By Charlie McCann
Soft ground is likely to be the order of the day for our turf meetings this afternoon and Emirates Skywards (4.40) is taken to go one better than on his two previous starts in the Mile Maiden at Leicester. William Buick takes the ride for Charlie Appleby and, as a son of Dubawi, the colt should appreciate today’s underfoot conditions and sets a decent standard. Luca Cumani’s Shakopee will enjoy the step up in trip from 7f to a mile but he will come into his own over further next term and may have to settle for the silver rosette again today.
Godolphin’s Classic Collection hasn’t been seen on the track since making a satisfactory debut back over 7f here back in the spring and Richard Hughes takes the ride on a colt who coped well enough with heavy ground on that occasion. Preference, however, goes to Maraakib (2.40) who showed improved form when runner up at Newbury last time (soft ground) having been gelded since his penultimate start.
The newcomers won’t have to be anything special to make a winning start and Penang Paparaja is a full-brother to King George winner Harbinger having his first start for Michael Bell. Robert Winston takes the ride on a colt who is entered in next year’s Derby and should be noted for a market move although he is not certain to be well served by soft ground.
The feature is a valuable 7f Handicap and Seolan cut no ice in America in two outings since winning both starts as a juvenile in her native Ireland. She must be watched for a market move on her first start for Roger Charlton given she has joined a top class yard and is proven on soft ground.
Modern Tutor (3.40) was with Sir Michael Stoute last season and didn’t show a great deal on his first start for Andrew Balding at Doncaster back in June but is entitled to come on for the experience and his best form is on soft ground.
At Newcastle Muqtaser (2.00) cost over $500,000 as a yearling and shaped with considerable promise on debut but is not guaranteed to enjoy soft ground and Game Pie (2.00) might give the Roger Varian-trained favourite plenty to think about having finished second at Newmarket last month for Hugo Palmer.
Rockawango (3.00) ran an excellent race at Hamilton returning from a four-month lay-off when runner up at Hamilton last month and he represents the yard of James Ewart who, at the time of writing, have had two winners from their last four runners albeit over jumps. Paul Mulrennan keeps the ride and the selection has only been raised 1lb for that effort. Now eight he will need a strong pace to aim at and there are few confirmed front-runners in the race although In Vino Veritas, the only 3-y-o in the race, might try and make all from his plum draw in stall one.
At Huntingdon 3-y-old Mercoeur (2.20) sneaks into the race at the foot of the weights as trainer Warren Greatrex tries to take advantage of the experience he gained in France and his 17lb weight-for-age allowance. He faces five last time out winners, two running under a penalty, but was backed as if defeat was out of the question at Fontwell on his British debut earlier in the month. This drop back in trip should suit.
Great to see Cheltenham Festival winner Present View (3.20) back on track in a novice hurdle. You would imagine connections want to get a run into him, whilst preserving his current chase mark, before the Paddy Power at Cheltenham next month. The opposition is strong with a number coming from the point-to-point ranks and the well-bred Shutthebackdoor, half-brother to Irish National winner Shutthefrontdoor, who finished third at Exeter on his sole start in Bumpers back in the spring. As a son of Turtle Island soft ground holds no terrors and he is a fascinating runner.
The Druids Nephew was a frustrating animal when trained by Andrew Turnell and has never won at 3 miles but he is another runner well worth keeping an eye on in the market having his first start for Neil Mulholland. He is often over-bet however and in receipt of 7lbs Kilbree Kid (4.50) can cause a shock for Tom George and give jockey Paddy Brennan a welcome winner.
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