2.25pm Newmarket – Gavota 2pts Win (3/1)
We’ve got a few solid performers in here, but to my eye it doesn’t look an overly strong race. Dark Rose Angel has a strong piece of form being second in the May Hill behind Laurens last time out. But I believe she got a little outpaced in that contest and that this drop back to 7f won’t suit her. Gavota looks like a real leading player for a yard who couldn’t be in better form, Roger Charlton has had 9 winners from his last 23 runners and 5 from his last 6 – unbelievable! After winning her maiden on the July course, Gavota routed her opponents at Lingfield before taking her chance in a Group 2 over today’s course and distance. She got caught behind horses, stumbled going into the dip and still managed to run on for third. That experience will have done her the world of good and she can take this today.
3.00pm Newmarket – Massaat 1pt Each Way (15/2)
I can’t quite believe that Massaat is an each way price I really can’t. He was second in the Dewhurst and 2,000 Guineas but he clearly wasn’t right on his final two starts last season. Making a winning comeback over 7f at Newbury in August, he showed he is back to himself. Last time he finished third in the Prix Du Moulin, beaten 4¼ lengths by Ribchester. Would anything else in this field get that close to Richard Fahey’s superstar? I highly doubt it. I’ll be surprised if he’s out of the first three.
3.45pm Newton Abbot – Flying Angel 2pts Win (3/1)
The jumps proper is practically here with the likes of Ballyoptic, Flying Angel and Frodon out today and the Chepstow meeting this weekend. This race is a cracker where I think the favourite, Black Corton, isn’t really a deserved one. He’s been winning small field Class 4’s and this is a whole different ball game for him here. Flying Angel is a proven Grade 1 winner, is a very classy animal and has won first time out for the past two seasons. 3/1 looks a generous price to me. What’s not to like?
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