6:00 Newcastle – Elhafei
John Gosden’s runner was withdrawn from the horses in training sale and that is hopefully an indication that the 525,000 guineas purchase has a little more to offer. He’s been gelded since we last saw him and also races without the blinkers he sported before. Just cheek-pieces are required for focus and he’s a low-mileage improver.
7:00 Newcastle – Chosen Word
Julie Camacho’s runner has turned into a win machine since racing on the all-weather at Newcastle. The way he quickened up inside the final furlong last time was ultra impressive and even a 7lb hike in the ratings looks well within his capabilities. When you have a potent change of gear as this lad does the straight at Newcastle is tailor made for him.
7:15 Dundalk – Mulzamm
He’s never going to get back up into the high 90s rating band but where he sits at the moment is also nowhere near the top of his ability, A smooth winner over this trip two starts back he did remarkably well under the circumstances to run as good down sprinting last time, back up a quarter mile will suit him perfect.
7:45 Dundalk – Miss Snossyboots
She put up a great performance when chasing a red-hot runner in the shape of Sheisdiesel last time, doing her best work late on. She now steps back up to this 12f trip for only the fourth time in her career and this can prove the key as she has gone close on her two previous attempts at the Derby distance. She deserves to be a leading contender.
8:00 Newcastle – Hanakotoba
Stuart Williams’ runner has been in flying form since going handicapping. You could argue she was a little bit unlucky over course and distance three starts back, when despite swerving after the gates opened, she fairly flew home late on. She comes here off the back of a fairly comfortable victory at Wolverhampton and with more emphasis on stamina over this stiffer 5f – can collect again.
8:45 Dundalk – Ragtime Red
Should be suited by the way the race and unfolds, as we have a few in here who will be fighting for the early lead. The selection can be ridden from off the pace which will be a massive bonus in this contest. Add to that we are drawn well and have the excellent Colin Keane on board.
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