Timefigure Preview: Cambridgeshire Meeting

Friday

The day starts with the Rosemary Stakes, a listed race for fillies in which Unforgetable Filly and Agrotera head the market having previously met at Haydock last month. Agrotera was sent off favourite following her win in the Sandringham, but was no match for the winner, and has since finished second in a Listed race at Longchamp.

Unforgetable Filly’s performance was from out of the blue, having had an up and down profile over the previous 12 months. There will be doubts over whether she can repeat that form, but the timefigure (race-leading 119) and sectionals (7 lb upgrade and a sectional flag) support the assertion that the performance was as dominant as it appeared.

The Rockfel looks wide open. The uncomplicated Albany winner Main Edition has one way of running – fast and from the front. She was last seen in the Moyglare at the Curragh, where she did too much too soon and tired late, but sets the standard here, boasting the best timefigure in the race from her Sweet Solera win (115).

Main Edition sees off her old rival La Pelosa in the https://t.co/zPCzZEc0wk Sweet Solera Stakes at Newmarket

Results ▶️ https://t.co/7iJOPsdIyZ pic.twitter.com/uoEjI2DEye

— Racing UK (@racing_uk) August 11, 2018

Hold-up performer Just Wonderful is vying for favouritism despite finishing behind Main Edition twice, but she improved when stepped up to a mile in the Flame of Tara (112 timefigure) and will be hoping Main Edition is forced to set a strong gallop.

One filly who may help set that strong gallop is Yourtimeisnow. She’s only had four starts but has improved with each, winning the Dick Poole Fillies’ Stakes at Salisbury (92) last time; she’s yet to record a stand-out timefigure, largely due to circumstance. Dutch Treat, who recorded a strong timefigure (114) when second to Boitron in the Denford Stakes at Newbury, faced a stiff task last time when fifth to Fleeting in the May Hill Stakes and should find this easier.

The Joel Stakes sees the small field of five separated by just 3 lb on Timeform adjusted ratings, but timefigures show more separation. Mustashry was well placed throughout and outbattled the runner-up when winning a falsely run Group 2 (108 timefigure); he hasn’t recorded a decent timefigure in his three starts this season, but his two wins last season show he is capable if the circumstances demand it.

Regal Reality was a beaten favourite at Haydock last time, having recorded a race-leading timefigure the time before (121) when winning at Goodwood from subsequent winner Ostilio. Regal Reality still holds plenty of potential having had just four starts, and it’s worth forgiving his last performance which came in extreme conditions.

Saturday

The final day of the meeting features the Cambridgeshire, but the focus for many will be on the two-year-olds. The day opens with the Royal Lodge, with almost every runner open to further improvement. This includes the top-rated Chesham winner Arthur Kitt, who showed improved form last time when finishing behind Too Darn Hot having set a decent gallop (116 timefigure), and is deservingly towards the top of the market.

Favourite Beatboxer has won his two starts for John Gosden, and though he hasn’t recorded a decent time (100), that’s not to say he wouldn’t be capable if needed. He should keep on improving but the same could be said for any number of his rivals.

Mohawk boasts the best timefigure in the race (117) courtesy of his third behind Anthony Van Dyck in the Futurity Stakes at the Curragh, however it’s his stablemate Cape of Good Hope who holds more appeal. He finished behind subsequent Group 1 winner Quorto in a decent time (115) when last seen in July when shaping as though he already needs a bit further; this trip will suit.

The best two-year-old fillies – Pretty Pollyanna and Signora Cabello – meet again in the Cheveley Park following their clash in the Prix Morny where they pulled clear, with the former coming out on top. Pretty Pollyanna’s Duchess of Cambridge Stakes win was equally as impressive (won by seven lengths from Angel’s Hideaway, with Main Edition further back), coming in a very fast time (125).

Pretty Pollyanna’s nearest challenger on time is Lady Kaya (115). She’s been beaten in her last two starts but has lost little in defeat, especially last time in the Moyglare where she kept pace with Main Edition, only tiring late to finish behind Skitter Scatter. She obviously has a bit to find with the Prix Morny pair, but she looks all speed and a drop back to six furlongs could see that improvement materialise.

Group 1 glory for @WhelanRonan and Patrick Prendergast as Skitter Scatter wins the Moyglare Stud Stakes at @curraghrace: pic.twitter.com/5lLhGp7bOs

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) September 16, 2018

The Middle Park sees the very exciting Ten Sovereigns try to enhance his reputation. A winner of both starts so far, including the Round Tower Stakes (117 timefigure) just seven days after making his debut, he hasn’t come close to testing the limits of his ability, with slowly-run races resulting in unspectacular timefigures (compared to spectacular visuals). His closing sectionals, however, have been electric, recording sub-33.50 second three furlong sectionals on both starts, and while fast finishes are to be expected when the early pace is lacking, these are faster than would otherwise be expected.

Jash is also two from two, and this exciting prospect is similar to Ten Sovereigns in that his timefigures are only modest, a result of falsely-run races. His maiden resulted in a better time (113), but he has a bit to find in terms of form with a number of these (though that’s entirely possible).

Sergei Prokofiev leads the way on timefigures (120), via his win at Navan. He finished last of five in the Phoenix when last seen, having refused to settle in a steadily run race, but should face a stronger gallop here and could regain the winning thread. Emaraaty Ana’s win in the Gimcrack resulted in a decent time (118), for all the race didn’t look a vintage renewal, and he should have more to come.

The Cambridgeshire is devilishly difficult but there is plenty of each-way value in the shape of the 40/1 chance Mordin who is top on time from his performance at Sandown (127) where he finished second to Majboor. He has a string of seconds to his name this season, trading at short prices in each of those runs and isn’t one for maximum faith (earning a squiggle at Sandown), but he may be worth chancing in what should be a strongly-run race.

Kenya is likely to help force that strong gallop, and is high on the list in terms of time (120) following his second in the Group 2 Boomerang Stakes at Leopardstown; his earlier win in the Irish Cambridgeshire also marks him out as a horse to be interested in. Zwayyan should also race prominently (last seen finishing second to Silver Quartz in a good time (120) at Ascot), and he also makes plenty of appeal, having steadily improved in his five starts since joining Andrew Balding.

Recommended bets:

Regal Reality in the Joel Stakes at 100/30

Cape of Good Hope in the Royal Lodge Stakes at 6/1

Lady Kaya in the Cheveley Park Stakes at 7/1