6.55 1m2f Class 3 Fillies Handicap – Nearooz 13/8
A nice looking filly that won her maiden as a 2yo in October over 7 furlongs last year and returned this season with a big improved run when upped up to a mile even if running green in the early stages to win by over 2 lengths under a 7lb penalty, she was given a mark of 85 for her back to back successes which looked very lenient on the way she won, her progression and still had a Guineas entry at the time, from there she ran in a class 3 at Nottingham and while still running well she lost her unbeaten record when getting outpaced to Layaleena over a mile, not just crying out for further on the day but her pedigree also wants this step up to 1m2f, her sire New Approach was a Derby winner and also a further 2 time Group 1 winner over 1m2f, Nearooz dam was a listed winner over 1m2f and the dams sire Sharmardal also was a Group 1 over 1m2f so everything looks good for today’s step up to a mile and quarter. Today’s competition also a lot more exposed even if most facing a new trip and most not bred for this trip apart from her nearest competition on odds.
Newmarket
7.20 1m5f Class 4 Handicap – Green Etoile 5/4
Very interesting returning him back to the flat after winning on his first start over obstacles and has a great jumps pedigree, but connections clearly think his flat mark of just 68 is there to be taken advantage of and so returns, before his venture over hurdles, he won a class 6 at Salisbury on his handicap debut over a mile and a half, he was very well backed on course and was last well into the straight but stayed on very eye catching to take a big field one by one and even had to switch out a couple of times, he had to use every inch of the trip that day and so today’s step up in trip looks a big plus on that evidence and is only 4lbs higher today. David Probert who rode him for the first time when scoring LTO on the flat is booked again and has a good partnership with Alan King.
9.00 1m2f Class 2 Handicap – Prejudice 15/8
If getting anywhere close to full brother Postponed’s (124) class then Prejudice mark of 86 is very exploitable, he started his career for Luca Cumani and just had the one win to his name when scoring at Redcar off 73 over a mile, he ran well just after at Doncaster with in running troubles and a little outpaced he finished a good close 3rd, he moved to David Simcock the start of the year after Cumani’s retirement and made a good start to his 3yo career for his new trainer, he was ridden very cold by Jamie Spencer and ran a fine race after a long 203 day break in a strong looking race, entitled to come on for that he will eventually look very well handicapped and one to keep onside for the future.
Russell Blair Racing
