NEWMARKET
2.05pm Newmarket: Raatea looks on a decent mark to me. He showed ability in decent company at two, and he travelled well throughout and quickened like a fair sort when winning over 1m at Kempton on his return. A mark of 84 could well underplay his talent, and I don’t see the step back down to 7f being a problem given the way he went through the race at Kempton.
2.40pm Newmarket: If the rain stays away, then Limato must have an excellent chance of following up his win in the race last year. He has an excellent record on the Rowley course too and, while an 8yo now, he remains the class act in this field. There is plenty of pace in here to tow him into the race.
3.15pm Newmarket: Thunderous already has the best form in here along with Volkan Star, and he has the potential to rate a lot higher, too. His Newbury win came on soft ground, so it won’t be a concern if they get any appreciable rain, and the distaff side of his pedigree gives you every encouragement that he will stay this 1m2f trip.
NEWCASTLE
1.50pm Newcastle: Brando needed it in the Abernant on his return but we should see a much sharper horse here. Providing he handles the surface – and this is remarkably his all-weather debut – then he has the Group 1 class to take care of these.
2.25pm Newcastle; Copper Knight doesn’t have an easy task giving the weight away here but he has run well on both starts this season, and has run excellent races on his two starts at the track. He is a largely consistent sort who shouldn’t be far away if running his race once again.
3.00pm Newcastle: Virgin Snow has a bit to find in here but she has the pedigree – being by Gleneagles out of Snow Fairy – and the potential, as there was a lot to like about the way she won at Haydock.
3.35pm Newcastle: I haven’t actually ridden Smart Champion before, but I thought he looked a little but unlucky not to win the Ascot Stakes. But that proved he remains on the upgrade following his win here earlier in the year, and David [Simcock] has been happy with him since Ascot. He hasn’t done a lot, but he looks very well.
CURRAGH
7.15pm Curragh: It is a very open Irish Derby but I’ll stick with proven form over promise with Santiago. On a line through Berkshire Rocco, who he beat in the Queen’s Vase, he arguably should be favourite for Epsom and be heading there. The galloping nature of the Curragh should bring his stamina into play.
