The TNT July Stakes (Group 2) for colts and geldings over 6f.
A small field but a handful of classy two-year-olds.
Elzaam ran a cracking race at Royal Ascot when 2nd in the Coventry Stakes (Group 2), looking the winner everywhere but the line. Michael Jarvis is a talented trainer and his two-year-olds this season have been making winning look easy. A tough race but the best form on offer and a very professional horse.
Godolphin stepped in and bought Neebras after this colt by Oasis Dream ran a great race on debut, behind subsequent Coventry Stakes winner Strong Suit. An odds-on favourite and easy winner at Goodwood, connection will be hoping this bay colt can show his class today. The form of the Goodwood race doesn't merit much consideration and it is a matter of what Neebras can muster when asked a serious question. Clearly a talented individual he still has a lot to prove and this may be a tough task.
Approve is a progressive colt and there is much to like about the way he runs his races. A fairly comfortable winner of the Norfolk Stakes (Group 2) over 5f, this extra furlong should not be a concern and may bring about an improved effort. Highclere Thoroughbred Racing is having a magical season with its two-year-olds and with Memory winning the Cherry Hinton in sparkling form yesterday, connections will be feeling they have the Midas Touch. A big player today.
Libranno made a pleasing start to his career when the lesser fancied of Hannon's runners winning at 25/1. This will be a test for this son of Librettist. Hannon has such an impressive string of talented two-year-olds that he must be respected because many other youngsters could have taken this spot. On form, Libranno has a mountain to climb but on trainer reputation the void may not be so extreme. An interesting runner.
Marston Moor is in the unenviable position of making his debut at Group level which is a very rare occurrence. A breeze-up purchase costing $375,000 and entered for the Gimcrack (Group 2) there is little doubt Mahmood Al Zarooni considers this colt by War Front a talent, however, this would be a truly amazing performance to win on debut - and in truth it would be a miracle.
Bet: 4:05 Warwick - Diamond Penny 1PTEW 4/1 4th
Comment: 'A statistical bet which are generally very strong but unfortunately one of the lesser lights with this Paul Cole two-year-old. Not a particularly strong race but Diamond Penny didn't look the most enthusiastic of souls and ran on at the finish. Frustrating times of late but there will be a turn of fortunes in the next few weeks.'
Other races:
2:45 Folkestone
3:45 Newmarket
4:05 Warwick
6:50 Epsom
7:10 Doncaster