Newmarket Saturday Preview
Published:Newmarket’s Saturday card kicks off at 1.45 with a decent looking maiden race over seven furlongs. Makruma made a promising debut here last month when staying on well into third place and looks the best of those with previous experience.
The market could be the best guide to the respective chances of the Godolphin pair Night Party and Sound Reflection. Frankie Dettori also rides an interesting newcomer in Heavenly for Jeremy Noseda.
The 32Red.com Handicap at 2.20 has attracted a field of nine runners headed by Lancelot Du Lac. The son of Shamardal has disappointed since winning at York in May and is best watched until showing signs of a return to form.
Dettori has an obvious chance on the consistent Harry Bosch for Brian Meehan whilst Skytrain represents the in-form Mark Johnston stable. Last time out winners Mazaaher and Front Page News look dangerous from lower in the weights.
The Nursery at 2.55 looks wide open with 15 fillies battling it out over six furlongs. Richard Hannon has enjoyed a sensational Glorious Goodwood and has three live chances here.
Dettori rides Midnite Angel, Pat Dobbs teams up with Chutney and Dane O’Neill partners Musicora. Brian Meehan’s J Wonder looks very short in the betting but her Newbury form has been franked at Goodwood this week.
The one to side with here at a decent price could be Excel’s Beauty who was only pushed out to win comfortably last time at Leicester.
Urban Dance will be looking to round off a good week for Charlie Appleby when he bids to follow up his debut victory in the 3.30. He looked momentarily outpaced here last time but got better the further he went and was well on top at the finish.
Luca Cumani’s Velox is the obvious danger after a solid effort behind Double Discount at Haydock.
Michael Bell’s Sovereign Debt takes a big drop in class in the 4.05 after a couple of disappointing efforts. He looked set for an excellent season when second in the Lockinge Stakes but has failed to reproduce that effort.
Luke Morris will need to get him settled if he is to get the better of reliable old stager Premio Loco. The nine-year-old showed that he is still a force to be reckoned with when second under a big weight in the Royal Hunt Cup.
Dettori has another decent chance about the lightly-raced Spiritoftomintoul in the 4.40 for Lady Cecil. The grey was second to Friday’s impressive Goodwood winner Retirement Plan last time out and that form now looks useful.
The card closes with a typically competitive six-furlong handicap with the weights headed by Colonel Mak. He carries a 6lbs penalty for an easy four-length victory at Pontefract and could be up to the task.
Selections: 1.45 Makruma, 2.20 Mazaaher, 2.55 Excel’s Beauty, 3.30 Urban Dance (nb), 4.05 Sovereign Debt (NAP), 4.40 Spiritoftomintoul, 5.15 Colonel Mak
