16:40 Sandown

Mastercraftsman colt GIAVELLOTTO (best price 9/4) looks a nice prospect for Marco Botti and I think he can remain unbeaten at Sandown on Friday. He defied odds of 100/1 to make a winning debut at Kempton on sole start as a 2yo. He beat Wild Crusade on that occasion and that colt has since beaten Nahanni who has franked the form and then made a winning return at Kempton earlier this month. That looks really strong form and he improved again to make a winning return at Newcastle last month staying on strongly. This is tougher again going handicapping now but he looks a horse I want to keep on side. Al Qareem won at Nottingham last time and has more to come but I expect him to set it up for the selection as he will go a good gallop from the gate. Monet’s Sunrise could emerge as a greater threat as he looks a work in progress and will enjoy going up in trip.

17:05 Doncaster

Another horse from the Marco Botti yard for our second Notebook on Friday and WAR HORSE (best price 9/4) looks primed to strike again. He opened his account at Goodwood on final start as a 2yo and did well to win on that occasion as was denied a run as well. I thought he was given enough to do on return over C&D but did keep on steadily and given how hard he pulled early it was an eye-catching effort. The winner Grand Alliance has since gone down just half a length to Nahanni so that looks good form to me. He will strip fitter and can improve so everything points towards another big run. Adjuvant doesn’t look the most straightforward but if applying himself could figure as one of the dangers. Madame Ambassador is well bred and can come on again up in trip so also has to be noted. Victory is also interesting at a bigger price but he might end up needing the run.