NEWBURY
3:00
Persica (Sean Levey)
He ran very well behind subsequent 2000 Guineas winner Notable Speech at Kempton on his first run back (over a mile) so, in hindsight, he was never going to beat the winner, but that was a great effort and the step up in trip will suit well. This is always a decent race but I’m pretty confident Persica will put up a big show.
3:35
Witch Hunter (Sean Levey)
I was pleased with his run at Haydock last week, over seven furlongs, but a mile is no problem to him and we’ve done hardly anything with him at home to freshen him up. It’s a tough race but he likes it around there and will be there to pick up the pieces.
4:10
Gisburn (William Buick)
I thought he ran a fair race at Goodwood last time, where the ground was plenty soft enough, so the slightly better surface here will help and he’s pretty consistent. That said, he’s getting very little respite from the Handicapper.
4:45
Talis Evolvere (Ryan Moore)
He’s been in great form all through the winter and into the spring, and I was delighted with his effort in the Spring Cup last time. He’s gradually creeping up the weights, and has to produce a career best off 100, but he’s very tough and the services of Ryan Moore is an obvious plus!
NEWMARKET
1:30
Fregola (Neil Callan)
She’s a lovely homebred of Denford Stud, by Havana Gold, who has been showing up very nicely in her work and is a smart filly but won’t run if the ground is any softer. She’ll definitely come on for the experience but has lots of ability.
New Charter (Hollie Doyle)
She’s another nice homebred, by New Bay, who is related to Time Charter and I’ve been extremely pleased with her work. We took her away to gallop and she went well so I’m quite confident that she’ll go close.
2:05
Love Billy Boy (Neil Callan)
He got put up another 4lbs for finishing second, beaten a nose, at Newmarket, but he’s in great form at home and seemed to improve for the step up to seven furlongs last time. He has every chance of going close here.
Serene Seraph (Alec Voikhnsky)
She’s taken a while to come in her coat, but looks much better now and it’s just a case of getting her started before making any other plans. We might look at Royal Ascot after this, depending on how she fares. We’ve always liked her, and she could be very interesting on Handicap debut.
3:15
Signcastle City (Alec Voikhansky)
He won nicely at Bath last time and has come out of that in good form. The step back up to a mile will help and he goes there with a solid chance.
4:25
Blue Collar (Alec Voikhansky)
He was gelded over the winter, which will hopefully help him to focus, and I think the step up in trip will suit. The ground is in his favour and, realistically, he has no excuses.