The Richard Hannon-trained Juan Alonso has progressed with each race to date, getting off the mark in a Brighton maiden earlier this month, and there is every chance he can follow up that success in the opener at Epsom this afternoon. The second-placed horse in the aforementioned maiden, namely Our Channel, has improved since with an impressive display at Beverley and, with the promise of more to come for Juan Alonso, he looks to hold leading claims now tackling handicaps off a mark of 77.
Godolphin's Thouwra has performed consistently well throughout his career to date but he certainly has his quirks and preference is for Melvin The Grate in Epsom's 15:20. The well-bred three-year-old, a brother to Air Chief Marshal and Irish 2000 Guineas runner-up Foxtrot Romeo, progressed to win twice at Kempton and bounced back to form, after a gelding operation, when sixth at Goodwood last time, looking a little rusty as he stayed on late in the day. He is expected to fare better with that under his belt and should go well.
Beauty Pageant put up her best run for a while at Kempton last time and receives a handy weight pull with a couple of these on her run here two starts ago, so is awarded a narrow vote in Musselburgh's 17:45. The six-year-old is potentially well-treated on a mark of 57, having been successful off a mark as high as 80, and it was certainly more encouraging to see her go well last time with her having spent a spell in the doldrums. Here Now And Why and Mr Snooks look to provide stiff competition, but Beauty Pageant is fancied to emerge on top.
Timeform SmartPlays:
Back Juan Alonso @ 3.052/1 in the 14:15 at Epsom
Back Melvin The Grate @ 5.85/1 in the 15:20 at Epsom
Back Beauty Pageant @ 3.711/4 in the 17:45 at Musselburgh
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