Newmarket

2.40pm

Four White Socks

Her chance will improve as more rain falls. Her record may not say that is the case, and she won her novice for me on fast ground, but I’d say she likes a bit of give. She ran well on her debut for Harry when fifth in a Group 3 at Cork last month and I’d like to think she is better than a 95-rated filly. She will need to be to win this, mind you,  as some of the 3yos could be difficult to beat, most obviously Ribblesdale third Sparkle Roll.

3.50pm

Alternative Fact

He returned to form with a third over 1m at Sandown last time, and I’d say he should be competitive off a 1lb higher mark here. He is another who would like rain, and a strong gallop to aim at over this trip, too.

5.00pm

Cardano

He is probably the best of my four on Saturday.  There are only six runners in here but it looks a hot little 1m2f handicap. However, Cardano comes into this race off the back of a course-and-distance win on fast ground last time, and the cheekpieces he wore for the first time that day stay on here, and hopefully a 4lb rise is not excessive. He has won on soft and fast ground this season, so the ground shouldn’t be an issue, either way. In fact, this progressive sort probably wants some ease.

5.35pm

Haddaf

He is a fair sort on his day, and hopefully a first-time tongue-tie can see him bounce back to form on his first start for Stuart.  The handicapper has certainly given him every chance by dropping him 10lb this season, though the 7f trip is an unknown. He looks adaptable as regards ground.