3.45 Newmarket – Patrol (Win)
There are plenty of types to like on paper, but the one I’m drawn to is Patrol for William Haggas. He is from the family of Fev Rover, who was a useful juvenile for Richard Fahey, so he’s bred to be sharp. Newmarket is never an easy course for two-year-olds making their racecourse debut, but if he can handle the dips and underlations, he could go well.
4.15 Newmarket – Too Friendly (Each Way)
I’m going to give Too Friendly one more chance. He’s a horse I know well from the jumps, and I thought he’d go well in the Chester Cup; however, he could only finish a disappointing tenth. This time he’s dropping back down in trip to 1m6f, and the first-time hood might just help him settle a little bit better. If they can ride him handy and just track the pace, I can see his stamina coming into play. I just think he’s a horse that has a bit more to offer on the Flat, and I am hoping he can take a step forward here for James Owen.
4.45 Newmarket – Gaassee (Win)
I don’t think Gaassee ran as badly as the bare form suggests when he finished seventh at Ripon last month. On his old form, he is really well handicapped for Archie Watson, and one stage was rated in the low 100s. The six-year-old gelding is dropping back down in trip a couple of furlongs to 1m2f, which should suit, and I can see him bouncing back in the right direction.
5.15 Newmarket – Powerdress (Each Way)
This race is quite tricky, so I could be taking a bit of a flyer here with Powerdress each way. She is lightly raced for her age, but when we’ve seen her, all of her best form has come at the Rowley Mile. She won first time out here as a two-year-old and then ran well in a conditions race at the Craven meeting. It seems like she goes well fresh, and this will be her first run of the season. Also, she has joined Jamie Osborne’s stable, who can do well with this type of horse. If he has her fit and ready to go, I can see her making the frame.
5.45 Newmarket – Garfield Shadow (Win)
Garfield Shadow did remarkably well to win at Chester after coming from an unpromising position. The three-year-old gelding is undefeated in his career to date, and he looks like a horse who is going places. The handicapper raised him 5lb for that win, but I think he could have more to offer off his mark. With the ground looking like it’s going to be on the quick side, he looks to have a great chance.
6.15 Newmarket – Isle Of Lismore (Win)
Things seemed to have clicked for Isle Of Lismore, as he recorded a career-best performance to win over course and distance last time out. He’s a horse who has always been a consistent sprinter, but he’s looked like a different proposition this year. Kieran Shoemark is booked to ride him again, and if he does ride him handy, he might take all the beating off a 4lb higher mark.
6.45 Newmarket – Sunfall (Win)
I really like the way Sunfall put the race to bed when she won at Kempton last month. The daughter of Twilight Son showed a good turn of foot and appeared to win with plenty in hand. I think her opening mark of 75 for her handicap debut looks lenient, and I think she’s the one they’ve all got to beat here.
