Newmarket preview: Wordcraft weighted to complete hat-trick
Published:
Wordcraft looks a potential pattern performer in the making and weighted to take all the beating in the 7f handicap that opens proceedings on a cracking card on day two of Newmarket’s prestigious July meeting (14.10).
The Charlie Appleby trained filly created a huge impression when scoring on debut over course and distance, travelling well throughout and showing a smart turn of foot inside the final furlong to beat Bella Nostalgia by 1 1/2 lengths.
It was a most taking performance, and one which suggested the daughter of Shamardal needing keeping on side.
That was confirmed when Wordcraft made a mockery of an opening handicap mark of 81 to follow-up in facile fashion at Kempton last month.
After being steadied at the start by jockey William Buick, the three-year-old made smooth headway on the outside two from home before quickening well inside the final furlong to score with far more in hand than the 1 1/2 length winning margin suggests.
Wordcraft has been put up 6lb for that success, but that looks on the lenient side given the manner of the performance.
The way in which Wordcraft travels and quickens suggests she could be up to making her mark in Group company given normal progression, and if that is the case then she is going to be very hard to beat in this off a mark of just 87.
Angel Vision has a progressive profile and can give Wordcraft most to think about.
The Sir Michael Stoute trained filly shaped well when fourth on her sole start as a juvenile, and like many from the stable has improved significantly as a three-year-old.
Angel Vision has won two of her three starts this season, and both have come at this venue.
In the last of those, the well-bred daughter of Oasis Dream ran on strongly to win going away by 2 1/2 lengths.
It was a victory which suggested Angel Vision could well have even more to offer, but an 8lb rise in the weights looks a bit harsh.
However, Angel Vision does look open to further progress and given her powerful connections looks sure to go well in the hands of three-time champion jockey Ryan Moore.
