Newmarket Day 2

This is where the meeting really kicks off with some outstanding racing including two Group One events and a Group Three as well as the big Tattersalls Auction Sales race as well.

Of the two top group events the Middle Park Stakes, due off at 3.15, has attracted a cracking field and I have to say I thought Sir Gerry would run a mammoth race here after the way he dismantled his field to land the Gimcrack at York, showing a lightning turn of foot at the distance and seeing the trip out well.

This track will obviously put more emphasis on stamina, but there is little reason to believe he won’t go well again and remember that this is only his fourth career outing.

Second that day was the Aidan O’Brien trained Great Barrier Reef and he is represented this time around by ACHILLES OF TROY. I think this nicely bred sort is worth one more chance after rediscovering his form after a break when second to Dream eater at Doncaster.

That race was over seven furlongs, but he showed here on Guineas’ day that he is far from short of speed and it maybe that the going is more crucial to him as he does seem to bounce off faster ground. In addition the quote from O’Brien that his youngsters have just begun to come to themselves in recent weeks is also quite enlightening.

This though is no two horse race and I also fancy that Rock of Rochelle could run a big race at a price. Winner of his last two races, the son of Rock of Gibraltar has shaped as though an extra furlong would suit him, but this six takes some getting and being from a small yard, trained by Andrew Kinsella, he may start at an inflated price.

The other horse to throw into the mix is Tajdeef, stepping down in trip after finding the seventh furlong beyond him in the Champagne Stakes. He looks the biggest danger to the selection.

The skybet.com Cheveley Park Stakes at 2.05 has attracted an even bigger field of 14 and Fleeting Visit would represent a third winner of the race for Jeremy Noseda should she land the spoils. However, I think she is all speed and is vulnerable to a stronger stayer of the ilk of Visit.

She hacked up in the Princess Margaret only to get going too late in the Lowther. This looks a spot on test for her and I will be mightily surprised if she doesn’t bounce back to winning form here.

Of the other races on the card, I fancy that Galactic Star can take the step up in grade in his stride and land the Godolphin Stakes at 3.50, while Royal Fantasy can finally come good after two unlucky runs by landing the closing Challenge Whip Handicap at 5 .30.