3 minute read

Michael Appleby expects Danzeno to mount a strong defence of his Betfred Chipchase Stakes title when he lines up for the Group Three at Newcastle on Saturday.

The Newark trainer reports the four-year-old to have benefited from his first run for seven months when he was fourth to Pearl Secret in the Temple Stakes at Haydock.

Though Danzeno has not graced the winner's circle since lifting this contest 12 months ago, Appleby is convinced everything is in place for a big run.

"We'll see if he can retain the crown, hopefully he can," he said.

"He ran very well first time out this year at Haydock and he just needed that. He's come on a bit for the run so he should take all the beating, I would think.

"Everything should be right for him."

Trainer David O'Meara has two decent chances with Watchable, who was a creditable sixth in the Wokingham at Royal Ascot, and That Is The Spirit, who has been running over seven furlongs.

"Watchable ran really well under a lot of weight. He's come out of the race OK," he said.

"That Is The Spirit has been keeping his form well over seven furlongs. He ran well at Newbury in the Hackwood the last time he went over this trip.

"He's worth a look at over six again. I think he's got plenty of speed."

Tim Easterby will walk the course before deciding whether to run Mattmu, who has shown smart form, especially when there has been plenty of give underfoot.

A Group Two winner in France on his final start as a two-year-old, Mattmu was only beaten a head in the Duke Of York Stakes when taking on his elders, but was slightly disappointing when only fifth to Adaay against his own age group in the Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock.

"He's in good form. We want plenty of rain really as he wants some juice in the ground," said Easterby.

"I'd have to be happy with the ground before I run him. I'll walk the course in the morning. As long as it's good ground he'll run.

"He didn't enjoy Haydock last time. I don't know what happened there."

Ed Walker feels any rain would be good for Aeolus, who shaped encouragingly on his seasonal debut when fourth to That Is The Spirit at Haydock seven weeks ago.

"He needed his run at Haydock first time out. He travelled well but he just got found out when pushed out," said the Newmarket trainer.

"He is in great shape but it has been a struggle finding his ground and a little bit of rain would help.

"Bringing him back to six furlongs will help. Hopefully he will run well as he is in good form."

Karl Burke thinks Glenalmond could surprise a few people.

The Iffraaj colt has taken on the best of his generation in races like the Gimcrack, Champagne Stakes and 2000 Guineas but his only success to date came on his debut in an Ayr maiden last July.

"He'll appreciate the ground," said Burke.

"It was a toss up whether we went for the seven-furlong race (the Criterion) at Newmarket, which I think he really needs and is his probably his best trip, but there's more chance of rain here and a guaranteed strong pace in the Chipchase rather than down there.

"With a visor on he might just be a bit keen. He's a horse with a lot of ability.

"Things haven't clicked for him yet this year, but I wouldn't be surprised if he ran very well.

"It's a hot race and looks one of the better renewals of the Chipchase, but I'd still put him right up there. If you look at his two-year-old form, it's right up there with the best."