Nearly Caught can get back to winning ways
NEARLY CAUGHT can cut loose in the Jockey Club Rose Bowl Stakes at Newmarket.
Hughie Morrison’s stayer is not a particularly fashionable horse, which is a pity as he is a very capable operator when the mood suits.
He is also a most worthy ally at this grade and must have a fine chance of returning to winning ways under James Doyle.
The last time Nearly Caught contested a Listed race, it ended in triumph as he stayed on valiantly to defeat Montaly by half a length at Sandown in July.
That rival went on to win the Lonsdale Cup at York so the form is good, to say the least.
Things did not go his way at Chantilly earlier in the month, but, prior to that, he was not beaten too far by stablemate Marmelo in the Prix Kergorlay at Deauville.
Nearly Caught must give away weight to the field, but the Group Two-winning son of New Approach is tough enough and good enough to overcome that particular burden.
Elarqam looked a bit good on his debut at York and should be followed with interest in the Group Three Tattersalls Somerville Stakes.
After having cost an eye-popping 1.6million guineas, the Frankel colt had an awful lot to live up to on his racecourse bow on the Knavesmire.
It took him a little while to understand the game, but once he did Elarqam grew in stature and eased to a three- and-three-quarter-length triumph over Ayutthaya.
Mark Johnston’s youngster already looks in need of a trip, but he is clearly a very exciting prospect and it will fascinating to see how his career develops.
Parlance was unlucky in a fair race at Kempton last time and redemption can be swift and satisfying in the sevenfurlong fillies’ handicap, while runaway Doncaster scorer Blue Laureate can dish out weight and a beating in the one-mile nursery.
It is hard to i magine Muatadel not being involved at the finish of a five-furlong handicap at Pontefract.
The four-year-old has won three times for Roger Fell this season.
He has also finished in the money on several other occasions and demonstrated at Doncaster last time, when third in a 15-runner sprint, that the handicapper might not yet have his measure.
Muatadel is 1lb higher for this, but there are more races to be won with him this autumn.