Hyperion Fillies Conditions Stakes

                                                    Hyperion Fillies Conditions Stakes
                                                               Ascot Saturday


A class two contest that is relatively new to the calendar having only been run the past two years. On both occasions Godolphin have taken the prize with a filly who has gone on to show useful form in Meydan, becoming 'classic' winners in the gulf

Adhwaa- Sheikh Hamdan filly who is best known for finishing second to many peoples top two year old Kingman. That six length beating flattered her and she is better judged on her last two runs when narrowly getting the better of the useful maiden Tinga before finishing midfield in a weak renewal of the Sweet Solera at Newmarket. A solid type but likely to find one or two too good

Casual Smile- By a Classic winner out of a Classic winner so bred to be good and the signs from her debut is that she may well be. She should come on plenty for that second on debut and will surely be suited by the extra furlong she encounters today. Very interesting runner, for all that this is a step up in class

Feeydah- Looked very useful on debut when accounting for subsequent winner Dancealot on the all weather at Kempton. She was stepped up to listed class next time, where she was slow from the gate and wide the whole way, doing well in the circumstances to finish fourth behind her stablemate Majeyda. Was then slightly disappointing when only seventh last time in a strong group three at Deauville on her last start. Back in calmer waters today, she can make her presence felt and extend her stables perfect record in this contest

Hot Coffee- Impressive on debut at Haydock but the form of that race has not worked out well at all. Went to France on second start finishing eighth, a short head behind todays rival Feeydah. Obviously not without a chance on form but i will pass her over today

Verdict- Trappy contest in which all four have legitimate claims but Feeydah is taken to maintain Godolphins 100% record in the race. The selection is taken to bounce back from a lacklustre run last time and confirm the promise she showed on her first two starts. The impeccably bred Casual Smile is the dark horse coming straight from maiden company and she rates the main danger. Adhwaa can get the better of Hot Coffee for third

Dick Poole Fillies Listed Stakes

                                                Dick Poole Fillies Stakes [Listed]


 Listed stakes which is usually contested by some useful fillies, names of note include last years winner Winning Express who went on to finish second in the Cheveley Park stakes at Newmarket, following the path of Suez in 2004. Group one winners Serious Attitude and Margot Did have also taken in this race before going on to Glory at the top level in recent times. A field of six go to post this year with a couple who are likely to be aiming higher in the future

Alutiq- Likeable filly from the Eve Johnston Houghton yard who has won twice and acquitted herself well in group company since. Beaten only 2.5 lengths by Lucky Kristale she has to be considered on form, however  she is beginning to look exposed and likely to be minor honours at best today

Dorothy B- £130,000 filly by crack Australian Sire Fastnet Rock who has two runs so far for one victory. That was last time out when beating the 88 rated Hoku easily at Nottingham. She made a big jump from first to second start and whilst she has to step up on her bare form the feeling is she is more than capable of doing so. Still unexposed and a big player for her trainer who won this in 2003

Joyeuse- The form choice of the field and of course Frankels little sister. Defied slight unease in the market when readily winning in debut at Lingfield, the runner up has since proved herself useful, before heading to the Royal meeting for the Albany. Ran well to finish third that day, coming from an unpromising position in rear. Tom Queally, on board today due to James Doyles suspension, got a bit of stick but she couldn't go down as an unlucky loser. The form of the race has worked out really well and she has an obvious chance down in grade

Lamar- Winner of a decent maiden at Newmarket on second start who has ran two solid races in defeat in stakes company since. Her trainer continues to churn out juvenile winners but a suspicion she may lack to class to come out on top in this field

Libourne Lass- Money spinning filly from the Hannon yard who has so far earned over 4 times her purchase fee in her seven runs to date. However her form seems to have plateaued lately and she failed to take advantage of a good opportunity at Chester last time. Never out of the first three, and from connections who two year olds are always feared at this venue, but looks a notch below what will be required to win

Wedding Ring- Impressive on debut when beating subsequent Group winner Ihtimal who had the benefit of experience, but hasn't become the filly she looked she may that day. A creditable fifth in the Albany, 2.5 lengths behind Joyeuse, she was then dismissed by the reopposing Ihtimal in a Group Three last time. Her form is good enough to put her in the mix and her freshman trainer has an impressive strike rate with his two year olds but didn't show enough sparkle last time to suggest she can win this

Verdict- All eyes will be on Frankels sister Joyeuse who hasn't been seen in public since Royal Ascot and she is likely to start a short price. She is by no means unbeatable though and can be taken on with Dorothy B who although only a maiden winner is an impressive type. She readily beat a useful yardstick last time and can improve past the fillies with superior form in the book. Lilbourne Lass is likely to be ridden with black type in mind and can get Third ahead of Wedding Ring who hasn't progressed from her excellent debut in the manner that many thought she would

1 Dorothy B
2 Joyeuse
3 Lilbourne Lass

Solario Stakes 240 Saturday Sandown

                                                                      Solario Stakes
                                                                      Group Three


Only four runners but likely to be an informative contest with current 2000 Guineas favourite Kingman taking his place in the field. A race that is usually won by a good colt, although it hasn't been a great pointer towards the classics of late and the only top notcher to emerge in the last decade was Ravens Pass for John Gosden back in 2007.

