Tipster Kevin O’Malley fancies a few value picks at Newmarket on Friday, as the Cambridgeshire meeting at Newmarket rolls on. On a quality day of action, the focus is on the feature Group race action, all set to be shown live on ITV Racing.
Take two against Rosemary Stakes field
Seventeen go to post in the 1:50pm Rosemary and in such an open field, two mares at likely double figure prices catch the eye for place purposes. FIRST KINGDOM’s recent form is below the required mark here, but William Haggas’ inmate is unbeaten in two starts over a mile and the drop back to 8f with headgear applied is interesting.
James Ferguson’s ALNASEEM justified favouritism well at Chelmsford last time out and is clearly going the right way. Clocking a good speed figures, she’s earned her shot at black type here and could surprise a few carrying more fancy colours.
Prescott’s grey to shine in absence of Love
ALPINISTA produced a career best when chasing home Love in the Yorkshire Oaks last time out and that second place effort is the strongest piece of form in this Group 3 over 1m4f. This daughter of Frankel has been steadily progressive with every step up in trip and although facing strong opposition today, there is no Love in the field and Sir Mark Prescott can enjoy a rare Group race victory today.
Rockfel test ideal for improving Monday
MONDAY didn’t show much on her Punchestown debut on September 3, but she improved enormously to score in promising style on Irish Champions Weekend at Leopardstown. Displaying a good attitude and a touch of class, this daughter of Fastnet Rock is clearly going the right way. Ryan Moore takes over from Seamie Heffernan and the pair are highly likely to make a bold bid in this Group 2 over seven furlongs.
Tate star can take top rank among milers in Joel Stakes
At this point in the season, it could pay to side with the hore improving at the right time and in this Group Joel Stakes, that horse looks like the James Tate trained Top Rank. The likes of Benbatl and Kameko ensure this Group 2 is a race of Group 1 quality and while proven class could come to the fore, Top Rank is on a seriously impressive upward curve.
He was doing his best work late on to fend off a good field and there could easily be more to come. If he wins this, the world is his oyster in the mile division.