Newmarket Day 1

Day one

The first day of the Cambridgeshire meeting looks a fascinating one and the race I am most interested in is the one mile handicap at 2.35 in which I believe Blackcat Blackitten has a leading chance.

A winner of his last start at Kempton Park, the form of his turf efforts also shows that this youngster is improving at a rate of knots and taking into account William Buick’s claim he has only been penalised 4lbs for that impressive success.

Of course there are many dangers including John Gosden’s lightly raced Ekhitiaar, Kasumi and the hat-trick seeking Persian Express, but all of them will have to improve again at the weights to beat the selection.

The feature race of the first day is the Listed Noel Murless Stakes at 3.45 and I think Lion Sands has a chance second to none here.

He was hardly given the most positive of rides at Kempton last time out, briefly outpaced on the home turn before finishing well and this extra distance could be right up his street.

With Tranquil Tiger set to make the market for us I believe we could get a decent price about this son of Montjeu and the biggest danger, if they go a pace could be Metaphoric.

Another out and out stayer I was surprised he wasn’t laid out for the Cesarewitch and will need a real gallop at this trip to show his very bets form.

The other Listed contest comes 35 minutes later with the Rouse Stakes over five furlongs where most of the runners have come from the higher ranking handicaps of the season.

Bond City and Tax Free would have claims on their best form, but the nod is Sonny Red if he is over his exertions form the Diadem Stakes at Ascot on Sunday. He had every chance form the midfield that day, but looked a shade in need of the run and this looks slightly easier.

Finally have a look at Cape in the class two handicap at 4.55. She looked to be coming back to something like her best at Haydock last weekend and this uphill finish will suit her blitz style a bit better. She has Mango Music and Medicea Sidera to worry about most.