Emirates Flyer- Solid horse who has won two of his four starts to date with his two defeats being registered in Group Company. Probably ran his best race when fifth to the crack US juvenile No Nay Never at the Royal meeting when beaten under three lengths. Wears the white cap for Godolphin and although that isn't always the best guide it is fair to assume he is their second string here. Very much up against it even if he is running on his own merit

Kingman- Half brother to the progressive stablemate Remote who was an uber impressive winner on debut when destroying his field in a Newmarket maiden. He has since become ante post favourite for next years 2000 Guineas and has been proclaimed as the second coming by his legions of fans. Was visually stunning that day and the second and third horses have won since to firm up the form. The most likely winner but also likely to very poor value

Music Theory- Godolphin Gelding who has won two of his three starts to date. Ran a race full of promise first up when second behind  odds on stablemate Brave Boy, before dismissing a good colt of Roger Varians next time. That was a serious performance and he drew right away at the line. Unsurprisingly stepped up to seven furlongs last time he handed at a nine length beating to a horse rated in the mid eighties at odds of 1/5. A very useful animal and likely to give it a good go against Pegasus

Rosso Corsa- Mick Channon colt who comes here on the back of a creditable fourth in the Vintage stakes at Goodwood. That was a career best by a long way and likely to need another career best by a long way to take this. No real chance

Verdict- Shame there is only four runners but at last the return of Kingman who made a serious impression when last seen at Newmarket over two months ago. Whilst standing in his box he has become ante post favourite for the Guineas as other protogonists have faltered. He is the most likely winner but he can be taken on at the prices with Music Theory who comes here having impressed in his last two starts at HQ. Likely to be around 4/1 with Kingman long odds on he is worth a token bet to down the hype horse

1 Music Theory
2 Kingman
3 Emirates Flyer

425 Sandown Saturday Betfred.com Nursery

                                                             Betfred.com Nursery Handicap


Interesting field of eight juveniles go to post in a nursery which has been won by subsequent group winners I'm Spartacus, Indian Days and Law Enforcement in the past decade

Lilyfire- First Defence filly ridden by James Doyle for his new boss and his old boss. A winner of her only start at Ascot in a warm maiden when quickening up smartly to win from the well regarded Psychometry. Winners have already come from the race and those who filled the places that day have ran well without winning. A mark of 80 looks generous and must have a fine chance of remaining unbeaten here

Smart Salute- Royal Applause colt from the Ed Walker stable who ran into the useful Nezar on debut when going down by a head to that rival. Didn't have to improve to break the maiden next time and has been allocated a mark of 79 on the back of that performance. Looks well treated off that mark as Nezar is now rated 96 and has to be a contender for his top class handler

Hunters Creek- Well bred colt, 1/2 brother to Moyglare winner Chelsea Rose and other winners, who ran a good race on debut before being collared close home by Stagemanship. That one has been well beaten since and is rated 75 so he will have to improve to take this off of 79. Was a weak enough race he won at Lingfield on his last start and may have been found a tough race here. Opposable in this field

The Alamo- Slow burner of a colt who got his first win on his third start last time. Ran well on debut behind Zeshov before going to Epsom as a short priced favourite on second start, where he got a shocking ride from the champ eventually finishing a well beaten third. Made no mistake last time on home ground at Windsor but his mark of 78 looks harsh enough in relation to others in the field

Officer Drivel- Luke Dace colt who improved last time when runner up to the potentially decent Tea Leaf at Lingfield. Very likely to prove flattered by his proximity to the winner in time and his trainer is still looking for his first juvenile winner. Very unlikely it will be coming here

Gown- Charles Hills filly who showed promise on debut when chasing home the useful Ligeia, however has failed to replicate that level of form on her two runs since. Even with Ryan Moore taking over today unlikely to be good enough

Miapladicus- Richard Fahey colt whose last two runs offer some hope that he is capable of defying a mark of 68. However likely there are horses with more in hand than him towards the top of the weights. Each way possibilities but unlikely to be good enough for win purposes

Needless Shouting- Cheaply bought colt who has ran solid races without looking like winning in his four runs to date. Comes here having finished third to What About Carlo last time and even carrying bottom weight will do well to match that finishing position in this field

