* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
13:15 Great Max
GREAT MAX appeals as a likely newcomer on paper, being by Wootton Bassett out of a sister to the useful two-year-old winner Suits You. Trainer Michael Bell has already enjoyed plenty of success with his juveniles this season, so it will be interesting to see whether the market speaks in favour of Great Max in this novice event. It’s often an informative contest with Toronado, Estidhkaar and Expert Eye all featuring on the recent roll of honour.
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13:45 Seattle Rock
SEATTLE ROCK remains a maiden after seven starts, but she is clearly capable of fairly useful form, as she showed when beaten only eight lengths in the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket last time. That form reads very well in the context of this race, while it will be no surprise if she has even more to offer on just her second start over a mile. Therefore, she rates a confident selection to gain a deserved first win of her career.
14:20 Evident Beauty
EVIDENT BEAUTY is bred to be useful (by Le Havre out of an unraced half-sister to The Fugue) and seemingly has the looks to match given that she cost €150,000 as a yearling. Those with previous experience in this novice event set only a fair standard, so Evident Beauty could be worth chancing to make a successful debut for William Haggas, who can boast an excellent 20% strike rate at Newbury in recent seasons.
14:55 Lilac Road
LILAC ROAD is another interesting runner on the card for Haggas. She proved at least as good as ever when third in a listed race at Goodwood last time, coming off the bridle a long way out but sticking to her task well to be beaten just a neck. The way she shaped on that occasion suggests she will be suited by the step up to 1¼m in this listed event, and she already has the best form. This looks a good opportunity for her to regain the winning thread.
15:30 Naval Commander
NAVAL COMMANDER took a big step forward when sixth on his handicap debut at Sandown in August, keeping on well to be beaten only two lengths in a race which has proved very strong form. He has been gelded since then and now makes his reappearance in what looks a much weaker race on paper. With the booking of James Doyle also catching the eye, Naval Commander is well worth another chance to prove himself better than a BHA mark of 88.
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16:05 Secret Haunt
SECRET HAUNT stepped up on her return with a career best when second at Chelmsford 10 days ago, doing well to be beaten less than two lengths after conceding first run to the winner. She can race from the same mark here and should mount a bold bid to gain compensation now back on turf for the first time since her debut.
16:40 Zikany
ZIKANY showed improved form to get off the mark at Windsor 10 days ago, hitting the front entering the final three furlongs and then gradually drawing clear to win by five lengths. He remains open to more improvement, especially now stepping up to 1½m, and a 6 lb penalty is unlikely to be enough to prevent him from following up. The fine form of the Sir Michael Stoute yard (67% of horses running to form) also gives cause for plenty of optimism.
17:10 Ruby Red Empress
RUBY RED EMPRESS could be the way to go in a tricky finale. She proved at least as good as ever when successful on her first start for Sean Curran (formerly trained by George Boughey) at Bath three weeks ago, finding plenty late on to get the verdict by a neck. The longer trip here won’t be an issue and she looks to have plenty going for her from only 2 lb higher in the weights.
Tips for Newbury on Thursday
13:15 Great Max
13:45 Seattle Rock
14:20 Evident Beauty
14:55 Lilac Road
15:30 Naval Commander
16:05 Secret Haunt
16:40 Zikany
17:10 Ruby Red Empress
* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
READ MORE
- Paddy Power’s antepost best bets for Royal Ascot 2021
- Ruby Walsh’s antepost best bets for Royal Ascot 2021
- Royal Ascot 2021 race times and schedule
- Royal Ascot 2021 dates and races
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