Johnny Murtagh and Jeremy Noseda teamed up to telling effect with Simply Perfect yesterday and the combination can strike again through Sixties Icon in the Princess of Wales’s WBX.com Stakes (3.10) at Newmarket today.
A progressive three-year-old last season, Sixties Icon put up much his best performance when quickening clear of his rivals in the St Leger at York in September. He returned to action in similarly impressive fashion on the Rowley Mile course here in May and should be forgiven a disappointing effort in the Coronation Cup at Epsom last time as that track seems not to suit him and, in any case, his best form has come on a faster surface. With conditions back in his favour, he can see off Eradicate, who did well to finish fourth at Royal Ascot after setting a fierce early pace.
Winker Watson will be a warm order in the TNT July Stakes (2.00), but may find Swiss Franc too strong. The latter has improved with every run, most recently staying on strongly to take second behind Henrythenavigator in the Coventry Stakes, and he can make the most of the 3lb he receives from the favourite.
The Kleinwort Benson Heritage Handicap (2.35) looks to rest between Pipedreamer and Ladies Best, with preference for the latter. He did not enjoy the clearest of runs when eighth to Heron Bay at the royal meeting and, well-in on earlier form, can return to winning ways.
John Dunlop has his stable in fine form and can land another success through Samuel, who will appreciate the stiffest test of stamina of his short career in the Bahrain Trophy (1.30).
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The best bet of the day is Matsunosuke, who is fancied to repeat last year’s easy success in the Voute Sales Handicap (4.55). Out of his depth in the King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot last time, this is his level and he will be hard to beat off the same mark as twelve months ago.