The first day of the July meeting at Newmarket is upon us and serves yet another daunting reminder at just how quick this season is progressing. The top quality stuff comes thick and fast in July and I'm keen to get in front early.
With that in mind I think MALC looks a little too big for a horse who finished a fast finishing second in what could be a very hot Norfolk Stakes. Richard Fahey's charge was having only his second ever run when he lined up at Ascot and you would imagine he would have stepped forward from that again. Fahey knows a good two year old when he sees one so it's taking he sends him straight here.
A competitive sprint handicap for 3 year olds awaits at 3pm and previous editions would tell us to look further down the race card at the bottom weights here. Some of the form horses are up the top as you would expect but the improving type tends to do well here. I'm hoping EXECUTIVE DECISION proves to be just that as he attempts to build on an encouraging stable debut at Ascot. Jamie Osbourne spent a fair bit of money to get this horse out of Jessica Harrington's yard, where he had good form, and despite being keen at Ascot he stayed on nicely to finish 5th. The step up to 6f should bring about further improvement and I think he could be lurking on a decent mark if it does.
James Ferguson was quite keen on GOOD KARMA at the Royal meeting but he looked to be disadvantaged by his track position that day and he can hopefully put his best foot forward now faced with a more conventional field. His earlier form would suggest he is quite progressive and up against a few exposed types here I think he can get seriously involved.
2.25 – Malc
3.00 – Executive Decision
5.20 – Good Karma
