The Sir Michael Stoute yard have enjoyed a fruitful month with their juveniles and Statuesque (2.10) looks another capable of making a winning debut in the first division of the Oh So Sharp Fillies’ Maiden at Nottingham. The selection can get the better of John Gosden‘s similarly well-bred Rocksavage, a half-sister to King George winner but likely to want much further than a mile in time.
James Fanshawe’s Stoney Brooke is another likely to want a trip and would be respected should the market speak in her favour. Triathlon (2.40) has the benefit of a run under her belt however and can give the Stoute yard a quick-fire juvenile double in Division 2 of the Fillies’ Maiden. The form of her fifth on debut at Newmarket has worked out well and with most of the trainer’s runners generally improving for the run she can make it second time lucky under Ted Durcan.
Richard Fahey’s Jan Van Hoof (4.50) was an unlucky loser last week at Pontefract but can bounce back under first-time head-gear. The selection made a winning seasonal reappearance in June and followed-up on his next start over the minimum trip at Newmarket. Despite disappointing in competitive affairs at Goodwood at Newmarket thereafter the 4-y-o put his best foot forward when third on Irish Champions Weekend at the Curragh and was unfortunate to be beaten a nose last time out under Tony Hamilton. A 2lb rise is negated by jockey Jack Garritty’s 3lb claim and, providing first-time cheek-pieces have their desired effect, he is a confident selection to reward each-way support.
Godolphin are double-handed for this evening’s Novice Stakes at Kempton, with maiden winners Vicennalia and Pure Diamond both going head-to-head for the Charlie Appleby and Saeed bin Suroor stables respectively. The former is respected after making a winning debut at Newbury but preference lies instead with the Pure Diamond (7.40) who is bidding to bounce back after disappointing last time out at Doncaster.
The well-bred daughter of Street Cry beat subsequent winner Kasseopia by six lengths over course and distance two starts ago and was sent off a well-backed favourite for the G3 May Hill Stakes when running as if something clearly amiss. She returns to the scene of her emphatic maiden success and can maintain her yet unblemished record on the all-weather under regular partner James Doyle.
John Quinn’s well-bred colt Worlds his Oyster (8.10) attracted significant market support prior to shedding the maiden tag over 6f at Newcastle and could prove much better than his opening mark of 84 suggests. The son of Pivotal travelled well before showing a smart turn of foot, with his trainer confessing afterwards ‘We couldn’t believe he was beaten on debut at York, but knew afterwards that something wasn’t right.” The colt is clearly held in high regard by his stable and should prove even better upped in trip to 7f.
Jump racing is back at Chepstow and Potters Corner (2.00) can give locally-based trainer Paul Morgan a welcome winner in the opening race of the NH season in South Wales. The selection makes his debut over timber after two excellent performances in bumpers last season, winning on the corresponding card last year and following-up with a terrific third in Listed company at Aintree in the spring. The 6-y-o should improve over hurdles however handicap chases should prove his niche, and it would be no surprise to see long-term aim being the Welsh National for local owner Dai Walters.
Ten go to post for the feature 3m Novices’ Handicap Chase with Nigel Twiston-Davies’s unexposed Ballykan (3.35) a confident selection to score under Daryl Jacob. The son of Presenting has thrived over the summer, winning a nice race at Wetherby before making a winning debut over fences earlier in the month at Uttoxeter. The 5-y-o looks a useful prospect for connections and with just five career starts is open to much further improvement.
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