Native Approach has been tipped to win the Gr 3 Craven Stakes by the At The Races Tipster (Picture: Godolphin)
At The Races
1 2:50 PM – Bet365 Handicap
Almarada Prince makes his handicap debut after securing a hat-trick in maiden/novice events last year and it will be interesting to see how he fares on his return to action. However, preference is for PEN PORTRAIT, who finished over a length behind the former on his debut at Thirsk, but he is 7lb better off and has also been gelded during his winter break. Simon & Ed Crisford’s charge can improve past his opponent to reverse that form, while Gamekeeper and Irish Nectar are just two others to keep an eye on.
Top Tip: PEN PORTRAIT (9)
Watch out for: ALMARADA PRINCE (2)
2 3:25 PM – Bet365 Wood Ditton Maiden Stakes (GBB Race)
As usual, there are plenty of appealing pedigrees on show in this contest and the market could tell us what to expect, so only a tentative vote goes to LEAD ARTIST. The Dubawi colt comes from an imperious Juddmonte family and his Group 2-winning dam made the frame at the highest level. His stablemate Earl Of Rochester, another son of Dubawi, may improve as he steps up in distance but would be interesting if the market speaks in his favour over the selection. Of the remainder, First Conquest and 300,000-euro purchase Padesha make the most appeal.
Top Tip: LEAD ARTIST (7)
Watch out for: EARL OF ROCHESTER (4)
3 4:00 PM – Connaught Access Flooring Abernant Stakes (Group 3)
Garrus pipped Commanche Falls by a head in last year’s renewal and he could beat his reopposing rival once again under Ryan Moore, with the return to this venue possibly a key factor. However, he might come out second best to MARSHMAN, who offered encouragement when second in a first-time tongue-tie on his return to the fray in the Cammidge Trophy and a hood now goes on too, which looks a good move considering how keen he was at Doncaster. Shouldvebeenaring holds an obvious chance too.
Top Tip: MARSHMAN (3)
Watch out for: GARRUS (2)
4 4:35 PM – Bet365 Craven Stakes (Group 3)
Having sent out three of the last five winners of this early-season highlight, Charlie Appleby can strike again if NATIVE APPROACH continues to flourish. The son of Too Darn Hot showed marked improvement from his debut second when stylishly scoring at Kempton in February and could be difficult to overhaul if switching to turf prompts an even sharper turn of foot. Criterium International runner-up Alcantor is feared most, although Eben Shaddad’s third in the Dewhurst is persuasive and the Gosdens’ colt is respected, despite being hooded for his first try over a mile.
Top Tip: NATIVE APPROACH (6)
Watch out for: ALCANTOR (1)
5 5:10 PM – Rossdales Maiden Fillies’ Stakes (GBB Race)
IZIPIZI showed stacks of encouragement on her introduction at Kempton back in December and rates the first one to consider for the shortlist in a wide-open maiden. With the promise of lots more to come, this daughter of Kingman can make strides now she switches to turf. Painite displayed good ability in a couple of spins last summer and is respected on her debut for a new yard, with the step in trip likely to bring improvement. Miss Kubelik, a stablemate of the selection, and Rolica are others to monitor closely in the betting.
Top Tip: IZIPIZI (1)
Watch out for: PAINITE (5)
6 5:45 PM – bet365 EBF ‘Confined’ Novice Stakes (GBB Race)
Charlie Appleby boasts a typically strong hand with Wolverhampton winners Endless Victory and Kalidasa, but it is MEYDAAN who shades preference. The Crisfords’ son of Frankel, who holds a Derby entry, won in taking fashion at Newcastle on his racecourse bow and he can confirm that initial promise en route to bigger targets. Salamanca receives 7lb from the penalised trio and occupied the runner-up berth at Nottingham so should not be underestimated.
Top Tip: MEYDAAN (3)
Watch out for: ENDLESS VICTORY (1)
7 6:20 PM – Consign With The National Stud Handicap
POET MASTER got back on track with a decisive success at Doncaster back in September and although 8lb higher, the unexposed son of Lope De Vega might have more in his locker. Persuasion had excuses at the same meeting on Town Moor last time out and makes appeal back on a sounder surface. It will be interesting to see what the market makes of Suviana, a three-time winner in France, while Northern Express, who is admirably consistent in these types of contests, is noted too.
Top Tip: POET MASTER (4)
Watch out for: PERSUASION (12)