Verdict- Quality looking nursery with the top two in the weights appearing to hold the most pressing claims. Lilyfire is potentially very smart and was a rare debut winner for a trainer who preaches patience with his juveniles and she is the selection. Smart Salute is the danger having bumped into a good one on debut before comfortably breaking the maiden on second start. His trainer is having a productive time with his two year old's this season operating at a 26% strike rate and he needs respecting. Miapladicus can prove best of the rest with Hunters Creek another candidate for third place

1 Lilyfire
2 Smart Salute
3 Miapladicus

Julia Graves Roses Stakes [Listed]

                                                        Julia Graves Roses Stakes

Five furlongs dash which has produced some top sprinters in recent times, Captain Gerrard being the stand out name. A good field of eight go to post and it has the makings of an interesting contest

Hot Streak- Well thought of Kevin Ryan colt who went off favourite on debut here over six furlongs when impressing with the manner of his victory. The drop back in trip shouldn't pose too many issues and whilst the bare form has to be improved upon considerably it was hard not to be taken by his performance. Would have surely been a good thing in a nursery off of 78 so interesting his connections are willing to sacrifice that by pointing him here. Has a lot going for him on paper

Outer Space- Cost £140,000, trained by Richard Hannon and owned by the Coolmore team so it was surprising to see him allowed to go off at 8/1 on debut at Sandown. Made a mockery of those odds with a slick victory from the odds on favourite Jacobs Pillow travelling smoothly throughout and putting the race to bed over a furlong out. Looked one to keep on the right side of and must have strong claims to make it two from two

Salford Red Devil- Richard Fahey colt who had run exclusively at Chester before stepping up in class when seventh in the Richmond Stakes. Has won two of his five races and nothing wrong with his attitude but may lack the scope to contain some of the potential improvers in the field

Baytown Kestrel- The £400 filly who has since become the £12,000 filly when claimed by the Brian Ellison team following here victory in a Wolverhampton claimer. A rating of 74 shows she is likely to find this far too tough

City Zen- Baltic King filly who has been runner up in both starts to date and should be good enough to win a race in time. Doubtful it will be here though

Disko- Improving filly from the Daniel Kubler stable who has shown himself a useful trainer of two year old's this term. Put in her place by two useful sorts her first two starts she finished in front on third start when putting the golden highway to good use on the turf course at Lingfield. Left those runs well behind when a close up fourth in a useful listed contest at Newmarket earning a rating of 95 in the process. Will probably have to improve again to his the frame here

Excels Beauty- Filly who excelled herself last time when finishing a narrow second to the Lowther third Wind Fire last time. Possibly got the run of the race that day and may have been flattered by her proximity to the winner. The ratings hike she received has made nurseries a thing of the past for now and will need to match that career best to take a hand in the finish here

Mecca's Angel- Intriguing contender who comes here having romped away with a a nursery at Southwell 46 days ago. Has been put up 17lb for that victory which looks harsh given the weakness of the race however she did easily best the useful Flying Bear on turf the time before and looks ready for this step up in class. Can't think too many two year old's have earned a rating of 95 on the fibresand and she has to be taken seriously

Verdict- Cracking field with established listed form being pitted against three last time out winners who have the potential to bridge the gap. The selection is the Richard Hannon colt Outer Space who was seemingly unfancied on debut but won in the style of a class animal and can make the step up to listed class before potentially going onto even greater heights. Hot Streak was another impressive first time out winner over a furlong further and he has to be considered along with the dark horse Mecca's Angel who is making the unusual step from low grade Southwell nursery to listed contest. She deserves a step up in class judged on that and can make the frame here

1 Outer Space
2 Hot Streak
3 Meccas Angel

Prestige Stakes

                                                      Prestige Stakes Group Three

Race which often throws up a top class filly or two with top graders Nannina, Sky Lantern and Lahaleeb all coming from the race in the last ten years. Doesn't look a vintage year with the top rated filly only bringing in a rating of 99 but a few have the potential to improve on their previous form

Amazing Maria- Improving sort who broke her maiden impressively in a valuable Goodwood maiden last time. That looked a decent contest and her one length third to Lowther seventh J Wonder also looks good enough in the context of this field. Ed Dunlop has shown he means business by employing superstar Gerard Mosse for the ride and everything looks ripe for a big run

Flora Medici- Three time winner who takes a massive hike in class having recently won a Beverley nursery off of a mark of 73. Will have to improve out of sight if she is to complete her hat trick in this field

Halljoy- Evergreen trainer is enjoying a productive season with his juveniles and is never afraid to pitch his maidens into stakes races. Well beaten by the impressive Sound Reflection last time and likely to be exposed in this company

