Soldier can march to a hat-trick at Newbury

– Salute The Soldier can relish another battle to march to a third victory in a row today in the Dubai Duty Free Cup at Newbury.

This Clive Cox-trained fouryear-old never wins by far - but after his two neck verdicts in his last two races, he steps up from handicaps into Listed company.

Being tactically adaptable and versatile has helped him set up the winning streak at Goodwood and Ascot.

There is no reason why the straight 1400m on this fair track

London

should not suit Salute The Soldier in his quest to continue his fine run.

Shailene has fared admirably in face of some stiff tasks of late, and has fine prospects in the Dubai Duty Free Handicap.

Andrew Balding's filly reverts to handicap company after a Group 2 foray in Germany at the end of last month.

She acquitted herself well over this same 2400m trip, finishing a slightly unlucky five-length third at Baden-Baden.

Before that, there is little to choose on the book between Shailene and reopposing top weight Scarlet Dragon from their fine running in third and fourth respectively over an extra 400m in Goodwood's Qatar Summer Handicap.

That was a hugely competitive race, and this course and distance looks perfect for Shailene - whose Listed form at Nottingham and convincing victory in Italy at the same level are both most encouraging.

James Fanshawe has enlisted the services of Ryan Moore for Entrusting in the closing T T Tents Handicap.

This three-year-old was a beaten favourite on his return from a short break at Newcastle last month, having been gelded.

He nonetheless showed enough in second to suggest he can take advantage of this opportunity.

Que Amoro can take the honours in the Listed Al Maktoum Cup Arran Scottish Fillies' Sprint Stakes at Ayr.

Michael Dods' three-year-old has hit top form in the last couple of months, with two convincing victories at York. Her latest success at the Ebor meeting was a career-best to earn a second chance at this level.

She was not disgraced in the Redcar Two-Year-Old Trophy last autumn and is clearly a better filly now.

Pendleton could be the answer to the William Hill Bronze Cup after having to settle for second at York last time. –