NEWBURY SATURDAY

2:50 DUBAI DUTY FREE MILL REEF STAKES (Group 2) 6F

Staxton has his work cut out to beat Invincible Army, based on the form of the Gimcrack Stakes where the latter was runner-up, and James Tate’s youngster is clearly the one to beat.

That doesn’t mean that Staxton should be ignored, however, and the Gimcrack was Tim Easterby’s colt’s first try in pattern company, so his keeping-on fifth (ahead of Nebo) is a praiseworthy performance, and one he looks sure to build on, especially when stamina is tested more than speed. He is priced at 16/1 in places compared to 6/1 for Nebo and given he’s unexposed at this level compared to his main rivals, that appears to be an excellent price. He has effectively improved with every run, and given his debut came as late as July, it will be disappointing if he can’t find further improvement.

3:25 DUBAI DUTY FREE HANDICAP 1M2F

Eve Johnson Houghton won this race two years ago, and saddled the runner-up last year – Scarlet Dragon. She goes with a two-pronged attack this time around, and while Silver Ghost is worthy of respect, the vote goes to Reaver (sporting the silks of 2015 winner What About Carlo), who wasn’t helped by the rail draw when well backed in the London Mile Final at Kempton, and will appreciate the return to further back on turf.

He wore a visor for the first time at Kempton and ran well enough to suggest it would prove beneficial in different circumstances. The son of Sabiango is ideally suited by good ground, and found a softer surface stretching him when fourth over track and trip last month. He had run a stormer at Ascot when first tackling 10 furlongs, and is lower in the weights here, so can go well granted a little luck from his wide draw.

He’s more exposed that several of these, but his form entitles him to be shorter in the betting than he is, and the fact he appears the yard’s second string gives hope that he will drift further in the betting.

NEWMARKET

3:50 BETFRED CESAREWITCH TRIAL 2M2F

Arthur McBride ought to make a decent jumper on looks, but he has thrived for belated switch to the flat for Nigel Twiston-Davies, and was better than ever when winning a handicap at Goodwood earlier in the month, typically making all and stretching well to score with a bit to spare.

He stays well, as he showed when placed in the Goodwood Stakes in the summer, and he has all the attributes needed to run his rivals into the ground from a favourable draw. He is again the likeliest leader, and won’t be easy to pass, his age likely to put may off, but not a concern given his progressive profile on the level.

SELECTIONS

STAXTON 2.50 Newbury - 1pt e/w @ 16/1 (Paddy Power, Betfair)

REAVER 3.25 Newbury - 1pt e/w @ 33/1 (general)

ARTHUR MCBRIDE 3.50 New-market – 1pt win @ 12/1 (general)