Paul Ferguson has two selections from Newmarket for us on Saturday; Dominant (3:10) and Canford Cliffs (3:45)
As long as Newbury hasn’t received too much overnight rain Canford Cliffs (3:45) should have too much pace for his rivals in this afternoon’s feature contest, the Group 1 JLT Lockinge Stakes.
The four-year-old proved himself a top-class miler last season, when his three victories came in the Irish 2,000 Guineas, the St James’s Palace Stakes (where he beat stable-mate and today’s market rival Dick Turpin a length) and in the Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood.
The Tagula colt could well be very difficult to topple in this division this season and he is fancied to get his season off to the best possible start for trainer Richard Hannon, who saddled Paco Boy to win this 12 months ago.
Following support for Dick Turpin, Canford Cliffs was trading at a best price 5/6 with Ladbrokes, Paddy Power, Totesport and Coral overnight.
The totesport.com London Gold Cup is usually won by a Group horse disguised as a handicapper and, while this year’s renewal doesn’t look as strong as in previous years, there are still a couple of really interesting colts on show.
The pick of them has to be Dominant (3:10) who was most unfortunate at Sandown last time and, though a 6lb rise for a defeat seems harsh, he could still be ahead of the handicapper for the in-form Roger Varrain yard.
The son of Cacique met plenty of trouble in running last time and the King Edward VII entrant can gain compensation in this valuable contest.
Already well-supported, Neil Callan’s mount traded at a best price of 9/4 overnight with Ladbrokes, Paddy Power, Totesport and Boylesports.
At a bigger price, Fulgur is respected on his maiden success at the track, but he blew his chance on reappearance by being way too keen for his own good in the Listed Fielden Stakes. He could bounce back, however, and would rate a threat in receipt of 11lbs from the selection.
Saturday’s selections:
3:10 Newbury: Dominant (9/4)
3:45 Newbury: Canford Cliffs (5/6)
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