Aspetar to get back to very best
ASPETAR can rediscover the winning trail in the feature event of the afternoon at Newbury.
Roger Charlton’s colt looked a high-class prospect when winning his first two starts, justifying short-priced favouritism in impressive style on his Windsor debut before claiming Listed honours in the Cocked Hat Stakes at Goodwood.
A step up to Group Two level proved too much too soon at Chantilly in June as he finished last of eight runners, although not beaten far in conditions which were reported to be too quick for the three-year-old.
He returned from a three-month absence to finish third in the Doonside Cup at Ayr on his latest appearance, which was a perfectly respectable effort against older horses over a mile and a quarter.
Aspetar steps back up to a more suitable distance for the £50,000 British European Breeders’ Fund Conditions Stakes - and while he must concede weight all round, ground conditions appear to be in his favour, and he is expected to be up the task.
Current Option shaped with abundant promise when runner-up on his introduction at Kempton, and is fancied to go one better in the Join Hot To Trot For 2019 Novice Stakes.
The Camelot colt pulled fiercely for much of the way on his first outing, so it is testament to his ability that he managed to finish nicely clear of the remainder behind the Queen’s Sovereign Grant - who already had two good runs under his belt.
That initial experience will not have been lost on Current Option, and it would be no surprise to see him sign off his juvenile campaign with victory in Berkshire before being aimed at more lofty prizes next season. It is worth noting he holds an entry in next year’s Derby.
Prejudice can provide the soon-toretire Luca Cumani with a winner at Doncaster.
Three runs in novice company were nothing to write home about for the son of Dubawi, but he consequently entered the handicap arena from a workable mark of 73 at Redcar last month.
The youngster won with plenty in hand that day, and the subsequent victory of the fourth home Five Angels gives the form some credence.
The handicapper has handed Prejudice a 10lb rise in the Download The At The Races App Nursery, but it might not be enough to stop him adding to his tally.
Captain Jameson looks sure to go well in the Navigating Brexit With Vertem Stockbrokers Handicap.
A winner over the course and distance last November, John Quinn’s inmate belatedly opened his account for the current campaign with a dominant display at York a fortnight ago. A 7lb rise looks fair, and he is clearly finishing the season at the top of his game.
The National Hunt season is beginning to find its feet, and things step up a gear this weekend as Cheltenham stages its two-day Showcase meeting.