Midnite Angel- Form horse in the race having finished runner up to the useful pair J Wonder and Ihtimal on her last two starts. Looked ordinary enough before those two races and whilst it may be that she is an improving filly, she is more exposed than most and can be taken on with a short price likely

Miss Lillie- Three race maiden from the Roger Teal yard who cost £52,000 as a yearling. Not disgraced in any of her races to date but with a rating of only 79 she has a mountain to climb on the figures to trouble the principles

Qawaasem- Went into a lot of notebooks when third on debut at Newmarket when relatively unfancied in the market. Returning there for her second run she made no mistake accounting for subsequent winner Valonia before stepping up to listed class last time when out battled by Majeyda close home. That was slightly disappointing in that she looked set to win at one stage but still likely to be on the premises against this field

Valen- Michael Bell filly who showed promise when meeting traffic problems at Goodwood on debut, eventually finishing fifth beaten under four lengths by Qawasem victim Valonia. An easy winner at Ffos Las on second start, form difficult to weigh up, and her trainers juveniles are in good form of late. Still unexposed and a potential fly in the ointment

Wee Jean- Impressive debut winner at Chepstow who was pitched into group three company on her next start. Finished seventh that day although not beaten far, form muddling, before running into the useful Brave Boy in a four runner conditions stakes next time. Needs to improve to take this for last years winning handler

Verdict- A slightly underwhelming field for a race that usually proves informative. Amazing Maria seems to be rapidly improving and is taken to bridge the gap from maiden to listed class, an easy winner last time she has crack hired gun Gerard Mosse doing the steering and can go close to winning this. Form choice Midnite Angel for high profile connections will hopefully help make the market and she is definitely beatable. Qawaasem deserves respect and can prove the main danger with Valen also warranting a mention

1 Amazing Maria
2 Qawaasem
3 Valen

Gimcrack Stakes

                                                          Gimcrack Stakes
                                                             Group Two


Saayerr- The only group two winner in the field who carries a 3lb penalty for that success in the Richmond Stakes at Goodwood. That wasn't a great race for the grade but it could be argued neither is this. Will have to step up again to win shouldering the penalty but should give his running all the same

Astaire- Smart juvenile who represents last years winning connections. An impressive winner on debut over course and distance when his trainers juveniles were unusually quiet, in good form now, he was stepped up in class to group two level in the July stakes on his next outing. In the vanguard the whole way and taking a strong hold in the early stages he perhaps unsurprisingly faded in the closing stages coming home sixth but only beaten just over two lengths. Made no mistake last time out when readily beating the useful Coulsty and must have every chance of taking this

Cable Bay- Thrice raced colt of Charlie Hills who showed improved form when a neck second to Saayerr in the Richmond. Weighted to get the better of that rival today and this well bred son of Invincible Spirit is a live chance under William Buick

Justice Day- Not out of the first two in his first four runs, his limitations were seemingly exposed when only ninth in the Windsor Castle at Royal Ascot. Although only beaten three lengths the form of the race has not worked out well at all. Rated 95 and will have to improve on all known form to take a hand here

My Catch- Interesting contender for the Qatar Racing team. Well bred and showed immense promise when second on debut to the useful Langavat, Windsor Castle runner up Supplicant behind, at Beverley. Then pitched into the aforementioned Ascot contest when he got going too late, finishing a creditable fifth. Has since crossed the channel to take two races, narrowly beating the Morny seventh in a group three last time, and must have a big chance of completing the hat trick here

Parbold- Underrated horse from the Richard Fahey stable who has done nothing wrong in his career to date. A good winner on debut from the useful Art Official he then finished best of the rest behind impressive winner War Command in the Coventry. That form has its critics but would still stand up amongst the best on show here. Slightly disappointing in the Vintage Stakes last time when given alot to do before finishing strongly for third. May lack the quality of a top notch juvenile but can not be confidently ruled out in this field

Wilshere Boulevard- Coolmore raider who arrives here having claimed a group three at the Curragh last time. Has ran five times which suggests he isn't a stable star and only tenth in the Windsor Castle on his last visit to these shores. Obviously anything that travels from the stable needs respecting but it would be disappointing if he proved good enough

Verdict- Another group race for the juveniles that lacks a standout candidate and can be considered an open affair. Saayerr is the only winner at the grade and therefore shoulders a three pound penalty which makes life tough for him. Whilst Parbold attempts to boost the much scorned Coventry form but again may find one or two too good. The selection comes from the winning stable last year of Kevin Ryan in the form of Astaire. He doesn't have that much to find on the figures and every chance he is better than able to show on his first try at this level in the July Stakes . Cable Bays run in the Richmond entitles him to be on the premises but more of a threat may come from the David Brown colt My Catch who comes here seeking a hat trick having won two decent contests in France recently

1 Astaire
2 My Catch
3 Cable Bay