Lady Cosette 11/2
William Buick & Jeremy Noseda team up for our selection in today’s opener in the shape of LADY COSETTE. Needing the run on debut, she has ran respectably on both runs subsequently and has strong claims of shedding her maiden tag now equipped with blinkers on nursery debut.
The yard won this race a few years back with the smart Nemoralia and we are hoping they can add to that record here.
Dubai Beauty 7/2 Win & Divinity 12/1 E/W
By Frankel, DUBAI BEATY created a favourable impression on debut and could take this step up in class in his stride. She didn’t win by far on debut but she was going away at the finish and second that day (both well clear) was heavily backed for a Group3 next time out.
We also advise small stakes e/w on DIVINITY for those who like their bigger odds. This progressive filly defied a penalty in fine fashion at Thirsk and could have more to come.
Horseplay 5/2
The market leader Pilaster just got the better of HORSEPLAY’s stable-mate Maid Up at Glorious Goodwood but we believe they will get revenge here. She has been crying out for a go at this trip for a while and is as versatile as they come when it comes to underfoot conditions.
The Irish Rover 8/1 & Rathbone 16/1
This is a trappy big field but THE IRISH ROVER has been competing at a higher level than this and makes plenty of appeal at 8/1 for the dynamic duo of Moore & O’Brien. He has his quirks but if getting away on terms he should be there or thereabouts.
At a bigger price RATHBONE rates a solid e/w bet. This colt was touted as Kevin Ryan’s best 2-y-o of the season and is surely going to pick up a race following three consecutive second-place finishes.
Eastern Impact 9/1 & Dougan 16/1
Another big-field event and we are looking at the two top-weights in EASTERN IMPACT & DOUGAN. The former is now 22lb below his last winning mark and is dropped in grade under the promising Megan Nicholls, whilst Dougan gets the services of Poppy Bridgewater who is currently in fine form, making her 7lb claim look an absolute steal.
Banditry 4/1
Ian William’s BANDITRY was staying on well from the rear in the SkyBet handicap at York and looks ready to add another C&D victory to his record here. There are plenty with chances but he ticks all the boxes, handling the conditions fine and has absolutely no concerns over the trip.
Mystic Flight 2/1
There are plenty with questions to answer here. Pettigoter at the top of the weights in an unknown quantity on debut for Botti, but the booking of Ryan Moore catches the eye and he has to be feared. Maverick Officer was going away at the finish when winning at Yarmouth and may find this trip a little stiff, whilst Whinmoor rises in the weights and drops his 7lb claimer, making him look a shade vulnerable in that respect.
This brings us to MYSTIC FLIGHT, who represents last year’s winning yard under the steering of Doncaster king Andrea Atzeni. He’s unbeaten over 7f on turf and lost little in defeat when third in a valuable York handicap.
