"Yes" looks the answer to an intriguing Maiden Stakes over ten furlongs of 'good to soft' Newmarket today. Third time lucky? You'd be hard-pressed to see an unluckier loser than Dr Yes, favourite over course and distance three weeks ago, when fifth to John Gosden-trained newcomer, Proofreader, form that's completely misleading. Henry Cecil's charge tracked Gosden's other runner, Moshaagib, which ran around in the closing stages and hampered Dr Yes, as the latter attempted to make a challenge; at no stage was that possible and he went into notebook as an unlucky loser. Runner-up was Kieren Fallon-ridden, Awake My Soul, another making a racecourse debut. On 'form,' he'ld probably be favourite and with Luca Cumani's yard now beginning to fire, certain to be 'on the premises' but I'm convinced, Dr Yes will reverse placings. To make sure, I would play each-way with three places on offer.
Fallon also climbs aboard Balty Boys, for the twenty-runner three-year-old handicap over six furlongs, one of two runners trained by Charles Hills. Michael Hills rides Glen Moss and fancies his chances but Balty Boys is so much better than his form this season suggests and he's actually well-handicapped, despite being joint top-weight. Last season, Balty Boys finished fourth, beaten only a length, in the group one 'Middle Park' over a similar distance. He's been "a bit flat!" according to Charlie but has thrived significantly this past week or so and part-owner, Sir Alex Ferguson intends flying from Manchester to watch the Cape Cross colt.
Once again my 'play' will be one of four places. With Fallon on our side we've got to be confident. The six-times champion continues to ride at the highest level of consistency and must always merit consideration. Once-raced, Godolphin-owned, Requested justifies support for the two-year-old Maiden Stakes over seven furlongs. This has been an outstanding launching pad for so many top-grade colts in the past. Although third to Master Of War, over a furlongs less at Haydock six weeks ago, which suggests ordinary form, don't be fooled. 'The boys in blue' are starting to have winners all over the place, Requested has been working like a dream and reports suggest Silvestre de Souza is also relishing the prospect of renewing association with this superbly-bred, easy-moving Dubawi colt. SDS also rides strongly-fancied Ariyfa in the concluding 'aged' handicap over a straight mile. Look no further for the winner.
SELECTIONS
RACE 3 #2) BALTY BOYS (e.w.)
RACE 14 (#18) REQUESTED
RACE 18 (#4) DR YES (nap e.w.)
RACE 26 (#4) ARIYFA (e.w.)
