Royal Peculiar (14:20) can get us off to a good start at Salisbury on 1000 Guineas day having made an encouraging debut in handicap company last time. He is expected to come on for that run and is lightly raced enough for a solid amount of improvement to be anticipated with the step up in trip expected to suit. Sir Henry Cecil's three-year-old has improved with all three career starts so far and could be potentially well treated off his current BHA mark of 88. Royal Peculiar is very well bred, from the same family as Nathaniel, and he could easily develop into a useful performer as the season progresses, with some top handicaps possibly with in his compass later in the year.
Discourse looked to be a filly going places until an injury curtailed the remainder of her juvenile campaign but she can get her career back on track this afternoon in the 1000 Guineas (15:15, Newmarket). Discourse marked herself as a horse to follow when defeating a fair field with ease in the Group 3 Sweet Solera Stakes on Newmarket's July course in August, travelling well and readily quickening clear in the closing stages. The turn of foot she demonstrated on that occasion will hold her in good stead in the first filles' classic of the season and she looks a good win and place bet at current odds. Frankie Dettori's decision to take the mount aboard Lyric of Light does not mean that one should finish ahead of our selection and Mikael Barzalona is a more than able deputy.
Lacily, another Godolphin representative, has a bit to find on figures with the principals in the Pretty Polly Stakes (17:00, Newmarket) but she has only had the one start so far and she is expected to come on a great deal for that performance on her seasonal return. Lacily, a daughter of Irish Oaks winner Lailani, was an impressive winner of a Doncaster maiden in October, travelling strongly throughout and edging clear on the bridle in the last couple of furlongs, before showing signs of greenness late on. Her performance screamed that of an obvious improver and Lacily looks a good bet in what appears a strong Oaks trial.
Timeform SmartPlays
Back Royal Peculiar @ 3.412/5 in the 14:20 at Salisbury
Back Discourse to win and place @ 13.525/2 and 3.929/10 in the 15:15 at Newmarket
Back Lacily @ 4.77/2 in the 17:00 at Newmarket
