1:50
Godolphin Flying Start Zetland Stakes (Group 3) (Class 1) (Listed) 1m 2f
Charlie Appleby won this last year with a smart type and FLYING HONOURS (5) looks the one to side with. The step up to 1M 2F looks a major positive given how well he stuck to the task when a close up third in the G2 Royal Lodge Stakes and it would be no shock were he to return to winning ways here. BATEMANS BAY (2) created a nice impression when winning a Haydock novice event and could prove the chief threat. Goodwood maiden winner GALACTIC JACK (6) is interesting while DEAR MY FRIEND (4) looks like a fair each-way player.
2:25
Emirates Autumn Stakes (Group 3) (Class 1) 1m
As in the first race at Newmarket, Charlie Appleby won this with a top-class horse and SILVER KNOTT (1) is selected to get back on track. Things didn’t pan out for him when he was last of three in the G2 Champagne Stakes at Doncaster but with this bigger field and more genuine gallop to suit, he can return to winning ways. It was an extremely impressive performance on the clock that EPICTETUS (3) produced when winning on debut here (July) and he could provide the main threat for a top yard pitching him straight into Group company. The form of HOLLOWAY BOY’S (5) recent G3 Somerville Tattersall Stakes second is solid and he can be involved upped in trip while DANCING MAGIC (2) must be included.
3:00
Darley Dewhurst Stakes (Group 1) (No Geldings) (Class 1) 7f
A mouth-watering clash between some of the best two-year-old colts about. It was hard not to be impressed with NOSTRUM (6) when he won the course and distance G3 Somerville Tattersall Stakes to remain unbeaten. Sir Michael Stoute has a habit of improving horses steadily and it would be no shock were this striking son of Frankel to make it three from three in his career. Fellow unbeaten rival NAVAL POWER (5) impressed when winning the Listed Ascendant Stakes at Haydock and makes for obvious appeal for Godolphin. AESOP’S FABLES (1) flopped in the G1 Vincent O’Brien National Stakes at the Curragh but is certainly better than that and would have to be of interest on his taking display in the G2 Futurity Stakes beforehand. G2 Champagne Stakes scorer CHALDEAN (2) cannot be ignored.
3:40
Club Godolphin Cesarewitch Handicap (Heritage Handicap) (Class 2) 2m 2f
A typically competitive renewal of this feature handicap where a tentative vote is handed to FAVORITE MOON (2). This will be just his fifth start for the stable and he arrives following a convincing maiden hurdle success at Downpatrick last month. Its interesting connections have opted to avoid handicap company in Ireland and with this mark looking workable based on his previous form with William Haggas, he could be worth chancing. Willie Mullins has won three of the last four renewals and his GIBRALTAR (22) must be respected from the foot of the weights. AHORSEWITHNONAME (8) hacked up over 2miles at York and needs serious consideration for last year’s winning yard. RUN FOR OSCAR (14) is interesting following a smooth Haydock success while VINO VICTRIX (13) is also noted.
