Newmarket returns with some high-class Flat action and it could be usual service resumed on the Rowley Mile where Charlie Appleby’s Ottoman Fleet looks tough to oppose in the bet365 Earl Of Sefton Stakes.
He returns to home soil fighting-fit following three solid performances in Group contests out in Dubai where he was beaten a similar distance of just over a length on each occasion.
Even more encouraging is his form here at HQ where he has two victories from three starts.
Following a second to Natural World on debut, he claimed the Listed Fairway Stakes on the Rowley Mile and although having to settle for second behind the progressive Alflaila in the Darley Stakes when returning to Newmarket in the autumn, he signed off with a demolition in the James Seymour to claim his second Listed prize of the campaign.
This looks the perfect opportunity for the son of Sea The Stars to strike for the first time at Group Three level and to add further evidence to the case, he is the choice of stable jockey William Buick.
It promises to be another good afternoon for Buick and Appleby, who can kick proceedings off in fine style with Majestic Pride.
The seven-furlong bet365 British EBF Conditions Stakes has been won by some smart operators over the years and this Shamardal colt quickly built on an encouraging debut over track and trip in October with a taking victory at Chelmsford on the all-weather three weeks later.
A half-brother to the Group One-winning Farhh, he holds an entry for the 2000 Guineas and a bold showing could earn the colt a spot on the Godolphin teamsheet for the first Classic of the summer.
Another exciting colt who appears set for bigger things this summer is John and Thady Gosden's Covey.
The son of Frankel was extremely eyecatching when second at Southwell on debut – pushing the 93-rated, Greenham-bound, Zoology all the way when beaten a neck.
He was plenty green at stages during that contest but is clearly blessed with plenty of raw ability and providing he has sharpened up for that first day at school, could open his account in the Alex Scott Maiden Stakes under Frankie Dettori, fresh his American sojourn.
The concluding Bet Boost At bet365 Handicap often goes to an improving sprinter and this year that looks to be Tom Clover's Al Barez.
The Dark Angel colt will have to prove his fitness following a 361-day absence but it is hard to knock his form so far – racking up three victories over six furlongs in four outings.
He drops back to the minimum distance but that could prove a shrewd move on reappearance considering the weakest point of his last race at Doncaster was the final furlong where he started to tie up in the closing stages.
Emaculate Soldier can start to justify his lofty €350,000 price-tag when he makes his debut at Lingfield.
Simon and Ed Crisford's Sea The Moon colt is a full-brother to a Listed winner and half-brother to a German Derby runner-up and he should prove a tough nut to crack if fully primed ahead of the At The Races App Market Movers Novice Stakes.
City Cyclone is another to keep onside on the Polytrack when he steps up in trip for the At The Races App Expert Tips Restricted Novice Stakes.
Daniel and Claire Kubler's three-year-old was not disgraced behind the useful Exoplanet at Newbury on debut and having shown real improvement when hitting the bar over a mile at Kempton in October, looks ready to tackle further on his reappearance.
SELECTIONS:
GOWRAN PARK: 4.03 Not Even Close, 4.38 Narlita, 5.13 Kingswear, 5.45 King Of The Kippax, 6.15 Lambada, 6.45 Carlo Bianconi, 7.15 Riverina Charm.
LINGFIELD: 2.00 Albert Cee, 2.35 Zous Baby, 3.10 Emaculate Soldier, 3.45 Battle Point, 4.20 City Cyclone, 4.55 Rose Light, 5.30 Whimsy.
NEWMARKET: 1.50 Majestic Pride, 2.25 Spirit Of Light, 3.00 Unforgotten, 3.35 Ottoman Fleet, 4.10 COVEY (NAP), 4.45 Carnegie Hall, 5.20 Al Barez.
SOUTHWELL: 5.25 Fox Flame, 6.00 Silver Bubble, 6.30 Military Tycoon, 7.00 Biplane, 7.30 Northbound, 8.00 Easter Icon, 8.30 Blackjack.
TIPPERARY: 2.05 Danada, 2.40 Castle Field Boy, 3.15 Leading The Way, 3.50 Clifton Warrior, 4.25 Gallyhill, 5.00 Mahler Appeal, 5.35 Four Clean Aces.
DOUBLE: Covey and Ottoman Fleet.
