Godolphin to reunite at Newmarket
Godolphin have certainly finished the season with a flourish and Sheikh Mohammed’s operation can sign off in style at Newmarket with a double in two of the feature events.
The boys in blue will soon be departing for their winter base in Dubai, but Fairmile looks ready for a last hurrah in the bet365 Call 08000 322365 James Seymour Stakes.
Godolphin claimed the Listed race with Into The Dark last term and Fairmile can make it a double after an impressive performance at York last time.
The five-year-old was the stable second string in a decent conditions event on the Knavesmire but he showed stylish turn of foot to see off Sunshine Kid by three lengths.
That victory was just reward after a year that had seen Fairmile in the first three in each of his five starts.
The son of Spectrum should find the likely good ground in his favour and he can take this prize before heading off for some winter sun.
Caradak also appeals as a Godolphin victor in the bet365 Ben Marshall Stakes.
The six-year-old was a Group One winner last term but has not seen much action this year, having had just three starts.
However, Caradak showed some of his old sparkle when narrowly beaten at Redcar last time and a similar effort should see him lift this Listed prize.
Classic Legend can make it two wins from two starts in the bet365.com EBF Montrose Fillies’ Stakes.
Brian Meehan’s charge made a favourable impression when running out a four-length winner on her racecourse debut over a mile at Nottingham last month.
Classic Legend still looked a little green when asked to go about her business but she won well enough and should make a smooth transition to Listed class.
Montrachet should enjoy the testing conditions at Ayr in the John Smith’s Extra Smooth Handicap.
Twice a winner on soft ground earlier in the year, Montrachet looked to have gone off the boil when well beaten at York last month.
However, an improved showing at Newbury last weekend suggests the Singspiel filly still has something to give for trainer Michael Bell.
Kempton race under the lights and Storm Force looks another Godolphin horse to follow in the Digibet Sports Betting Conditions Stakes.
The Cape Cross colt breezed home in an all-weather maiden at Lingfield on his racecourse bow and there should be more improvement to come in this seven-furlong heat.
The jumps season steps up another gear at Wetherby and it is hard to look past potential star Aces Four in the bet365 Charlie Hall Chase.
Ferdy Murphy’s charge showed he is a force to be reckoned with some fine efforts at the highest level towards the end of last season.
The eight-year-old looked second best on merit in the Royal & SunAlliance Chase at Cheltenham when a bad stumble three-out cost him dear and saw him finish only fourth.
However, he made amends with an easy success in an Aintree Grade Two and would have been a Grade One winner at Punchestown but for crashing out at the last when holding the advantage.
Obviously there is a slight question mark over his jumping at present but Murphy is sure to have put in plenty of work on the schooling ground and with the ground in his favour, Aces Four could well come of age.
Black Jack Ketchum has proved something of a disappointment in all honesty but he would not need to be at his best to win the John Smith’s Hurdle.
The eight-year-old was a Grade One winner in 2006 but he not one to trust with your life savings after letting down his supporters when sent off favourite three times last term.
However, Black Jack Ketchum must be the logical pick here in what looks a less than vintage renewal.
Ascot also stage some decent fencing fare and Iron Man can set out his staying credentials with victory in the feature United House Gold Cup Handicap Chase.
Winner of a decent event at Market Rasen over the summer, Peter Bowen should have him ready to show his best in this richly-endowed race.
Tidal Fury, a Grade One winner over hurdles in France, falls a little short of top company on this side of the channel but should be up to the task in the Byrne Group Handicap Chase.
