First bet comes from Salisbury, in their fillies' handicap at 15:25, which has a number of unexposed or improving sorts in attendance. Until recently Prospera would have couldn't as neither, but now she's arguably both. It's headgear that has seemingly made the difference, with Prospera taking significant steps forward on two of her three starts in blinkers, winning in good style at Kempton last time. Under a penalty today, there's no reason to think that an additional 6 lb will stop Prospera from going very close again, with her uncomplicated style and proven stamina further positives.
We make the dash to Newmarket at 16:50 for our second bet, which comes in another competitive heat. Nevertheless, we're willing to side with the favourite, as he could be out of ordinary. There's little chance of Morpheus making up into one on a par with his most illustrious brother, Frankel, but most of his other relatives have advanced to Group company and he looks to have enough latent ability to think he might eventually make it onto that stage. He's in a handicap today, his previous two runs in such company yielding a win at Ascot and a fourth at Sandown. He was again better than the result last time, hampered as he looked to get involved, and off the same mark it's easy to see why Morpheus has been so popular in the betting.
You can probably fill in the blanks yourself where SmartPlay number three is concerned, as Portrait (17:00 Salisbury) fits the standard profile of a Sir Mark Prescott-trained handicapper. Three quick runs over inadequate trips as a two-year-old; rapid improvement for the switch to middle-distance handicaps; skilfully placed to rack up a quick sequence: the hallmarks are all there. The crux is whether or not that can continue now than handicapper has had a chance to take stock. The answer is probably yes, on account of this being Portrait's first try beyond a mile and a half. She's responded generously to pressure in winning her three handicaps to date, so it's expected that this 14-furlong trip will draw even more from her. She should probably be odds on again.
Timeform UK SmartPlays
Back Prospera @ 4.84/1 in the 15:25 Salisbury
Back Morpheus @ 2.546/4 in the 16:50 Newmarket
Back Portrait @ 2.77/4 in the 17:00 Salisbury
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