NEWMARKET
1:30 Maiden Fillies’
Ardbraccan (Sean Levey)
She definitely improved for the step up to seven furlongs at Newmarket last time but found plenty of trouble in running so I think that run can be upgraded even more. She’s always shown plenty in her work and I think the race experience she already has should put her in good stead for today.
3:50 Bunbury Cup
Motakhayyel (Frankie Dettori)
He’s always been a very high class horse and has maintained a solid level of form all the way through, including winning this of 105 last year. I was happy with his run last time and his record at the track speaks for itself so hopefully he can put up a bold show under Frankie Dettori who we are obviously delighted to be on board. Hopefully he will be celebrating a winner here, but not after the match on Sunday night!
YORK
1:45
Lexington Knight (Sam Hitchcott)
After finishing placed on every single start I was delighted to see him get his head in front at Windsor last time and I think that will have done his confidence a lot of good ahead of his Handicap debut. He seems pretty versatile ground wise and will like the long galloping straight so should hopefully go well.
3:30
Night Candle (Andrea Atzeni)
She finished her race really well at Windsor last month so I’m looking forward to stepping her up in trip and she’ll be suited by this track because she has a lovely long stride and copes with any ground. She’s improving all the time and I think she comes into this with a very good chance.
5:15
Love Powerful (Thore Hammer-Hansen)
She’s a filly with a lot of ability and will definitely have come on for her first run of the season at Lingfield last time. Softish ground will be in her favour so I’ve got no worries from a ground point of view and Thore takes a valuable 3lbs off her back. She's in good form and I think she has a real chance.
ASCOT
1:50
Desert Angel (Pat Dobbs)
He ran very green on debut at Newbury so I do expect him to improve and the extra furlongs should also help, but this is a very good novice and he will need to step up considerably on his first run.
4:10
Arafi (Pat Dobbs)
Her last two runs have been slightly below par because prior to that she had been extremely consistent, but I’m putting Haydock down to the very heavy ground and hopefully she can put her best foot forward. She does look plenty high enough in the weights though for what she’s actually achieved.
CHESTER
3:25
Oh This Is Us (Kieran O’Neill)
All I can tell you is that he’s been in excellent form at home, has already won over course and distance, and is drawn exceptionally well in stall one!
5:10
Eloquent Arthur (Dane O’Neill)
It took him ages to win and when he finally did at Windsor in May the Handicapper put him up to 76 which looked a step too far judged on his run at Doncaster last time but the step back down to six is in his favour and I’m sure he’ll run another good race.
