3 minute read
Mohaafeth can make the most of having his sights lowered in the Seat Unique Ganton Stakes at York.
The Frankel colt earned himself a tilt at last year's Derby by winning his first three starts of 2021, only to be pulled out on the morning of the Epsom Classic due to the rain-softened ground.
He went on to make it four from four for the campaign in the Hampton Court Stakes at Royal Ascot a couple of weeks later, after which he looked destined for the top.
While it is disappointing Mohaafeth has been beaten in each of his three starts since, he was certainly not disgraced when fourth behind Mishriff in the Juddmonte International last summer, while he was on the back foot from the off on his latest outing in the Dubai Turf in March following a slow start.
William Haggas, who continues in excellent form, drops his keen-going colt back to a mile on his return from a break, which looks a wise move.
Mohaafeth is the highest-rated horse in this Listed contest and looks to have been found an excellent opportunity to get his career back on track.
Northern Express is expected to notch his second win on the Knavesmire in the following Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Handicap.
The Michael Dods-trained four-year-old bolted up over the course and distance last summer, which inevitably led to the handicapper handing him a stiff rise in the weights.
But he continued his progression when winning from a 6lb higher mark of 85 at Ayr in September and proved he remains competitive from his current perch when second on his first two starts of this year.
He was beaten less than three lengths when 3lb wrong at the weights due to an administrative error on his latest visit to York three weeks ago and back on his proper rating of 88, a bold bid looks assured.
The Kevin Ryan-trained Nashur should prove hard to beat in the No.1 York By Guesthouse Hotels British EBF Fillies' Novice Stakes.
The Havana Grey filly looked a winner in waiting when second on her recent Redcar introduction and can go one better for a yard that regularly fires in juvenile winners at this venue.
Cet Horizon is another Haggas inmate worth siding with in the Hot To Trot Racing 10-Year Anniversary Fillies' Handicap at Sandown.
A comfortable winner Nottingham on her final start at two, the daughter of Iffraaj was set a stiff task on her three-year-old debut in the Pretty Polly Stakes at Newmarket.
That Listed event ultimately proved too much too soon, but she is back in calmer waters for her handicap debut and could prove much better than her mark of 81 in time.
Jewel In My Crown gets the nod in the Watch Racing Online Free With Coral Handicap.
A three-time winner from 11 career starts to date, Rae Guest's grey ran a career-best when runner-up to Lucander at Windsor recently.
The way she finished that day to get within a neck of the winner suggested Sandown's stiff uphill finish should be right up her street.
Some Nightmare can make it back-to-back wins at Chepstow in the Michael Maine Memorial Handicap.
John O'Shea's charge has actually won three times in all over the Monmouthshire track's six furlongs, so clearly has a liking for the place.
He has made huge progress since opening his account at Wolverhampton in April of last year when rated just 45, with his latest triumph under Derby hero Richard Kingscote achieved off a mark of 70.
Some Nightmare was value for more than the winning margin of a length that day and a 5lb jump is unlikely to be enough to stop him adding to his tally.
Goodwood punters should put their faith in Charles St who would not be winning out of turn in the William Hill Play Responsibly Handicap.
Recent Bangor scorer Hurricane Ali can follow up in the Huyton Asphalt Handicap Hurdle at Aintree, while at Newton Abbot, Amy Murphy's admirable veteran Mercian Prince can prove he is no back number with victory in the Racing Partnership Handicap Chase.
SELECTIONS:
AINTREE: 5.28 Mulberry Hill, 6.03 Mucuna, 6.38 Mortlach, 7.13 Danny Whizzbang, 7.48 Hurricane Ali, 8.23 Texard, 8.53 Taragrace.
CHEPSTOW: 1.00 Beau Geste, 1.35 Helm Rock, 2.10 Gulmarg, 2.40 Some Nightmare, 3.10 Nacho, 3.45 Berkshire Breeze, 4.20 Blue Hero.
CLONMEL: 5.00 Doyenna, 5.35 Cottie, 6.10 Lessofdnegativity, 6.45 Bacardys, 7.20 Hybery, 7.55 I'll Be That Lady, 8.30 Bridal Knot.
FAIRYHOUSE: 4.45 Apache Outllaw, 5.20 Walking On Clouds, 5.55 Blind Beggar, 6.30 Affogato, 7.05 San Martino, 7.40 Striking, 8.15 Miss Cunning.
GOODWOOD: 5.15 Latifolia, 5.49 Alvediston, 6.24 Ravens Ark, 6.59 Best Wishes, 7.34 Charles St, 8.09 Maysong.
NEWTON ABBOT: 5.05 Ultimate Fame, 5.41 Zoran, 6.16 Ayr Of Elegance, 6.51 Mercian Prince, 7.26 Imperial Joe, 8.01 Skatman, 8.36 Tango Arumba.
SANDOWN: 1.10 Midday Martini, 1.45 One Nation, 2.20 Rogue Star, 2.50 Cet Horizon, 3.20 Jewel In My Crown, 3.55 True Accolade, 4.25 Amzaan.
YORK: 2.00 Sagauteur, 2.30 Duchray, 3.00 Candescence, 3.30 MOHAAFETH (NAP), 4.05 Northern Express, 4.40 Nashur, 5.10 Monsieur Lambrays.
DOUBLE: Mohaafeth and Cet Horizon.