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There is mid-week Listed action on Wednesday with Salisbury hosting a seven-race card which includes the Stonehenge Stakes and the Upavon Fillies’ Stakes.
In the 1m Listed Stonehenge Stakes (3:20), experienced two-year-olds take on rivals with one or two starts. Oisin Murphy is aboard debut winner Arabic Legend, who impressed many with a smooth one-and-a-half length success over seven furlongs on the July course at Newmarket. The Andrew Balding trained colt is out of Grade 1 E P Taylor Stakes winning mare Sheikha Reika and is expected to improve for the extra distance.
Charlie Appleby's Arabian Crown probably shaped the best on debut when a running-on third in a seven furlong novice stakes at Sandown Park behind Starlore. He duly followed up with a comfortable two length success in the same conditions and looks like a potential Group contender for next season. The colt is a full-brother to German Listed winner Everest Rose and a half-brother to multiple Group 2 victor The Juliet Rose, who produced her best form over ten to twelve furlongs.
Of the more experienced colts, Son appeals from the Richard Hannon yard. Third in an Ascot novice stakes on debut, he broke his maiden with an easy Newbury success over six-and-a-half furlongs. The Too Darn Hot colt was no match for City of Troy in the Group 2 Superlative Stakes at the July Course subsequently but produced a fair effort when two-and-a-quarter lengths behind in fifth at Goodwood in the Group 2 Vintage Stakes. Breeding would suggest seven furlongs would be his ideal trip, although a mile is not out of the question, and a return to Listed level is a positive.
WIN: ARABIAN CROWN
Running Lion will be attempting to make a successful return in the 1m2f Listed Upavon Fillies Stakes (4:30). The four-time winner has not been seen on the racetrack since finishing last of eighteen in the Group 1 Prix de Diane (French Oaks) at Chantilly and connections will be hoping her luck will change. She was well-supported for the Epsom Oaks when withdrawn at the stalls and her four-and-a-half length success in the ten furlong Listed Pretty Polly Stakes at Newmarket prior suggests she has plenty of ability. The daughter of Roaring Lion has been found a nice introduction back to racing and if she remains the force of old, should register an easy win.
Caernarfon has been an excellent servant for the Jack Channon yard, commencing the season with a fourth in the 1000 Guineas and a third in the Epsom Oaks. She has since posted two commendable efforts, finishing sixth in the Group 3 Hampton Court Stakes against the colts and was only beaten two-and-three-quarter lengths when fifth in the Group 1 Nassau Stakes on ground which was probably worse than the official 'soft'. Of all the fillies in the field, Caernarfon deserves another Listed victory based on this year's performances but she has shaped like an individual who will always find one or two better.
WIN: RUNNING LION
There could be some promising two-year-olds in the 6f Class 4 Michael Brunton Memorial British EBF Novice Stakes (2:45). Pianoforte represents first-season sire Land Force on debut from the Andrew Balding yard and has the pedigree to suggest he could be precocious. The gelding is out of Musical Art, who placed at Group 3 level as a juvenile and his sire's offspring have been performing well on the track this season.
Gina Mangan takes a useful three pounds off Judge Frank, who had shaped with promise on debut when second in a competitive thirteen runner Newbury event. He attempted to make all at Sandown Park on his second start when facing some very useful performers (Stonehenge Stakes contender Arabian Crown finished third) and faded in the closing stages. The son of Inns Of Court will appreciate the return to an easier contest and his experience could be an advantage.
WIN: JUDGE FRANK
RACING & SPORT SELECTIONS
RACE 1 – TWILIGHT DANCER
RACE 2 – MISTER SKETCH
RACE 3 – JUDGE FRANK
RACE 4 – ARABIAN CROWN
RACE 5 – LANDLORDTOTHESTARS
RACE 6 – RUNNING LION
RACE 7 – ALWAYS FEARLESS
