DANCE TO STEP ON IT
Appleby’s filly to confirm Guineas billing in Nell Gynn
DANCE SEQUENCE (3.35, nb) can show her rivals a clean pair of heels to remain unbeaten on day two of Newmarket’s Craven Meeting.
Charlie Appleby’s Classic hopeful stayed on strongly for a course and distance strike in the Oh So Sharp Stakes last October.
The neck defeat of Skellet, three lengths clear from the rest, put Dubawi’s daughter in many notebooks for this season.
And she is fancied to confirm her 1,000 Guineas credentials by taking the Lanwades Stud Nell Gwyn Stakes under William Buick.
His former Godolphin colleague James Doyle takes a link-up with Roger Varian to Group Three level with smart colt EMBESTO (3.00).
In five starts throughout 2023, the chestnut made rapid progress from a Yarmouth maiden to finish fourth in the Group Two Prix Daniel Wildenstein.
Two-and-a-half lengths behind thriving Poker Face and highly-tried Isaac Shelby, Embesto’s form was advertised by the third Belbek’s subsequent victory.
My selection launches his four-year-old campaign in the Bet365 Earl Of Sefton Stakes, retaining plenty of potential. AMBIENTE FRIENDLY (2.25) appeared to take connections by surprise when making all at Leicester on racecourse debut. An 8-1 chance, his trainer James Fanshawe, left, rarely saddles first-time out winners and seven furlongs looked a minimum for the newcomer on pedigree. But the talented type proved it was no fluke behind Ancient Wisdom in the Autumn Stakes, who enhanced his reputation in racing’s top tier.
In a wide open bet365 Feilden Stakes, Ambiente Friendly makes each-way appeal, as does Weatherbys Global Stallions App Handicap runner SOLRAY (1.50), not seen to best effect in two recent all-weather appearances.
Grand National-winning owner JP McManus should keep up the momentum with Matt Hampson Foundation Silver Trophy Handicap Chase favourite IN EXCELSIS DEO (2.40).
Harry Fry’s gelding has caught the eye on several occasions at Cheltenham and better ground is expected to assist his jumping.
Easy Plumpton scorer SEA INVASION (2.05) remains nicely weighted for the Kingston Stud Handicap Hurdle.