Calibre one to watch

CALIBRE is bred to be something out of the ordinary and, on the evidence of last season, might turn out to be just that.

The John Gosden-trained colt makes his three-year-old bow at Newbury and should not be missed in the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire Conditions Stakes.

The son of Lear Fan is a full-brother to the high-class Ryafan, who Gosden trained to many a big success, including the Prix Marcel Boussac, Falmouth Stakes and Nassau Stakes.

She also went on to land three Group Ones in America.

And her brother showed he is potentially no mean performer himself when battling back well after looking beaten to get the better of Lundy’s Lane in a maiden at Newmarket in October.

His trainer spoke very highly of his charge afterwards and may turn up in one of the Derby trials if all goes to plan here.

Michael Stoute got off the mark with his first runner on Wednesday and Vodafone Oaks entry Halawanda can give the Freemason Lodge handler another success in the Octagon Toyota Avensis Maiden Fillies’ Stakes.

She looked a filly of real potential when just getting touched off by stablemate Waldmark over seven furlongs at Kempton on her sole start as a juvenile. Tomorrow’s 10 furlongs looks bound to suit her even better.

And Stoute can double up with Hasanpour in the Peter Smith Memorial Maiden Stakes.

The son of Dr Devious was badly in need of the experience when second on his only run as a two-year-old and is sure to be seen in a much better light over tomorrow’s 11 furlongs.

Repertory is well into the veteran stage now but will still take all the catching in the Dubai Full Of Surprises Rated Stakes.

The Malcolm Saunders-trained 10-year-old remains one of the fastest horses in training over the minimum trip and ran a cracker at the start of this month when running hot favourite Olivia Grace close at Nottingham, attempting to give her 19lb in the process.

Martin Pipe has found a suitable winning opportunity for Lirfox at Ayr.

The ex-French four-year-old has run with plenty of credit in top events at Cheltenham and Aintree since joining the champion trainer.

The day’s most valuable race is the Daily Record Mares’ Only Handicap Hurdle and this £30,000-added contest can go the way of the Cecil Price-trained Dancing Pearl.