THERE could be a big upset on the cards at Newmarket this afternoon when Scottish River (2.35) takes on a bunch of southern hot-pots in the Group 3 TNT July Stakes.
On bare form alone - one win in a poor Thirsk maiden -- the bookies' are likely to chalk up odds of 10-1 or better for Mark Johnston's highly-talented colt.
But Scottish River's rate of improvement over recent weeks has been quite exceptional, leading me to believe he could have the legs of the certain market leaders, Meshaheer and Prince Dayjur.
Frankie Dettori will be especially keen to make amends on Meshaheer, upon whom he bodged the job up good and proper when finding all the trouble going prior to finishing like a bullet to snatch third spot in the prestigious Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot.
In the later Group 2 Falmouth Stakes, the progressive Night Shift filly Sheppard's Watch (3.40) has the class to complete her hat-trick.
Marcus Tregoning's representative appeared to have a mountain to climb at Epsom on her latest start, seemingly out with the washing with only two furlongs to travel.
However, her rider Martin Dwyer had other ideas, conjuring up storming late run to sweep past the entire field and win going away.
The opening juvenile contest at Doncaster is choc full of unexposed youngsters, including Algunas Veces (2.15).
David Barron gave the son of Timeless Times a favourable mention in our invaluable pullout, Racing North, earlier on this term.
And the colt duly obliged at Southwell in April. I'm inclined to think Pips Magic (5.00) saves a bit for himself these days. Nevertheless, Jim Goldie's sprinter is well-suited by the race conditions of the closing Caffreys Classified Stakes, so should make no mistake provided he is in the mood.
Kempton-bound Arabian Moon (7.30) patently failed to stay two miles in the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle last time out.
Epsom handler Simon Dow has now found a far easier opportunity over a couple of furlongs less in the Ladies Night Handicap at the far less demanding south London venue.
Track and trip experience is vital at Lingfield where the downhill left-handed bend often unbalances horses to such a degree that they lose all hope of victory before they have even reached the home straight.
Fortunately there's no worries on that score for In The Stocks (4.05), previously successful at the course and in with a major shout for the Come Racing On Friday Fillies' Handicap.
* David so nearly slew Goliath on the opening day of the Newmarket July meeting yesterday as Godolphin's juvenile academy came mighty close to being outpointed by one of the town's smallest trainers.
David Loder has been carrying all before him with his stable-full of the Maktoum family's choicely-bred two-year-old talent and his Silent Honor was sent off as short as 30-100 favourite in the Group Two Cherry Hinton Stakes.
But she was given an almighty scare by Lady High Havens, one of just half a dozen juveniles at the command of local trainer Paul d'Arcy and beaten four lengths by the favourite in a maiden on the Rowley Mile course last month.
The 12-1 outsider made the running under Pat Eddery, refused to give in when headed a furlong out and rallied to such good effect that she was beaten just a short-head in the photo-finish and fooled many observers including Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford into thinking she had won.
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