We kick off proceedings with a competitive 12-furlong handicap (15:10) and the three-year-olds may hold the upper hand. As a result the one for our money is Dance of Heroes, who looks primed to strike. He failed to justify his lofty price tag as a juvenile but has fared better this year, landing a Lingfield maiden in March before appearing more than capable of winning off his opening mark off at Sandown last time off the back of a long absence. Travelling strongly for much of the race he just tired out in the closing stages, but still managed to cling on for third. You'd imagine he'll strip a good deal fitter for that and everything looks right for him to record a second career win.
It's the Group 3 Somveville Tattersall Stakes over seven furlongs under consideration next (15:40) and Valley of Fire is the one to keep on side. Although the re-opposing Mubtaghaa finished in front of the selection in a valuable sales event at York last month,that was only Valley of Fire's second career outing. Prior to that he'd impressed when overcoming greenness to win on debut on the Knavesmire, and with both those experiences likely to stand him in good stead, he looks more than capable of progressing past his rivals this afternoon. He's taken to reverse the form with Mubtaghaa, although Make It Up is also respected after recording a strong timefigure at Goodwood last time.
Our final bet of the day comes in the listed Jockey Club Rose Bowl Stakes over two miles (16:15) and it's hard to see past Pallasator. He boiled over in the preliminaries which probably ruined his chances in the Irish St Leger last time, but the form he showed earlier in the season and his decent run in the Ebor means he sets a clear standard on form and is expected to bounce back to his best at his local track. Times Up would be competitive on the pick of his efforts but he struggles for consistency nowadays, and there are concerns about the evidently-fragile Flying Officer too. In all likelihood Sir Mark Prescott's lightly-raced five-year-old has this contest for the taking and should be backed accordingly.
Newmarket Cambrdigeshrire Meeting SmartPlays
Back Dance of Heroes @ 5.24/1 in the 15:10
Back Valley of Fire @ 4.94/1 in the 15:40
Back Pallasator @ 2.588/5 in the 16:15
