BEACH TO ATONE FOR OAKS FLOP

15:35 Newmarket

This looks a cracking renewal of the Falmouth Stakes with a case to easily be made for plenty in the lineup.

Connections were worried about quick ground for Lady Bowthorpe prior to Royal Ascot an those fears became a reality. Quick ground looks expected again this Friday so you’d have to be concerned for her chances again. I also think the ground is a worry for Alcohol Free so I'm happy to take on the current market leader.

Horse racing manager to Rockcliffe Stud, who own Snow Lantern, in an interview this week hinted that they’re sending her here in the hope of writing the wrongs that her mother wrongly lost this race in controversial fashion. It came across to me that he wasn’t exactly banging her drum. It doesn’t mean she can’t win of course but it doesn’t sound like this was a natural step for her.

For me the race is between Mother Earth and Saffron Beach. I expect that 1000 Guineas form to come to the fore and I’m siding with Saffron Beach. She didn’t stay last time in the Oaks, drops back to a mile and I reckon the quicker ground will help. I have a feeling there’s a big pot in her and this looks her best chance. Severely overpriced because of one bad run it'd be foolish to ignore her and she should be bang there if she likes the July course as much as the Rowley Mile.

SAFFRON BEACH (E/W)

written by Harry Smith