Thursday Tote Placepot Tips for Newmarket from Architect

Leg 1 Selections: Wafei, Duke’s Command, Dr Hackenbush

We start the Newmarket card with a Maiden Stakes race that should prove informative. I really liked the way WAFEI acquitted himself when a short-head second on debut at Haydock and, with that experience under his belt plus the step up in trip sure to bring about improvement, this son of American Pharaoh could easily go one better. 

A couple of debutants to make the shortlist as well are DUKE’S COMMAND and DR HACKENBUSH. 

Leg 2 Selections: Granny Budgie 

GRANNY BUDGIE has won three of her five starts and ran well in a stronger race than this when third at Doncaster last time. She’s a major contender back down in grade and is George Scott’s only runner on the card. 

Leg 3 Selections: Gale Force Maya 

The top-weight GALE FORCE MAYA is the best horse in the race, who’s a dual Listed winner with exceptional form figures in September reading 2222301111. Her last win in a handicap was off a mark of 104 and she’s down to 100 here with her rider claiming 3Ib. 

I think she’s got a serious chance off this mark with course form in the book, with great form figures at this time of the year and being proven at a higher level. I cannot get my head around why she isn’t a solid favourite. 

Leg 4 Selections: Alyanaabi

ALYANAABI looked potentially smart when winning smoothly on debut at Salisbury and confirmed that promise when fourth at Ascot in a Listed event next time, where he almost snatched third. That form is proving useful as the fifth Dancing Gemini has subsequently won a Listed race. Owen Burrows’ charge is a key player.

Leg 5 Selections: Trawlerman, Shandoz, Enemy 

Last year’s Ebor winner TRAWLERMAN returned as good as ever when scoring by 13 lengths at Salisbury a fortnight ago and being the clear top-rated in the field by 8Ib and upwards off level weights. His class should see him beat these. 

In case the unexpected happens, however, SHANDOZ was progressive a couple of seasons back and should be fitter after two runs so far this year in Group 3 events. ENEMY ran well in the Old Borough Cup a couple of starts back when third and should be thereabouts. 

Leg 6 Selections: True Legend, Splendent 

TRUE LEGEND looked like he was going to win by a wide-margin at Ascot last time, where he skipped clear off the home-bend and was going best of all at the time as well. He was eventually reeled-in by a well-handicapped horse but that was still a good effort in defeat and a 4Ib rise shouldn’t prevent another bold effort. 

SPLENDENT wasn’t disgraced when sixth on deep ground at Goodwood last time which wouldn’t have suited and is down in trip back on better ground which will suit. He merits consideration in this line-up.