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14:25 Newbury
The second of four live races from Newbury on ITV this afternoon sees us tackle the Group 3 Al Rayyan Stakes over 1m4f.
Although potentially unfair on the other four runners if the betting is anything to go by it looks somewhat of a two horse race. The only course and distance winners in this six runner lineup look the most likely victors with Al Aasy and Logician capable of adding to their former course success.
The 2019 St Leger winner Logician was en route to being somewhat of a superstar before disappointing when last of four at York at the end of last season which lead to the loss of his unbeaten record. I'd certainly find it surprising to see him nearer last than first once again but the big question is whether or not John Gosden's charge will be fit and primed for a big run after a 218 day absence. It'd be foolish to dismiss the obvious chances of the bold grey but with question marks over his fitness I'm going to have to side with William Haggas's runner.
Al Aasy returned to action to claim a convincing and clear cut course and distance victory on seasonal debut last month. The four year old should improve for his latest outing and with the yard also in red-hot form I'm left picking the colt.
Of the remainder, if the well fancied duo were to falter, Thunderous looks best of the rest.
AL AASY (WIN)
written by Rory Paddock