ENTICEMENT has long been touted an animal of Classic potential – and can illustrate the point with victory in the Tattersalls Musidora Stakes.
The Knavesmire venue swings back into action for the first time following the abandonment of last year’s Ebor Festival due to a waterlogged track.
Officials report the ground to be in excellent shape as their three-day meeting kicks off and Enticement should be able to deal with quicker conditions.
Sir Michael Stoute’s filly was unbeaten in two starts last term with her narrow victory over Super Sleuth on her final outing reading particularly well given her subsequent Classic placing.
Enticement is bred to come into her own over middle distances, being by Montjeu out of a Rahy mare, so it was no surprise that a mile looked a little sharp in that Listed victory.
Stepping up to ten furlongs, Enticement can give owner the Queen a welcome winner – and keep alive dreams of Investec Oaks glory at Epsom.
Strike The Deal can end his long wait for a win in the Duke Of York Blue Square Stakes.
The four-year-old has not come out on top since winning the Richmond Stakes back in 2007 but he has put up some fair performances in decent company in that time.
He lost little in defeat behind Amour Propre at Newmarket on his reappearance, finishing fourth over five furlongs and not being beaten far. Stepping back up to six, Strike The Deal is an interesting contender.
Red Jade is bred in the purple and while he will probably never live up to his Classicwinning sister West Wind, he should be smart enough in the Blue Square Casino Stakes.
Trained by John Gosden last season, the Dubai Destination colt won a Nottingham maiden before being snapped up for 70,000 guineas at the autumn sales.
Now with Karl Burke, Red Jade made a promising start when just edged out into second back at the same track.
A 5lb rise may seem a little harsh but Red Jade looks a handicapper of potential and this is a nice opportunity to take a step up the ladder.
Noah Jameel got touched off by a nose at Warwick last month and compensation awaits in the Avon Handicap at Bath. The seven-year-old has hit the bar a couple of times but his turn is surely not too far away.
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