Fighting Irish in fine fettle to prevail in six-furlong Yarmouth scrap

Fighting Irish was well down the field in the Wokingham at Royal Ascot but was actually only beaten just over seven lengths.

The four-year-old never looked like really getting involved but appeared to be racing on the unfavoured side and should appreciate what is, on paper at least, an easier task in the Moulton Nurseries Of Acle Optional Claiming Handicap at Yarmouth.

Fighting Irish has not actually won in this country since scoring over the same six furlongs he faces here back in September 2017, but he went on to land a French Group Two, which has perhaps slightly hamstrung him subsequently. He races off a mark of 94 now, 11lb lower than his peak rating, and he can take full advantage.

Roger Charlton could have a good evening at Kempton, with Skyman and Tambourine Girl expected to go well in their respective heats.

Sky man lines up in the seconddivision of the 32 red casino Handicap, having failed to hit the mark in four outings so far. However, he posted his best effort on his most recent start – also his first attempt in handicap company.

He started with a mark of 72 that day, and it looked a reasonable effort to finish a twoand-a-half-length second, so an 1lb rise should not hinder him too much.

Tambourine Girl failed by only a short head to make a winning debut – and she can gain compensation in the 32Red/british Stallion Studs EBF Fillies’ Novice Stakes.

She made most of the running on that outing last month only to be edged out in the final strides, and she would not need to make too much progress to strike.