Berkshire's best is more than enough in Sovereign
| Published date | 10 August 2022 |
| Publication title | Weekender |
Conversely, Morning Poem comes here at the top of the game having run well over the past couple of months, following up June Newmarket's success with a second at the same track where she did best of those held up.
While she has a bit to find on ratings, she is an unexposed three-year-old and the market may well underestimate her chances.
Rose Of Kildare is feared most. Charlie and Mark Johnston's five-year-old finished second in a couple of Listed contests at Newmarket last month and, while she may prove vulnerable to an improver, she is a solid performer at this level. Whitcliffe 4.40 Beverley, 1m4f handicap Whitcliffe is still a maiden after ten attempts, but this looks like a good opportunity for Charlie and Mark Johnston's threeyear-old to finally get off the mark.
His two best efforts this term have come when placing over this course and distance, including when a close third last time out.
The form may be nothing to shout about, but this is hardly a strong contest and the handicapper may have taken a chance, leaving his mark of 63 unchanged.
The first-time blinkers may eke out a bit more improvement and he could prove tough to catch in receipt of 9lb and upwards from his rivals.
The booking of Jason Hart, who rode him last time, is a positive as the rider has a decent record for the yard this year.
Golden Keeper is next best. Sean Woods' colt has shown steady form in three novices and an opening mark of 72 doesn't look overly harsh.
Ben Curtis is four form nine when riding for the yard this year and his booking catches the eye ahead of the threeyear-old's handicap debut.
Royal Thunder 8.00 Kempton, 1m3f handicap Royal Thunder has shown steady progress in three novices and appears well treated enough to strike on his handicap debut.
While he has yet to finish within ten lengths of the winner, he has shaped promisingly each time and it's his latest Newbury third over 1m2f that marks out his claims here.
While he never mounted a serious challenge to the front two, he stayed on nicely into the places behind Jack Darcy and Special Envoy who have done plenty to advertise the form since.
Jack Darcy has since finished a highly creditable fourth in Goodwood's Group 3 Gordon Stakes, while Special Envoy struck on his handicap debut next time out...
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