See The Fire can spark a surprise ar Newmarket
SEE THE FIRE offers a value alternative to those at the head of the market in the Qipco 1000 Guineas at Newmarket.
Andrew Balding’s beautifullybred filly does not have too much ground to make up on Aidan O’Brien’s Ylang Ylang from the Fillies’ Mile, yet that one is battling for favouritism.
Given See The Fire’s parents – the brilliant Sea The Stars and Arabian Queen, the Juddmonte International winner from 2015 – peaked at three, there is every reason to believe she will take a big jump forward from what she achieved last season.
That is not to say she did not reach a high level either, as after winning on her debut, she was second in the May Hill and then just over a length back in third in the Fillies’ Mile when she just was not as streetwise as some in those races.
With a winter on her back and Balding having started the season in hot form operating at a near 25 per cent strike- rate, she is unlikely to be found wanting in the fitness department and can set her self up for a crack at the Oaks, which should suit her even more.
The Group Two William Hill Dahlia Stakes looks a lot more competitive than in recent seasons but Pam Sly’s Astral Beau has less questions to answer than most. She would ideally want the mud to be flying but she is capable of running to a decent level on good ground.
Astral Beau has the benefit of a run under her belt after finishing a very fair second to Charyn at Doncaster, with that looking a much better piece of form than it did at the time given he has come out and won a Group Two at Sandown since.
Back against her own sex, she was third in this last year to Via Sistina and Al Husn and there looks to be nothing of their class in here, with Oaks third Caernarfon seemingly losing her way in the second half of last season.
Balding’s Kalpana created a huge impression at the Craven meeting and can back it up in the William Hill Pretty Polly Stakes.
This race has produced some very smart winners in the past, including Oaks winner Taghrooda in 2014.
Kalpana’s sole defeat came at the hands of 2000 Guineas runner Inisherin, yet she reappeared in a handicap off 78.
She bolted up by 10 lengths prompting a 16lb rise but she is unlikely to be back in a handicap any time soon.
Charlie Johnston’s Struth was all prepared for Musselburgh’s Queen’s Prize over Easter but the meeting was lost to the weather.
Given the value of that prize, connections have sat tight waiting for something similar and the chance arises in the £ 100,000 William Hill Handicap so expect a bold show.
Just touched off in the November Handicap when last seen, he has form at the track and should have more to offer now he has turned four.
Arkenstaar ended last season with a win at Hamilton and returns there having had a spin at Pontefract recently.
Michael Dods’ charge is only four and surely has more up his sleeve than the likes of Trais Flours and Jackhammer who are both veterans at 10.
He runs off bottom weight in the Hampton By Hilton Onsite Hotel Handicap.
Iain Jardine’s Catherine Chroi has been in rare form, winning three of her last four and can go in again as she escapes a penalty in the Racing TV Handicap.
Ralph Beckett’s Royal Equerry sports the King and Queen’s colours and also catches the eye on breeding in the Kingsclere Stud Fillies’ Conditions Stakes.
By Kingman, her dam Memory won the Albany Stakes so it would not surprise if she knew her job.
SELECTIONS
HAMILTON: 2.05 Two Brothers, 2.35 Airman, 3.10 Cavalier Approach, 3.50 Flight Of Angels, 4.23 Arkenstaar, 4.58 Ready Or Nott, 5.30 Catherine Chroi.
NEWMARKET: 1.50 KALPANA ( NAP), 2.25 Astral Beau, 3.00 Struth, 3.40 See The Fire, 4.15 River Seine, 4.50 The Actor, 5.25 Black Run.
SALISBURY: 2.10 Luna Magic, 2.40 Royal Equerry, 3.20 Safari Dream, 3.55 Fast Society, 4.30 Hakuna Babe, 5.05 Sam Hawkens, 5.35 Young Merlin.
SLIGO: 1.40 Katie Bairdie, 2.15 Spanish Cara, 2.50 Redshore City, 3.25 Kashi, 4.00 Camelot Alexander, 4.35 Dromore Glory, 5.10 Out For A Stroll.
DOUBLE: Kalpana and See The Fire.