1:15 Newmarket
Commended has been fancied on both starts but as yet has seemingly unfulfilled his potential. It is difficult to know what the form amounts to at York last time and at best would be no more than average. This son of Royal Applause is likely to go off favourite and while having a fair chance is probably one to be careful with at this time. Cultural Desert is a likable colt who tries and should have place claims. Beckett's two-year-old had every chance at Newmarket but tired in the last 100m and may be vulnerable to a talented debutante although the betting doesn't suggest there are too many of interest. Cape Classic cost 320,000gns and could have a chance if fancied in the betting. William Haggis is a very talented trainer, however, his juveniles often improve markedly for the run.
1:50 Newmarket
Not too many with strong claims in this maiden over 7f. Dean Swift has been very well entered for Brian Meehan and it was encouraging to see this bay colt compete in a Stake race on debut. He was backed to run a big race but in some respects disappointed. It is never easy to win at such a level at the first time of asking and this son of Dansili is likely to improve on that run although improvement shouldn't be taken as a given. On reputation this two-year-old has strong claims today. First Battalion is a lovely-looking colt and sure to win races in time. He still looked as though in need of the experience at Leicester and could well show improved form. It is a slight concern dropping back to 7f and may struggle to go the pace, which isn't ideal. Sinfonica - a debutante for the Hannon stable - is fancied in the betting and should be respected.
2:25 Newmarket
Only two with form and one of those, Malano, is fancied in the betting. Elsworth's two-year-old went unfancied when finishing 6th in a very competitive Newmarket maiden. I would be very careful with this runner as he looked beaten that day and run on past tiring horses and may be flattered. This drop to 7f from a mile doesn't look a positive move. The betting suggests this is an open race and it is most likely to go to one of the more fashionably stabled debutantes. Lyric Street, Western Aristocrat, Maqaraat and Piave are the most interesting. The latter pair have been entered at Group level, which indicates potential. Lyric Street has strong place claims if relatively fancied in the betting.
Today's races:
1:15 Newmarket
1:50 Newmarket
2:25 Newmarket
3:00 Newmarket
6:10 Wolverhampton
6:40 Wolverhampton
