Aside from the Group 1 Fillies Mile, Newmarket hosts an exciting under-card full of Group action.
The racing kicks off with the 5f Group 3 Cornwallis Stakes (1:50), where favourite Inquisitively will be aiming for back-to-back victories. Third in the Listed Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot, the Ten Sovereigns colt made a winning start for his new trainer Kevin Philippart de Foy when taking the Listed Julia Graves Roses Stakes in impressive style at York. He appears to have improved for the switch, although the recent form of the yard would be a concern – only 10% strike rate from the last fourteen days.
At longer odds, Richard Fahey's Midnight Affair could be a contender on her return after a break since a ninth in the Group 2 Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot. It was a fair performance from the filly but it's her first two outings which indicate sparks interesting. She was beaten into second over course and distance on debut behind subsequent Group performer Soprano and her maiden victory at Beverley subsequently can be upgraded, seeing as the filly unseated jockey Danny Tudhope before the start. She does not have the race fitness of her rivals, but there is clearly plenty more to come from this daughter of Dark Angel.
WIN: MIDNIGHT AFFAIR
It is a small but competitive field which lines up for the 7f Group 3 Godolphin Lifetime Care Oh So Sharp Stakes (2:25), including Ralph Beckett's Skellet. A half-sister to Group 1 winning Skitter Skatter, the filly was not disgraced on debut over seven furlongs on Sandown Park where she struggled for room in the latter stages before staying on for a close fourth. It was no surprise to see the daughter of Kingman break her maiden on the second time of asking at Salisbury, and she shaped better than the winning margin of one-and-a-quarter lengths would suggest to defeat Serene Seraph. The filly is proven over seven furlongs and deserves her current position at the head of the market.
The consistent Chic Colombine is potentially over-priced on her first attempt in Group company, having secured four straight victories. She has been impressive in her recent wins, cruising to the front in the British EBF £100,000 2YO Fillies' Series Final at Goodwood to secure a three-quarter length victory. George Boughey's charge is undoubtedly ready for the step up in class and her experience could be an advantage in this field.
WIN: CHIC COLOMBINE
The older horses get their opportunity in the Group 2 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards Challenge Stakes (3:00) and Chindit returns for another shot at Group glory this season. He was denied a hat-trick when third in the Group 2 Joel Stakes and connections have made the decision to return the five-year-old to seven furlongs. He has not won over seven since early 2021 which leaves the door open for other contenders.
Although course and distance winner Audience appeals following her good second behind Sandrine in the Group 2 Park Stakes at Doncaster, Matilda Picotte catches the eye at the current prices (9/2). The three-year-old will benefit from a five-pound allowance compared to the aforementioned rivals and she impressed with a near-four length success in the Group 3 Sceptre Stakes at Doncaster over seven furlongs on her latest run. She was good enough to place third in the 1000 Guineas behind Mawj back in May at this track and Oisin Murphy retains his partnership with the filly following the Doncaster win.
WIN: MATILDA PICOTTE
RACING & SPORTS SELECTIONS
RACE 1: MIDNIGHT AFFAIR
RACE 2: CHIC COLOMBINE
RACE 3: MATILDA PICOTTE
RACE 4: SHADOW DANCE
RACE 5: SHUWARI
RACE 6: DEVOTED QUEEN
RACE 7: ENCHANTED LIFE
RACE 8: UNLESS
