Foxtrot Liv might give Rockfel a miss

FOXTROT Liv could sidestep Friday’s Shadwell Rockfel Stakes at Newmarket in favour of the CL & MF Weld Park Stakes at Naas on Sunday.

Following promising efforts at Naas and the Curragh, Paddy Twomey’s filly made it third time lucky with a runaway victory at the Curragh last month.

She stepped up to Listed class on Irish Champions Weekend at Leopardstown and was beaten just a head into second place by the Jessica Harrington-trained Sparkle’n’joy.

Foxtrot Live is a best priced 8-1 for Friday’s Group Two feature in Newmarket, but Twomey has identified a possible alternative closer to home.

He said: “She’s in good form and we’re very happy with her.

“She’ll get an entry tomorrow (Tuesday) in the Charlie Weld in Naas on Sunday. That is over seven furlongs as well.

“She seems well, so I’d say she’ll run in one or the other, maybe the Charlie Weld, but we’ll see.”

Roger Varian is confident Yourtimeisnow will have no problem handling a step up in trip in the Rockfel Stakes.

Having backed up her maiden success at Newbury with victory in a Group Three at Salisbury last time out, the daughter of Charm Spirit will look to complete a hat-trick of wins when stepping up to seven furlongs for the first time in the Group Two contest. Varian said: “She is a Group Three winner and deserves a step up in class.”

Yourtimeisnow is one of 17 horses to stand their ground at the confirmation stage for the Rockfel.

Among the potential opposition is Hidden Message, an impressive winner for William Haggas at Yarmouth on Thursday, while Royal Ascot winner Main Edition remains in contention for Mark Johnston.

Aidan O’Brien last won the race with Wading in 2001, and has three possibles in the shape of Zagitova, Pink Dogwood, who was an easy winner at Gowran Park on Saturday, and Group Three winner Just Wonderful.