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Bowerman - 16:05 Newcastle
Bowerman showed much improved form to make a mockery of his mark when last seen over C&D in April, hitting the front two furlongs out and quickly forging clear, around six lengths to the good when being heavily eased close home. Still relatively lightly raced for a five-year-old, that form is good enough for him to be competitive in listed/minor pattern company, but this is a valuable prize in its own right, and a 9 lb higher mark is unlikely to stop him winning again on his way to bigger and better things - indeed, he still sets the standard on weight-adjusted ratings and may yet have more to offer for the Roger Varian yard that continues in top form (eight winners from last 21 runners).
Lay
One Hart - 18:35 Hamilton
One Hart sets the standard on form, having offered plenty to work on when second on debut over C&D last week, but the Timeform report after that race suggested that it probably wasn't the strongest maiden, and he looks short enough in the betting here, with the suspicion being that he will need to improve to go one better this time round. That feeling is reinforced by the fact that there are several interesting newcomers in opposition, including Feel Good Factor and Magic Timing, who represent yards that know what it takes to land this race, with one win apiece in the last two years. Perhaps the biggest stumbling block to One Hart, though, could be Kevin Ryan's Alwaatn Sound. His dam and two siblings (to race) all made a winning start, including the smart Queen Kindly, and it would be no surprise if he has enough ability and know-how to follow suit.
Smart Stat
Land of Legends - 16:25 Newmarket
20% - Saeed bin Suroor's strike rate with handicap debutants
Land of Legends made the most of a good opportunity to get off the mark at Kempton last time, not having to run near the level of his debut to score with plenty in hand. Admittedly, this represents comfortably the stiffest task of his career to date, stepping into handicaps against a whole host of battle-hardened campaigners, but he remains open to more improvement for after only three starts for Saeed bin Suroor, and it would be a surprise if a BHA mark of 91 proved his limit in this sphere - indeed, he chased home none other than King of Comedy on his debut, and that rival is now rated 116 after finishing second in last week's St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot.