MARSHA’S ON FIRE
Prescott filly can scorch to victory in hot King George renewal
SIR MARK PRESCOTT has an exciting sprint prospect on his hands in the shape of three-year-old flying machine MARSHA (3.45).
The Acclamation filly finished second on her handicap debut over six furlongs at Newmarket in May, possibly needing the race.
She was then a bit too free early in a Group 3 at the Curragh in June before putting it all together as one of the easiest winners of the Listed Land of Burns Stakes at Ayr you’re ever likely to see.
Anxious to get her settled Luke Morris dropped her out on her next start at York and while he gave her plenty to do, she reeled in Easton Angel close home, almost smashing Dayjur’s 26-year-old track record in the process.
Described by jockey Paul Mulrennan as an ‘aeroplane,’ she’s got plenty more to offer and I look forward to see her scorching down Goodwood’s five furlongs.
MOUNT LOGAN (2.00) is three from three at Goodwood and Roger Varian’s son of New Approach was far from disgraced when fourth to Dartmouth in the Hardwicke at Royal Ascot.
Varian said: “This meeting has always been the plan and I have been pleased with him at home since. Twelve furlongs on fast ground appear to be his optimum conditions and while this is competitive, Mount Logan is joint-highest-rated. I hope he can go very close.”
THIKRIYAAT (2.35) ran a blinder in the Jersey Stakes staying on strongly to snatch second from stable companion Forge and that form took a boost on Wednesday when the winner Ribchester ran a close third in the Group 1 Sussex Stakes. The step back up to a mile will be ideal for the son of Azamour.
Michael Bell is in great form and FRANKLIN D (3.10) can fly the flag in a brutal Betfred Mile. An easy six-length canter in a decent handicap at HQ last time has seen him raised almost a stone in the ratings, but he’s only saddled with a three pound penalty today. A low draw and the booking of Moore and you’re starting to feel confident.
Orion’s Bow will start from the middle after connections opted for stall 12 in tomorrow’s Stewards’ Cup at Goodwood.
David Nicholls’ charge has won his last five starts, rising from a mark of 69 to tomorrow’s 103.
Andrew Balding’s Dancing Star has proved popular, sneaking in at the bottom of the 28-runner field, she’s in stall four. Others to note include Kimberella (21), Toofi (23), Growl (26) and Ridge Ranger (two).