1:50
Juddmonte Royal Lodge Stakes (Group 2) 2YO only, 4 Runners, Class 1, 1m
This can go the way of FLYING HONOURS (2) who looked mightily impressive when smashing a subsequent winner in the Listed Stonehenge Stakes at Salisbury on his third career start. Aidan O’Brien opts to solely rely on GREENLAND (3) and he could pose the biggest threat having looked sure to appreciate the step up to 1 mile when winning a Roscommon event comfortably last-time-out. DUBAI MILE (1) impressed when scoring over this trip under a penalty at Kempton and he should acquit himself well while THE FOXES (4) rounds out the quartet of chances.
2:25
Juddmonte Cheveley Park Stakes (Fillies’ Group 1) 2YO only, 10 Runners, Class 1, 6f
Aidan O’Brien has won four of the last six renewals and much like in the opener, he solely relies on MEDITATE (6). She lost nothing in defeat when coming up against what looked a sparkling filly in the G1 Moyglare Stud at the Curragh and can return to winning ways with this stiff 6f which is right up her street. TRILLIUM (9) pulled hard in the early stages, and it was a testament to her ability that she prevailed in the G2 Flying Childers at Doncaster. The step back up to 6f in this better-quality event should aid her causes and a bold bid is clearly expected. The progressive SWINGALONG (7) is respected following success in the G2 Lowther Stakes and LEZOO (2) holds solid each-way claims.
3:00
Juddmonte Middle Park Stakes (Group 1) 2YO only, 8 Runners, Class 1, 6f
A high-class and fascinating renewal for this two-year-old G1. One should not be concerned by BLACKBEARD (1) antics down at the start as he’s proved himself to have little issue with temperament once racing. Aidan O’Brien’s colt looked right out the top-drawer when snugly beating PERSIAN FORCE (6) in the G1 Prix Morny at Deauville and he can assert his dominance on this field. The latter mentioned holds solid claims and should be in the mix, although a larger danger for the selection may lie with MARSHMAN (2), who came up against a top-class prospect when a good second in the G2 Gimcrack Stakes at York. Recent G3 Sirenia Stakes winner MISCHIEF MAGIC (3) continues to progress and emphatic Yarmouth debut scorer ZOOLOGY (8) is interesting.
3:40
bet365 Cambridgeshire Handicap (Heritage Handicap) 3YO plus, 29 Runners, Class 2, 1m 1f
As ever, an extremely competitive renewal of this feature handicap. Sean Woods has always held SAVVY VICTORY (15) in high regard and with this likely to have been the aim for some time, he’s given a slender vote following an impressive over 1m 4f Goodwood (good-to-soft) handicap success. The eye was always drawn to MUJTABA (4) when he won a Doncaster handicap in convincing style and his claims are there for all to see given he’s 3lbs well in under a penalty. PROTAGONIST (10) made it two from three for this yard when beating DUAL IDENTITY (21) at Sandown and he could be in the mix. The latter mentioned is also considered given he came from a long way back that day. BELL ROCK (11) is another to note.
