Midhmaar will almost certainly improve considerably on a promising debut effort in the Maiden Stakes over seven furlongs of 'good to firm' Sandown this afternoon, one of four turf-flat programmes on another busy Friday; plenty of betting opportunities which can be expected with Royal Ascot kicking off next Tuesday.
It's almost mid-summer but uncharacteristically cold which has set two-year-olds back alarmingly; so many haven't 'gone on' so to speak but veteran trainer Barry Hills is fully aware of the situation and has exercised patience with the juveniles he's trains exclusively for Hamdan Al Maktoum' Midhmaar is potentially useful.
Graham Lee rode this Iffraaj colt when he was ninth to Seastrom over six furlongs at York last month, beaten eight lengths and far from disgraced.
'The penny dropped' in the closing stages and Midhmaar made good headway; this extra distance should be ideal under Paul Hanagan who, hopefully, will let his mount stride on from the outset against a clutch of inexperienced juveniles. Worth a solid each-way bet.There is no need to be negative about backing Smart Mover 'win only' for the Rous Selling Stakes over six furlongs at York where 'good to firm' is also the forecast ground description.
Smart Mover is the clear time-handicap 'best-in' and ticks every box imaginable for this particular 'favourite' race which I've monitored closely throughout my racing life.
Big Chill is one of nine 'decs' for an intriguing 3-y-o Maiden Stakes over a mile of 'good' ground down at Goodwood; with Russian Reward p[roving disappointing and one or two other not coming up to scratch Patrick Chaming's charge justifes an each-way bet, he's booked George Baker!
Now then!
SELECTIONS
11.15 MIDHMAAR
11.05 SMART MOVER
4.10 BIG CHILL (e.w)