A Perfect day’s in store

PERFECT Power can add a second Group One to his tally by winning the Juddmonte Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket today.

Richard Fahey’s charge posted a memorable effort to get off the mark at the top table last time, reversing previous form with a couple of runners to sprint clear inside the final furlong in the Prix Morny at Deauville last month.

Having come from behind, he showed plenty of determination to find a run and then pull clear, easily holding Trident by a length and quarter.

The reopposing Asymmetric, who had beaten Perfect Power previously at Goodwood, had no reply in third but given Perfect Power’s less than ideal passage on the Sussex Downs, it was perhaps not too much of a surprise to see him turn around that running.

Winner of the Norfolk in June, when beating Go Bears Go a head, Perfect Power is certainly among the top rank of this year’s juvenile crop and the son of Ardad can strike again, although it was mildly concerning to see Trident beaten at Newmarket on Thursday.

Zain Claudette has improved with every start and she can again find the necessary extra in the Juddmonte Cheveley Park Stakes.

Trained by Ismail Mohammed, Zain Claudette has been beaten just once in four starts to date, looking in need of the experience when beaten a neck on debut at Goodwood.

The No Nay Never filly has not looked back since, losing her maiden tag at Newmarket in June before taking a huge leap forward to win the Group Three Princess Margaret Stakes at Ascot in July.

She beat Desert Dreamer, who tries her luck again here, by a nose that day, but the margin probably is not a fair reflection of the run as she had plenty to do and putting in all her best work at the end.

Mohammed then took her to York, where she made full use of a 3lb weight concession to beat Sandrine in the Lowther.

Zain Claudette meets Sandrine on level terms here and another close battle is in prospect, with Sacred Bridge seemingly the one they all have to topple.

Royal Patronage is another who rose to the task at York and can again raise his game in the Juddmonte Royal Lodge Stakes.

This likeable son of Wootton Bassett was out of luck in his first two starts, although on the second occasion he chased home National Stakes victor Native Trail at Sandown.

He then came of age at Epsom when bolting up by five lengths, but punters were unimpressed by that form and Royal Patronage was able to go off a 25-1 shot for the Acomb on the Knavesmire.

Mark Johnston’s runner stayed every yard of the seven furlongs to win by just under three lengths and switching up to a mile for this contest promises to be more suitable.

Masekela looks the one to beat, but Royal Patronage has plenty in his favour and his York win has already had a boost.

The major betting heat of the day, indeed the autumn, is the bet365 Cambridgeshire Handicap and it is easy to see why Chichester has been the subject of strong support over the last few days.

He secured his third win of the season for Keith Dalgleish at Ayr last weekend, adding to earlier victories at Newcastle in April and in the Carlisle Bell in June.

Chichester had endured a few reverses following that latter win, but his third place at Newcastle in August now reads quite well given winner Injazati was impressive at Newbury last week.

Returned at 6-1 at Ayr, he made a mockery of the price as he cantered home by six and a half lengths - showing a fine change of gear in the closing stages in the process.

The four-year-old is saddled with a 4lb penalty for that verdict, taking him to a mark of 91, but given the handicapper has raised him to a perch of 100 following his Ayr display, Dalgleish’s charge is incredibly well in.

Added to the fact Dalgleish has booked Hollie Doyle, Chichester has plenty in his favour.

Market Rasen stages some decent jumping action with Rowland Ward the choice in the Ferry Ales Brewery Prelude Handicap Hurdle.