15:00 Haydock

The Betfred Rose Of Lancaster Stakes has the makings of a very good race and while Al Aasy is sure to prove popular and is a top-class horse on his day, as displayed last time, he will do very well to give so much weight to the Richard Fahey-trained three-year-old, MIDNIGHT MILE (best price 6/1).

This filly landed the Oh So Sharp Stakes in October at a big price and resumed her progress in winning a Listed event at York last-time-out in good style, scoring by over two lengths after travelling well throughout before showing very assured turn of foot to draw clear of her nearest pursuer who had no answer to her acceleration.

I can still recollect her fantastic effort in the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf on just her third career start, where she finished a creditable close-up fourth. The fact she has already bagged two Listed events and placed in a Grade 1 is a testament to her ability and the market has underestimated her chances once again.

Her age and sex allowance will be a big factor in the final analysis of this event and it is fascinating to see her line-up against the boys as she could have been found an easier opportunity elsewhere. Without being too bullish, I think she is the biggest danger to the favourite and has a good chance of more pattern-class success with more to come.

15:40 Newmarket

In the Sweet Solera Stakes, I fancy the chances of SOPRANO (best price 10/3) to get back on the scoresheet now faced with better ground and reverse latest form with Fallen Angel.

The runner-up was granted a soft-ish lead at Sandown and seemingly handled the soft-to-heavy conditions better but George Boughey’s charge did well to finish as close as she did in third.

She managed to get to the front a furlong out and briefly look like the likeliest winner but came unstuck on the ground. Even so, she ran really well and this much better ground will see her in a better light.

On her debut, she won on the Rowley course here when she beat Midnight Affair and ran a very solid race when third of 17 in the Albany at Royal Ascot on just her second career start.

That form alone is the benchmark standard in this race and my gut instinct is that she is the most naturally-gifted and talented filly in the race. She can hopefully stamp her class on this field.