THE July Stakes and Princess of Wales's Stakes top the bill on another superb card at Newmarket this afternoon, with one of those tricky heritage handicaps thrown in to add further spice.
The field for the July Stakes could hardly contain a higher class collection of juveniles, as it includes such as Winker Watson, River Proud, Spirit Of Sharjah, Spitfire and Swiss Franc, any one of whom could go on to great things.
The two-year-old that Peter Chapple-Hyam declared was his best, Winker Watson, has done nothing to damage that reputation, having won both his races, the latest being the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot.
That was over five furlongs, but his trainer believes he will be better over today's extra furlong, and so the chances of a third successive win must be good.
The only snag is the 3lb penalty he carries which, in a race with so many progressive youngsters, is not an easy penalty to overcome. Two of the rivals he beat at Ascot, Carleton and Spirit Of Sharjah, take him on again, with the latter, who was third in that race, likely to shorten the length-and-a-quarter gap under the new terms.
River Proud, who won his only race by five lengths, is well regarded by trainer Paul Cole and might well be good enough to enhance his reputation further, while Spitfire has won his two races with ease. That said, John Jenkins, his trainer is aware of the task he faces. "He's a very nice horse but it is a huge step up in class for him," he said. "He's done nothing wrong so far and I think he'll run a nice race. We've also got Ryan Moore on board which is obviously a good thing because the boy is riding so well at the moment."
Then there is Swiss Franc who, although already looking smart over five furlongs, appeared to improve a good deal over the extra furlong when a close second to Henrythenagivator at the Royal meeting.
As trainer Aidan O'Brien rates that winner highly, Swiss Franc (2.00) ought to put in another good show here.
Sixties Icon is a solid performer with top-class form who dominates the Princess of Wales's Stakes but, while he is capable of winning over 12 furlongs, he has also shown himself a star at beyond, as when winning the St Leger last year.
It may be that he could be vulnerable over this trip and the horse who may prove that is Lucarno, the John Gosden-trained colt who was fourth in the Derby.
Lucarno (3.10) ran well again when second to Boscobel in the Group 2 King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot, and may still have enough further improvement to win this.
You can take your pick from many contenders in the Kleinwort Benson Handicap, among them Hearthstead Maison, Pipedreamer, Dubai Twilight, Ekhtiaar, Gremlin and Overrule. At least one other, Smokey Oakey (2.35) is worthy of mention and is the choice, while Spice Route (1.30) ought to go well in the opening Bahrain Trophy.
This Michael Bell-trained colt finished fifth to Boscobel at Ascot and seems sure to be well suited by this extra furlong.
Selections
Newmarket 1.30 Spice Route, 2.00 Swiss Franc, 2.35 Smokey Pakey, 3.10 Lucarno
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