NATIVE TRAIL can edge another step closer to a first Classic win in the Group 3 bet365 Craven Stakes (3.35).
Well ahead of the field on form, it will take an exceptional performance to lower his colours at Flat racing HQ. Unbeaten in four starts, he was a cosy victor of the Dewhurst Stakes after he previously outpointed Ballydoyle hotpot Point Lonsdale.
Charlie Appleby and Will Buick have combined to take two of the past three runnings of this – and it will be a shock if the ante-post 2000 Guineas favourite is defeated. Connaught Access Flooring Abernant Stakes (3.00) runner EXISTENT is the value call to make race fitness count. His shrewd yard have rejuvenated him as a sprinter, landing a tidy Wolverhampton and Chelmsford double. Chasing the hat-trick, he lost more than five lengths with a tardy start and was only beaten a length-and-a-quarter.
The sprinter's style of racing will be suited to this track meeting better rivals – and jockey Marco Ghiani knows how to get the best out of him.
Another in-form horse, POCKET THE PROFIT, has what it takes in the bet365 Handicap (1.50). On the upgrade for connections, George Boughey's gelding raced to a quick four-timer last autumn, before resuming how he began that at Pontefract. Ryan Moore rides and another big run is forthcoming with the penalty to carry.
SECRET STATE, a brother to Royal Ascot winner Onassis, makes plenty of appeal on paper ahead of the bet365 Wood Ditton Maiden Stakes (2.25), as does Rossdales Maiden Fillies' Stakes (1.15) entrant ENSHRINE
At Cheltenham, CHEDDLETON is fancied to build on his course form in the Grade 2 Matt Hampson Foundation Silver Trophy Handicap Chase (2.05). Second to Editeur Du Gite in December, running on well at the finish, the step up in trip and 3lb drop are factors that can inspire a winning effort.
CAPTAIN MORGS has unfinished business on decent ground and is well-weighted for the Kingston Stud Handicap Hurdle (1.30) on his course and distance run against Guard Your Dreams and Coole Cody.
