Newmarket kicks off a with a decent handicap for the second day of the festival at 1.50pm. There is a decent sized field for this, and quite a bit of pace with a few of these who like to race prominently.
Trainer Owen Burrows is operating at 25 per cent strike rate for the last three weeks, and his horse Fawareeq had a decent pipe opener at Haydock in April.
He was not given too hard a time once his chance had gone, and he should be much fitter for that outing. I’d say he will also handle the ground and track with ease as he is 2-3 at Newmarket.
That being said, Mount Tahan looks an attractive each-way shot with Paddy Power paying five places.
In the Duchess of Cambrige at 2.25pm, two horses dominate the betting.
I find it very interesting that Aidan O’Brien is running Clemmie so soon after her win at the Curragh. She must be absolutely thriving for him to do that and it makes me feel confident of her chance.
She’s also a full sister to the dual 2000 Guineas winner Churchill, and the penny really looks to have dropped with her now.
Nyaleti sets a good standard on her trail blazing run at Royal Ascot, especially now she’s back over six furlongs.
With Ryan Moore on board, Titi Makfi is bound to be all the rage in the 3.oopm and is chasing a four-timer. However, I like the horse of Andrew Balding’s down at the foot of the weights, Atkinson Grimshaw, and I think he can run well here at an each-way price.
The Falmouth Stakes at 3.35pm has had its fair share of drama over the years, and this renewal is ripe for some more. Going through the betting and so many of these fillies are closely matched, so tactics could play a huge part.
Sea Of Grace will love any rain that is around and looks very straightforward, I am taking a punt that she has done well since her second place in the French guineas. Keep an eye on the market for a move for Greta G as she could well be much better than what we have seen her achieve in this country.
Gallop over to the latest racing odds on PaddyPower.comThe Nursery at 4.10pm is a time for trying to catch which horses are on the upgrade, and in Guzman I think we have one. He only dead heated last time, but he travelled easily the best throughout the race, he looked to me like he pulled up when he hit the front.
I am hoping with lots of speedy types in here that he will just be getting there near the line, lots of two-year-old form from the Royal meeting and Red Roman never got competitive in the Coventry but he should be here.
Onto the Maiden at 4.45pm, and Being There sets a really good standard. This son of a French 1000 guineas winner was a good second on debut last year, and positive vibes in the market will surely be appreciated.
The second division Maiden at 5.20pm is again a race where the betting is always the best guide. Yes, breeding can identify a potential star, but the gallop-watchers in Newmarket can have a big say in the market. I can’t help but be drawn to the Godolphin owned Falcon Eye, his half brother Outstrip won at HQ first time out and went on to finish third in a St James’ Palace Stakes.
The last race at 5.50pm has a Godolphin horse who is the most unexposed in the whole field. A win at York in a maiden, when beating an in-form rival sets her up here. Richard Hughes has his team in very good form at the moment, his Dr Julius No has ran some really good races. With the excellent Finlay Marsh taking 7lbs off, it will take a good bit of beating.
Good luck, folks!