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We have three selections from Ascot and Newmarket on a rainy Friday...
We are happy to oppose Godolphin's hot favourite Panarea in the 6f Class 3 John Guest Racing British EBF Fillies' Novice Stakes (1:50) at Ascot with the more experienced Pink Satin for our first selection. The Paul and Oliver Cole trained was a surprise winner of a novice fillies stakes at Windsor on 12 June, when no stalls were used. She sat midfield and made headway from three furlongs out, comfortably beating the second placed horse by one-and-a-half lengths.
Pink Satin sat more prominently when tried over seven furlongs at Newbury on her second start and weakened dramatically in the final half-furlong to finish a well-beaten third, indicating that the return to six furlongs would be beneficial. Although her siblings have been seen to best effect over middle distances, half-brother Highland Chief was quick enough to win over five furlongs as a juvenile before winning a twelve furlong Royal Ascot handicap at three.
SELECTION – PINK SATIN (5/1)
We head to Newmarket for our second selection, with Andrew Balding's Al Shabab expected to improve in the 6f Class 4 British Stallion Studs EBF Restricted Novice Stakes (5:52). The Saxon Warrior colt made a disappointing debut at Newbury, hampered shortly after the start and showing signs of inexperience throughout. He hung left in the final furlong when making some headway to finish tenth of twelve. There is no doubt that Al Shabab should come forward for the experience and an entry in the Group 3 Gimcrack Stakes indicates that connections think he has a bit of ability.
The race is a competitive affair, however Andrew Balding is in solid form with a strike rate of 20% (8-41) from the last 14 days including a double yesterday at Sandown and Newbury.
SELECTION – AL SHABAB (9/1)
We remain at Newmarket for the 1m4f Class 2 British Stallion Studs EBF Novice Stakes (GBB Race) (7:35) where Middle Earth is taken to break his maiden on the third time of asking. Although current favourite Naqeeb appears a solid option, Middle Earth has done little wrong in his two outings, finishing runner-up on each occasion.
The John & Thady Gosden trained colt has been soundly beaten by a good winner at Sandown Park and on the all-weather at Kempton Park but makes the step up to twelve furlongs for the first time, which could eke out extra improvement. He is a half-brother to Listed Heritage Stakes winner Buckaroo and other half-siblings have won up to 1m6f.
SELECTION – MIDDLE EARTH (7/4)