Friday
15:35 Newmarket – Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai Joel Stakes (Group 2) – Tempus
GOT off to a winning start over a trip of a mile for new trainer Archie Watson at the start of the year, after moving from Roger Charlton’s yard. Then went without a win in five runs, but two of those were in second at listed level, again over a trip of a mile. One was behind useful Charlie Appleby runner Modern News and the other was lost to eventual group two winner Chindit. Mutasaabeq finished second in that group two race by only a head and he runs here. However, Tempus appears to be an improving horse which is why he gets the pick. His most recent form has recorded a hattrick of wins, with his last two coming at group three level, reversing the Modern News form, before winning the Prix Quincey at Deauville 25 days ago. Pogo is likely to be in the picture late on after setting a strong pace and Potapova could go close from off the pace. There is also a possibility of rain before the race but Tempus’ versatility should come into play regardless of conditions and will serve him well.
Saturday
14:25 Newmarket – Juddmonte Cheveley Park Stakes (Fillies’ Group 1) – Trillium
RICHARD Hannon’s impressive two year old made it three wins from four runs 12 days ago, battling hard to beat The Platinum Queen in the group two Childers Stakes. This came on soft going, proving that she is capable on almost any surface and she beat a respected rival in the process. Hannon also highlighted that The Platinum Queen beat Trillium’s track record at Goodwood, which adds significance to the form. She travels impressively and shows excellent ability to win from behind, an indicator of great speed. This race will be her toughest test to date with multiple runners in the field boasting prolific winning records and winning form at group level. Meditate was denied last time out by a special performance from Tahiyra in the Moyglare Stud Stakes, but it showed that she is beatable and Trillium should have the quality needed. Treasure Trove has also shown excellent ability and isn’t without a chance, but a position further back in the field has been required in her last two wins to settle properly. Giving any ground away to the likes of Trillium and Meditate could be costly and overall Trillium looks very appealing in a quality renewal of the Cheveley Park Stakes.
Tricast
At time of writing Bet365 decimal odds are 41.43 for the tricast.
15:00 Newmarket – Juddmonte Middle Park Stakes (Group 1) – Blackbeard
FRESH from a group one win in the Prix Morny at Deauville last month, Aidan O’Brien’s charge has strong claims on paper, yet is second favourite to Marshman at the time of writing. This is due to Marshman running a brave race in second, just over a length behind the impressive Noble Style in the group two Gimcrack Stakes last month. Blackbeard is able to set a strong post-to-post gallop at the highest level as he proved last time out, which will help him deal with Marshman. Blackbeard has four wins at listed and group level, by far the most in the field. Blackbeard has been known to be difficult before being loaded into the stalls, which is something to keep in mind, but he often runs well regardless. It would be O’Brien’s seventh success in the race and although Mischief Magic and Marshman aren’t without a chance, Blackbeard gets the pick.
Hawkinsport 