Remarkable, Newbury, 1.50pm
Started his winning at sunny Southwell last year and has built on that from a rating of 76 up to 104. Don’t worry about him carrying top weight as he’s one of the biggest horses in training. He ran a cracker in the Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot and was beaten only four lengths and the drop back to to 7f holds no worries. He ran well in the Group 3 Jersey Stakes last year over the trip and Frankie Dettori is aboard.
Thikriyaat, Newbury, 2.25pm
Sir Michael Stoute’s runner is talented but hard to catch right. However, it could be a going day as he steps up in trip to 1m 2f and on pedigree, it looks perfect for him as he’s a half-brother to a fair 1m 6f winner already.
When you’re top-rated and don’t have to concede weight to all bar one of your rivals you’ve usually got a big chance.
The likely favourite Spark Plug doesn’t have that luxury and carries a penalty for his recent Listed win at Sandown.
Isabel De Urbina, Newmarket, 2.40pm
Ralph Beckett’s filly never got into contention in the Epsom Oaks when a distant sixth to the very talented Enable. Before that she had shown smart form at HQ when chasing home Horseplay in this grade. The booking of John Egan is always a positive and with her sights lowered to Listed class she can get back on track. The going is described as good to soft but it should ride a little quicker than that on the chalk-base surface at Newmarket and that will suit her also.
Magical Memory, Newbury 3pm
I wouldn’t call it a return to his best, but it was more a confidence-boosting win at Haydock in a conditions contest last time and this is another step up the ladder. He’s mixed it with the best in the sprint division and his trainer Charlie Hills is hitting a bit of form now as well.
Again, he’s top-rated and can take this Group 3 contest if running anyway near his best.
Mother of Dragons, Newbury, 3.35pm
Two good runs before aiming a touch too high in the Queen Mary Stakes at the Royal meeting but wasn’t beaten miles as a 100/1 shot when just over seven lengths behind Heartache who could win a Grade 2 in France this weekend. The conditions of the race means she gets in off bottom weight and we have Strawberry to ride! That’s Jimmy Quinn’s nickname in the weighing room as he come from Co. Wexford & he’s a ginger.
The old boy can do a light weight and is riding as well as ever right now.
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