Alpha Centauri the star attraction at Newmarket as rivals run scared

Alpha Centauri has seemingly scared off most of the opposition for the Tattersalls Falmouth Stakes, the feature event on day two of Newmarket’s July Festival.

It is easy to see why plenty of trainers may be eager to duck a clash with jessica harrington’ s star after she posted by far the most eyecatching success at Royal Ascot last month. Fresh from victory in the Irish 1,000 Guineas, Alpha Centauri put her Coronation Stakes rivals to the sword in some style, clocking a new course record on the way to a six-length victory over the reopposing Threading.

When given the signal inside the final furlong that day, Alpha Centauri virtually sprouted wings under Colm O’donoghue, sprinting clear before being nursed home with the minimum of fuss.

This daughter of Mastercraftsman looks head and shoulders the best in the distaff mile division this year and it would take a brave soul to side against her here.

La Pelosa seeks to turnaround Ascot form with Main Edition in the Duchess of Cambridge Stakes after being edged out in Berkshire.

Charlie Appleby’s runner was just a neck adrift in the Albany Stakes, which was a highly commendable run for a filly who had had just one previous start. La Pelosa will surely step forward again from there and might just be able to improve past Main Edition this time.

Corrosive was likely hampered by a slow early pace in the Britannia on his most recent outing, but can bounce back in the Saeed Suhail Saeed Handicap. He was beaten only five lengths when 10th in the Ascot handicap after being far too keen in the early stages.

Could It Be Love can gain the victory her consistency merits in the William Hill Summer Stakes at York.

Aidan O’brien’s filly ran a fantastic race to finish best of the rest behind Alpha Centauri in the Irish 1,000 Guineas in May before placing third in the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot.

She was unable to make the most of what looked a good opportunity at Fairyhouse last weekend, but the race was not run to suit and she deserves a change of luck.