The Cambridgeshire meeting at Newmarket kicks off tomorrow with a 2 year old maiden at 2.00 where most of the top stables are represented. Of those that have already had a run Alhaque sets the standard based on his 2nd to North East Corner a couple of weeks ago over 7 furlongs at Newmarket. On pedigree the extra furlong tomorrow should not pose a problem
The 30 runner 2.35 is obviously a difficult one to solve. I have been following the fortunes of Cool Art and Ballyalla this season but I am not sure that either is well drawn.
After a couple of cracking efforts in heritage handicaps Savarain has gone up to a mark of 104. Perhaps not surprisingly his trainer has aimed him at the listed Noel Murless Stakes (3.10) tomorrow as life in handicaps will be difficult from now on. Although Savarain was last of 6 when he tackled listed company earlier in the season his form since then seems to have improved and given the fast ground that he likes he should go well.
The result of the 2.00 should give us a pointer to the 3.45 as North East Corner, conqueror of Alhaqhe lines up in this race.
Rowe Park hasn’t won for over a year now but has shown some signs of coming into form on his last two starts. He runs in the 4.20 tomorrow and I can’t help thinking that he has a race like this in him if things go his way. We are into October now though and he is running out of opportunities. If the ground rides on the fast side Matsunosuke could go well. He comes into the race on the back of a couple of good efforts on the all weather at Great Leighs.
Formation has plenty of ability but does not look the most straightforward animal. He was coaxed to a win at Pontefract in June by Jamie Spencer but has flattered to deceive since. He finished well when 3rd to Premio Loco at Kempton last month despite his trademark tail flashing. He has been creeping up the weights slowly despite not winning since his success at Pontefract but he is probably still well handicapped if he can be persuaded to put his best hoof forward. He runs in the 5.30.
Peter Makin does well with the ammunition at his disposal. His 2 year old Mabuya made a pleasing debut when 5th at Newbury in August and could run well at a decent price in the Goodwood 2.10.
The Henry Cecil trained Montbretia is yet to finish out of the first 3 this season and should again be on the premises in the Goodwood 3.55.
If Ayr goes beats the weather then Hurlingham should go well in the 5.15 while at Great Leighs Sky Dive should give us a run for our money in the 9.20.
Today’s picture is courtesy of the artist Katy Sodeau (see links).
See you tomorrow
ahorse 