket (July Cup – Group 1) – CREATIVE FORCE

This is being billed as the race of the season so far, and it’s easy to see why. Last year’s winner and King’s Stand scorer Oxted is rightly well fancied, while Starman has been touted by his trainer as perhaps the best sprinter around.

Garrus is overpriced, Chil Chil and Dragon Symbol may not be far away while Extravagant Kid, Glorious Journey, Rohaan and Supremacy all have place chances on paper.

On a five-timer however is Godolphin’s Jersey Stakes winner Creative Force. He won that Group 3 despite the seven-furlong trip and being drawn on the far side, with this strong six being much more his bag. He’s classy, there’s no doubt about that, and he can run this field down late on to score for Charlie Appleby and Will Buick.

4.40 York (City Walls Stakes – Listed Race) – WINTER POWER

Winter Power stormed to a win here earlier in the season which put her among the favourites for the King’s Stand. She has a 3lb penalty to carry, but she’s all speed and loves it on the Knavesmire so can score again from Dakota Gold and Moss Gill.

Friday 2nd & Saturday 3rd July: Addeybb to Eclipse Sandown Rivals

We’ve got one hell of a busy betting weekend this time around, beginning on Friday at Doncaster and Haydock before charging straight into Sandown’s Group 1 Coral-Eclipse card.

Friday 2nd July 2021 

1.00 Doncaster (Handicap) – URAIB

Now set to go off at an attractive price, Uraib may well have handicapped to perfection for this low-grade race.

Never a middle-distance horse on breeding, Ed Dunlop’s filly was sent over 1¼ and 1½ miles to no great effect, her third run an improved effort over a mile at Goodwood. She’s getting better and her real ability puts her around half a stone better than her official rating.

1.35 Doncaster (Novice Stakes) – NEPTUNE SEAS

The Gosdens’ pair Gooner Boy and Jack Kennedy are hard to split on what we know so far, while much is expected of Moshaawer.

At a glance Moshaawer’s form is best, though a closer look just devalues it ever so slightly and he does have to give away 6lbs to our other contenders.

The one who can improve past them, especially with the weight pull, is Godolphin’s Neptune Seas. Third over course and distance last month, the gelding rather ran in snatches but will naturally be much more straightforward now and can begin to show the Charlie Appleby team what the future holds.

6.08 Haydock (Maiden Fillies’ Stakes) – BANSHEE 

It appears most people think this is likely to come down to Attagirl and Banshee, as do I. The former, trained by Karl Burke, was pretty forward for her debut run when she was third over this course and distance last month. She can show a little improvement, but the value is with Banshee.

Also third on debut, Banshee produced a better speed rating at Goodwood, was 40/1 and unfancied and ran green to boot. Clearly there is more improvement to come from her this time and it’s interesting that Oisin Murphy is on board.

8.08 Haydock (Novice Stakes) – MONHAMMER 

Any number of these three-year-old novices could improve and/or come back to form. Exceedingly Regal, Bakersboy, Lightening Company, Fabricated and Dinoo are all interesting in their own way but a combination of a mixed bag of form and the weights put some doubts on them.

Monhammer is interesting for William Haggas and Tom Marquand though. He was very well backed over six furlongs on debut, but ran very green and got into bad trouble. He’s up a furlong, will be much better for the experience and has a lot more to offer yet.

Saturday 3rd July 2021

1.50 Sandown (Coral Charge – Group 3) – LAZULI

Naturally there are some doubts about the soft ground on the sprint course here, but Lazuli has done us a couple of favours in the past and has always been held in rather high regard by trainer Charlie Appleby.

Furthermore, the team at Moulton Paddocks have been very patient with him and elected not to head to Group 1 company too quickly, something that is bound to pay off in the long run.

Lazuli was a good winner at this level last year and again at Newmarket at the beginning of this season. He’s improving all the time and can reach new career heights here, something that may allow him to give away 3lbs to Arecibo and Came From The Dark.

2.05 Haydock (Handicap) – DHUSHAN

The improving Dhushan is well fancied for this race, but he’s not without big rivals. At the weights plenty may be expected of Summer’s Knight, Harlem Soul and Kondo Isami, but William Haggas’s grey Sea The Stars colt hasn’t really had to hit top gear yet and will be well suited by going up to 1¾ miles.

2.25 Sandown (Coral Challenge – Handicap) – RANSOM

This is a valuable and competitive one-mile handicap. Magical Morning has more to give, Montatham is fancied to go well and Plantadream may have been underestimated in this line-up. The most interesting profile however is that of Ransom.

A Juddmonte horse trained by Sir Michael Stoute, Ransom is a four-year-old who has certainly not peaked yet. His four runs so far have yielded two wins, one either side of his winter break and gelding operation, while his two handicap runs have seen him beaten by just over three lengths each time off this mark of 88.

He was keeping on well last time over this course and distance without ever looking dangerous, is learning on the job and can finally show that he has matured into a horse capable of challenging in a race of this nature with a stronger pace to aim at.

2.40 Haydock (Lancashire Oaks – Group 2) – DUBAI FOUNTAIN

Alpinista will be the one most punters take aim at, but Cheshire Oaks winner Dubai Fountain looks great value. As well as beating Zeyaadah at Chester who has since won the Group 3 Hoppings Stakes at Newcastle, Dubai Fountain was a close fourth in the Group 1 Fillies’ Mile last term and if the ground isn’t too quick, she may prove to be a class above her opposition.

3.15 Haydock (Old Newton Cup – Handicap) – GRAND BAZAAR

Whenever Grand Bazaar has tackled this sort of trip and ground that isn’t too soft, he has continued to get better. That can be the case again for the Gosden horse who was taken out of Royal Ascot because of the rain.

If the clouds stay away, Grand Bazaar can prove he is a good deal better than his current rating of 97 and may take some stopping in this mile-and-a-half handicap.

3.35 Sandown (Coral-Eclipse – Group 1) – ADDEYBB 

Only four runners for the Eclipse this year, but all of them have ability. St Mark’s Basilica comes in as the French Guineas and Derby winner, while Mishriff has landed two Group 1’s and £10 million in prize money.

We all know Addeybb is at his best when there is ‘soft’ in the going description though and this may be his day. The ground wasn’t to his liking in Australia, but he still picked up his fourth Group 1 win. He’s here as the winner of last season’s Champion Stakes, has tons of quality and is third-favourite in a four-runner race, offering us a touch of value.