Unlike many of the high profile meetings over recent weeks. Newmarket today will be run on ground more fitting to the time of year.
We have Good to Firm going and some watering has taken place. A warm dry afternoon is forecast.
Two races for us today from Newmarket.
3.45: The market is tight around Bletchley and Nasimi. They are the two I would like to focus upon. Two races only for Bletchley, a big odds win on debut at Nottingham which earned her a trip to Royal Ascot. She showed her inexperience in the Albany before staying on well for a close run second. That form sets the standard.
Nasimi has race just once, a very eye catching debut at Haydock. She did most things wrong, but still powered home for an easy win. Significant improvement can be expected.
On my tissue I make Bletchley 3/1 favourite with Nasimi in at 4/1.
4.15: Usherette is a warm order with a general quote of 4/6 and 8/11. Although a handful of firms want to take her on. How much they will actually lay is questionable.
She is unbeaten in all four starts this year. Impressed on latest start when winning comfortably at Royal Ascot on soft ground. She sets the recent form standard.
When Alice Springs ran on the Friday, the ground had improved but her luck in running definitely had not. My view is that given a clear run she would have won that day.
She was very impressive in her final 2 y.o. race at this course and has plenty of improvement to come. I expect Ryan Moore to keep her out of trouble this time.
I have Usherette in at Evens and Alice Springs at 4/1.
A lot is being made of the Royal Ascot form, but the huge difference in conditions at that meeting and what we will get today has to be factored in.
Good start for us at Newmarket yesterday. Four races analysed, two winners at 3/1 and 11/4, plus my reservations regarding The Grey Gatsby were confirmed as the 11/4 favourite never seriously challenged the winner.
Back tomorrow for the final day at the Newmarket July meeting.
