Duchess of Cambridge Stakes
14:25 Newmarket, Friday
Live on ITV
1. Carmela (David Loughnane/Tom Marquand)
Dual winner over 5f at Yarmouth and Carlisle before posting good eighth of 21 in the Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot 23 days ago. Should have even more to offer now she steps up to 6f, and isn't ruled out, for all she has a bit of ground to make up with Maylandsea. Also, Rossa Ryan seemingly prefers the claims of Queen Olly.
2. Lezoo (Ralph Beckett/Frankie Dettori)
Looked an above-average juvenile when making up plenty of ground to make a winning debut at Bath last month and built on that promise when following up in a listed event over course and distance two weeks ago. She had plenty in hand on that occasion and, for all she isn't the biggest, she seems sure to progress further. Contender.
3. Mawj (Saeed bin Suroor/Ray Dawson)
Made plenty of appeal on paper being a half-sister to two smart performers and she made a sparkling debut when scoring by four and three quarter lengths from a next-time-out-winner over this trip on the Rowley Course in May. Didn't improve as expected on that effort but still ran well to finish second in the Albany at Royal Ascot last time and is one of the leading form players here.
4. Maylandsea (Michael Bell/David Egan)
A taking debut winner at Nottingham in May before producing a much improved effort when one and three quarter lengths second of 21 to Dramatised in the Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot 23 days ago. There should be plenty more to come from her and this step up in trip should also suit. The one to beat.
5. Queen Olly (David Loughnane/Rossa Ryan)
€300,000 purchase as a yearling and attracted good support when making a winning debut at York in May, looking in need of the experience but still doing the job nicely. That form hasn't really worked out, but she progressed again when hitting the frame in the Albany at Royal Ascot last time. Should improve further still and another bold bid is expected.
6. Tagline (Rod Millman/Richard Kingscote)
Built on debut promise when opening her account at Windsor last month and she excelled herself when one and three quarter lengths third to Lezoo in a listed race over course and distance last time. She finished fast that day and that experience won't be lost on her, so it would be folly to ignore her chances.
Recommended bets
Back Maylandsea @ 3.02/1 to win the Duchess of Cambridge Stakes
Timeform Analyst's Verdict:
MAYLANDSEA found only one too good when a fine second in Royal Ascot's Queen Mary Stakes and Michael Bell's daughter of Havana Grey is fancied to quickly regain the winning thread now she has her first go over 6f. Lezoo is the only unbeaten filly in the line-up and feared most on the back of her stylish C&D success with Carmela rating a lively outsider now her stamina is drawn out more.
1. Maylandsea
2. Lezoo
3. Carmela