GULF TO SHOW CLASS AT FLAT HQ

15:15 Newmarket

Jumby is a rather short priced favourite for a competitive race here. He ran a good race when second to Creative Force who has won again since and runs in a listed race today. Jumby started slowly that day and seemed unbalanced in the dip so maybe coming back to Newmarket is not the right choice? That said Creative force is a decent horse and it was a good run from Jumby. He remains on the same mark and can win a decent race this season.

First Folio had some decent form in France last year without winning. He caused a surprise on his British debut when winning at Yarmouth at 20/1. He did it very well that day but has been put up 11lb for that and this is a stronger race. Trainer James Ferguson is a rising star, but his yard has been a little quiet of late.

Perotto like Jumby has also finished second to Creative Force at Newmarket this was his seasonal debut and he was only beaten a length by the talented and race fit Godolphin horse. The run can be marked up as he started poorly and proved quite headstrong throughout the race. This was a trait he exhibited as a 2YO as well, but the bigger field and strong pace expected here could help him settle better today.

Seven Brothers could be a sprinter to watch this season. He won his first two starts as a 2YO before finishing down the field when highly tried in the Gimcrack at York. Gelded over the winter he made a winning reappearance at Doncaster when beating Popmaster by a Nose. He is only up 2lb for that win and will improve for that run. His trainer Kevin Ryan does exceptionally well with his sprinters, but his yard is another that is a little quiet at the moment.

Charlie Hills is a trainer that has been going well this season and he runs Jadwal here, a winner on the other Newmarket course last year he has had two runs this year and was only beaten a neck on his last run at Lingfield when he pulled quite hard. Again, the strong pace and big field can help him settle. He is very promising but is unraced on ground softer than good and rain is forecast.

Barney’s Boy has now won his last two races but still looked a little green last time out when winning at Thirsk. He won comfortably there but is up 9lb today, he looks progressive and is versatile ground wise.

Mick Channons Smeaton Light makes his handicap debut today but is very unexposed. He was a ready winner of a maiden at Thirsk on his seasonal debut. That was on fast ground and he must prove he is equally good on a softer surface. He has been well supported since prices were released.

Desert Gulf is another unexposed sort with just three career starts, He won on debut at Wolverhampton before a fourth at Newcastle. He made his reappearance at Wolverhampton last month and finished 3rd to Stylish Performer. In two of his three starts he has looked in need of a stronger gallop and will get that here. If he acts on turf, he could run a big race at a big price.

Perotto is an improving horse and are closely matched on form with the talented Creative Force. He should cope with softer ground and the fast pace can help him settle and produce the good performance he is certainly capable of. Desert Gulf can get a place at a big price.

PEROTTO (WIN)

DESERT GULF (E/W)

written by Steve Marriott