14:35 Cork
Equity Swap came into his own around this time last season and makes only his fourth appearance for Henry De Bromhead. He is well used to the hustle and bustle of big fields, so despite the presence of sixteen rivals he is unlikely to be intimidated. Equity Swap is a previous course and distance winner which shall stand him in good stead and his jockey, Dylan Robinson is an up and coming amateur who is excellent value for his seven pound claim.
Theo’s Well shed his maiden with the minimum of fuss over this course and distance last time out. Jonny Burke keeps the ride on the seven year old and if adapting to the rise in grade, they look sure to make their presence felt and may well prove to be the biggest dangers. Captain Carleton was far from disgraced when chasing home Tempo Mac at Bellewstown last month. He then had a run out at Dundalk finishing second to a Ballydoyle good thing in Hobart. He is a likeable sort and could well figure at a decent price here.
Henry De Bromhead has his yard firing on all cylinders at present and if Equity Swap is fit enough to do himself justice following a three month absence, he ought to go very well here. He has beaten a few of these rivals before and is taken to confirm his superiority over them.
Equity Swap (E/W if 9/2+)
15:00 Nottingham
Liberality has showed improved form on both of her previous starts. She made her turf debut at Windsor last month where she bumped into a decent prospect in Smartie Artie. She is likely to have improved again since then and as she was doing all of her best work in the closing stages, this extra yardage is not likely to inconvenience her. Rab Havlin is in good form and has ridden three of John Gosden’s last eight winners and the combination command utmost respect.
Monasada is now eligible to run in handicaps so it is of note that Sir Michael Stoute has entered her up here. She made an excellent start to her career by finishing runner up on her first two outings at Wolverhampton and Catterick. She then fluffed her lines and was a bitterly disappointing favourite at Epsom where she finished third of four. The contours of that track may not have been to her liking and that run is best forgotten. If coping with a step down to ten furlongs she looks the main threat to the selection.
Like The selection, it would seem that Carnachy is also on the upgrade. This daughter of Mastercraftsman is bred to be suited by this longer trip and will be there to pick up the pieces should her rivals fail to live up to expectations.
Whilst Liberality appears to be running in the second colours of Godolphin, she actually sets the standard amongst this field. John Gosden is not known for having too many maidens hanging about his yard and it will be disappointing if she can not get her head in front at the third time of asking.
Liberality (WIN)
17:00 Nottingham
Oakley Star put up a career best performance at Newmarket last time and comes from a very much in form Gay Kelleway yard. That effort was her first attempt at ten furlongs and she was only just touched off by a John Gosden runner. The front two pulled some four pulled some four lengths clear of the third placed horse indicating that the form could well be worth following. Luke Morris takes the reigns on this three year old and having ridden her twice before, he ought to know exactly what he has underneath him this afternoon.
Malimbi has been bought out of the Mark Johnston yard since recording a first career win over this course and distance last month. His confidence will have been boosted following that win and he ought to make another bold effort to go close in what will be his debut for Brian Ellison. Franny Norton was on board for that success and his booking here means that they seem to be the main dangers to the selection. Forgiving Glance has not been disgraced on his two starts so far this year. Louis Steward is able to claim three pounds off the grey but with the yard going through a long lean spell it is somewhat off putting.
Gay Kelleway seems to be more selective about where she sends her runners these days but six out of her last ten have all made the frame. Oakley Star is still learning her trade but the penny is beginning to drop. It would be foolish to rule out further improvement and she can certainly get in the mix here.
Oakley Star (WIN)
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