Mark Johnston’s juveniles continue to impress this term, particularly those of the fairer sex, and despite being poorly drawn in gate eleven his filly Teofonic (2.00) must go close on debut under Joe Fanning at Hamilton Park. The selection is a well-bred daughter of Teofilo and is related to multiple winners; including Sir Michael Stoute’s 96-rated colt Grand Inquisitor. Much like her half-brother she is likely to get further in time but has conditions to suit to get the better of Brian Haslam’s recent runner-up Bourbonisto.
Mark Johnston and Joe Fanning should similarly go close with the unexposed Rosamaria in the Fillies’ Handicap over the extended mile, with the daughter of Rip Van Winkle likely to improve now sent handicapping. She is respected from a potentially lenient looking mark of 69, however preference lies instead with Michael Bell‘s Chelabella (4.15) under William Twiston-Davies. The selection makes her debut in handicap company after an excellent fourth last month on the all-weather at Wolverhampton and should strip fitter for the run to shed the maiden tag at the fifth time of asking.
Bell saddles some interesting runners on the all-weather at Lingfield where Bonhomie (2.50) is an eye-catching jockey booking for in the 7f Fillies’ Handicap. The selection, owned and bred by Her Majesty the Queen, was well-backed when finishing third on her seasonal debut last month on ground softer than ideal at Catterick and could prove better than a 66-rated handicapper.
Atzeni can double-up with Spiriting (4.00) making his debut for the Roger Varian yard in the feature 7f Handicap. The handicapper raised him 7lb for routing a strong field last term at Leicester but the change of stables coupled with first-time cheek-pieces can see him returning to winning ways this aft.
There’s summer jumping from Market Rasen and Newton Abbot with Brendan Powell’s Lettheriverrundry (2.10) taken to get his head in front at the latter under son Brendan Powell Jnr. The selection remains a maiden under rules but was an unfortunate loser last time out when failing to stay two and a half miles and is a confident selection dropping down in trip.
Trafficker (3.15) has been a beaten favourite on both starts since joining new trainer Dr Richard Newland but looks to have been well-placed to make it third time lucky in the 3m Handicap Chase. The selection found the ground too lively on his previous starts for new connections at both Uttoxeter at Worcester and should appreciate todays softer ground. He is given the nod to give weight and a beating to his six rivals under Sam Twiston-Davies.
Runners from the Emma Lavelle stable are often best caught fresh and Yabadabadoo (3.50) could go close for connections in the feature Handicap Chase over an extended two miles. The selection scored from a 5lb higher mark last term at Kempton and remains well-handicapped to reward each-way support under Daryl Jacob.
Luca Cumani‘s Al Khafji (7.50) should be difficult to beat in this evening’s London Middle Distance Qualifier at Kempton Park with Frankie Dettori replacing Adam Kirby in the plate for owners Al Shaqab Racing. The selection made a winning debut handicapping at Lingfield when last sighted in November, staying on strongly despite showing signs of greenness in the early stages, and should follow-up despite an 8lb hike at the weights.
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