29th October 2016
3 runners to headquarters, with some good chances.
It feels very unusual to be expecting Good to Firm at Newmarket, given its essentially November.
Yellowhammer
Yellowhammer ran a nice race at Leicester first time out, when she was draw and then trapped wide without any cover. She ran a little green that day, before showing good speed to pick up down the outside. She just tired in the final furlong, to finish 4th. Today she is drawn in the middle and she should be able to get cover just behind the leaders, which will be more suitable. She has a bit to find on form with the favourite, but she should step forward.
Makzeem
Makzeem travelled supremely well at Doncaster last time before finishing very tamely. He had a bad draw and had to use up petrol to get across to the lead, where he travelled like the winner, but was unable to pick up. No excuses were found, so we revert to one mile as he is a quick horse and if he can show his true ability he should go very close today.
Ayrad
Ayrad disappointed at Windsor two runs back, where he was a little excited in the paddock beforehand, but ran a better race at Newbury on ground he doesn’t like. Back on his favoured fast ground on a galloping track, we should see a bolder showing today. He carries a penalty but if he runs like he did at Goodwood, he should be in the mix. He seems to be in great form, looks well, and is a very generous worker.