Friday 13th October 2023
Author: Jordan Yates (EvRacing_)
Welcome aboard to this Friday preview where we have some Group 1 action at Newmarket as it’s Fillies Mile Day. I’ve got five selections to share with you all throughout the afternoon, so, as ever, if you are punting, make sure to do so in a responsible manner.
1.50: Cornwallis Stakes: We kick things off at 1:50 with Group 3 action in the form of the Cornwallis Stakes over five furlongs. This is a competitive renewal of the race and I’m taking a chance with an Irish raider in Asean who’s currently a 10/1 chance for the team of Donnacha O’Brien an Gavin Ryan. She’s been progressing with each run to date with her most recent success coming within listed company at the Curragh in August. She’s had a bit of a break since then and returns to the track with what I think looks a very solid profile. Asean – 10/1 (Each-Way)
2.25: Oh So Sharp Stakes: It’s more Group 3 action at 2:25 this time for the fillies over seven furlongs as the Oh So Sharp Stakes takes centre-stage. I’m siding with Chic Colombine here for George Boughey and William Buick, she arrives here having had a fantastic campaign, winning her last three outings and I think she should probably be the current favourite. There’s a whole host of potential improvers in the field, however, she has the form in the book and if her recent exploits haven’t taken too much out of her she’s the one they all have to beat. Chic Colombine – 4/1 (Win)
3.00: Challenge Stakes: Next up is the 3:00 which is the Group 2 Challenge Stakes that’s contested over a distance of a mile. I think that this can go to Audience who represents the Gosden’s and is the mount of Rob Havlin. He currently heads the betting at around the 5/2 mark following two very solid efforts at York and Doncaster, with the most recent of said efforts at Doncaster being a narrow neck defeat in the Group 2 Park Stakes. He’ll have no issue with quick ground having bolted up on it at Leicester last year, and I think he just looks very solid here. Audience – 5/2 (Win)
3.35: Old Rowley Cup Handicap: It’s handicap action at 3:35 with the Old Rowley Cup and I’m once again trying to break my duck in heritage handicaps this summer. I’ve decided to side with Alsakib here for the combination of Andrew Balding and James Doyle. He bolted up on his most recent outing which came at Ascot last month in an equally as competitive handicap, and despite receiving a nine-pound hike in the weights, he’s still unexposed and could well have more to offer. If he progresses once more for this race he’s got to be considered as a big player. Alsakib – 5/1 (Each-Way)
4.10: Fillies’ Mile: The feature contest of the day comes up at 4:10 and it’s the Group 1 Fillies Mile. It’s a fairly straightforward one for me as I think it can go to the market leader in Shuwari for Olli Sangster and Tom Marquand who’s currently trading at a best price of 2/1. She finished second on her most recent run which came here in the Group 2 Rockfel Stakes last month, she dwelt at the start that day and was given a bit too much to do in trying to reel in Carla’s Way. If she gets a better break here and is ridden more prominently I think she’s got every chance of making amends. Shuwari – 2/1 (Win)
