1.10 Paddy Power “From The Horse’s Mouth Podcast” Handicap (Premier Handicap) 1m 1f
Sharinay could prove to be well treated off a mark of 95. The form of his Cork maiden win received a boost when the runner-up easily went one better at this venue on his next start. Although finding one too good at Naas last time, the Michael Halford and Tracey Collins-trained gelding bumped into a smart sort, who subsequently finished third in the Jersey Stakes.
The Ger Lyons-trained Soldier’s Empire kept on late when fifth in that aforementioned Naas contest. Although the colt will need to show further improvement to get the better of Sharinay, he should be suited to this additional furlong.
SELECTION: SHARINAY
Next best: Soldier’s Empire
1.40 GAIN Railway Stakes (Group 2) 6f
Royal Ascot third Arizona Blaze can resume winning ways. One of the most experienced juveniles in the line-up, the Adrian Murray-trained colt impressed when winning the Marble Hill Stakes over course and distance on his penultimate start.
Having dropped back to five for the Norfolk Stakes, the extra yardage should play to his strengths here.
With Ryan Moore opting for Tunbridge Wells ahead of two other Aidan O’Brien-trained stablemates, the hint should be taken. Impressive when landing his maiden over course and distance earlier this month, the colt is open to any amount of improvement.
SELECTION: ARIZONA BLAZE
Next best: Tunbridge Wells
2.15 Jebel Ali Racecourse & Stables Dash Stakes (Listed Race) 6f
Last year’s winner Commanche Falls can make it back-to-back victories in this race. The Michael Dods-trained seven-year-old subsequently went on to win at Group 3 level at Newbury.
Although slow to come to hand this term, the gelding shaped as though approaching peak form when runner-up at Haydock on his most recent outing.
My Mate Alfie looks best of the home team. The Ger Lyons-trained three-year-old has improved since dropping back to sprinting of late.
A reproduction of his recent Naas third would almost certainly be good enough to see him involved.
SELECTION: COMMANCHE FALLS
Next best: My Mate Alfie
2.50 Dubai Duty Free Rockingham Handicap (Premier Handicap) 5f
Epsom runner-up Sturlasson is ideally drawn to make a bold bid under Oisin Murphy. The three-year-old had been disappointing prior to easily landing a Navan maiden on his penultimate start, but looked a shade unlucky last time.
Having hung left-handed under pressure close home, the Kieran Cotter-trained gelding should benefit from having a berth close to the stands’ rail.
Little Queenie is another prominent racer who can blaze a trail here.
Looking all over a winner before being reeled in late on over six furlongs here last time, Paul Flynn’s mare should appreciate dropping back to the minimum trip.
SELECTION: STURLASSON
Next best: Little Queenie
3.25 Colm McLoughlin Celebration Stakes (Listed Race) 1m
The Dermot Weld-trained Azada should appreciate this easier assignment having finished sixth in the Irish 1000 Guineas last time. Although unable to land a blow on the principals, the Aga Khan-owned filly ran a race full of promise on her first start of the year. A maiden winner on her only run as a juvenile, the daughter of Siyouni should be open to progression.
Atlantic Coast had stronger form at two, but has yet to reach those same heights this term. A creditable sixth in the Irish 2000 Guineas on his latest start, the Joseph O’Brien-trained colt should find this less taxing.
SELECTION: AZADA
Next best: Atlantic Coast
4.40 Dubai Duty Free Derby Festival Handicap (Premier Handicap) 1m
The Paul Flynn-trained Cheers Again has every chance of landing a first premier handicap win. Despite all three career successes to date having come on the polytrack at Dundalk, the five-year-old has shown more than enough to suggest he can win races on turf. Having met trouble in running on his last two starts, the gelding is entitled to go very close granted a clear passage.
State Actor also had to negotiate traffic problems before landing a big pot over course and distance last time. Given that that was his handicap debut on just his fourth career start, the Bill Farrell-trained four-year-old could well defy a subsequent 9lb rise.
SELECTION: CHEERS AGAIN
Next best: State Actor
5.15 Dubai Duty Free Summer Fillies Handicap (Premier Handicap) 7f
Runner-up in a stronger contest at this track last time, the Dermot Weld-trained Kayhana can go one better. A Limerick maiden winner at two, the Aga Khan-owned filly ran big races in two keenly contested handicaps towards the end of last season.
Off the back of a 258-day break, the daughter of Harzand went very close on her recent reappearance. Plume Noire made a winning return when landing a handicap at Naas last month. Subsequently raised 6lb, her very capable apprentice takes the bulk of that off here.
SELECTION: KAYHANA
Next best: Plume Noire
5.50 Dubai Duty Free Irish EBF Ragusa Handicap (Premier Handicap) 1m 4f
Runner-up in this contest a year ago, the Noel Meade-trained Zoffman can go one place better. Just touched off on that occasion by the reopposing Safecracker, the five-year-old arrives here in good heart having gone agonisingly close in the Cork Derby last time.
The fact that Colin Keane remains loyal has to be a positive.
Safecracker seldom runs a bad race at this venue. A staying on fifth here on his reappearance last month, he failed to build on that at Ascot recently. A return to his favoured terrain may well bring about a revival.
SELECTION: ZOFFMAN
Next best: Safecracker