UK Horse Racing Tips: Newmarket

A competitive affair to get the action underway ahead of an excellent day's racing at racing headquarters, and only a tentative vote can go to FIRST LEGION. The son of Mehmas was highly tried after making a winning debut at York and although that didn't go to plan, his sole nursery effort to date is where the interest stems from. Beaten less than two lengths into seventh on the Knavesmire, despite not getting the best of runs, he looks well worth chancing given that he's now 2lb lower. C&D novice winner Treanmor merits respect following a couple of fair efforts out in Dubai, as does stable companion Silent Applause. Sovereign Spell belatedly opened his account at Wolverhampton last month and can show the benefits of that recent spin, and don't rule out Pilu at a big price, because his yard have made a bright start to the new campaign.
Prediction : 1st First Legion 2nd Treanmor 3rd Sovereign Spell

The Gosdens boast a strong hand with their duo Portcullis and Santushti. The former, by the mighty Frankel out of French Guineas winner Castle Lady, is perhaps the yard's leading hope but this looks a deep renewal on paper and perhaps Andrew Balding can replicate last year's heroics with NORTH BEACH. The New Bay colt fetched 390,000 euros as a yearling and has a pedigree mixed with speed and stamina. That speed could be crucial in these early-season contests so it would come as no surprise were he to go close. Crown Knott is another key player for his leading connections and spare a thought for Jane Chapple-Hyam's Bemersyde too.
Prediction : 1st North Beach 2nd Portcullis 3rd Crown Knott

A 222-day absence should be no concern for backers of TIME FOR SANDALS given the way in which trainer Harry Eustace has kicked off the new season. Last year's Commonwealth Cup heroine should be good enough to take this en route to next month's Minster Stakes at York and, if doing so, there is no telling just how far she can go again this year. Jasour travelled powerfully into the lead in the Cammidge last month only to be picked off by the progressive Aramram, who is considered the main threat, but Cornwallis winner Beckford's Folly can't be underestimated either.
Prediction : 1st Time For Sandals 2nd Aramram 3rd Beckfords Folly

HAWK MOUNTAIN made only a moderate debut but set the turf alight thereafter, winning twice at the Curragh, including the Group 2 Beresford, before landing the Futurity Trophy at Doncaster. This is unlikely to be his cup final given the entries he currently holds but it will be a handy gauge as to how he's progressed over the winter. The son of Wootton Bassett sets a lofty standard and might not need to be at his very best, but that would be a dangerous assumption given that Hidden Force and Avicenna are unbeaten in their two respective racecourse appearances. Hankelow could have a say too, and so might Oxagon, who probably wasn't seen to best effect on heavy ground behind the selection back in October.
Prediction : 1st Hawk Mountain 2nd Hidden Force 3rd Avicenna

Having finished runner-up on all three outings, Baandee sets a fair standard for the others to aim at. Jack Morland's filly should be in the mix, but she may have to play second fiddle once more, with POINTE BLEU fancied to make a winning debut. The Blue Point filly is a half-sister to the decent Yaanaas and she will take all the beating if sharing similar ability. The returning Hassaleh is a feasible alternative.
Prediction : 1st Pointe Bleu 2nd Baandee 3rd Hassaleh

With four returning debut winners open to improvement, MAHO BAY edges the vote in what should prove a decent contest. Charlie Appleby's colt justified favouritism in some style at Kempton in December and there should be more to come. Irish raider Amadeus Mozart scored a shade cosily at the Curragh last June and merits the utmost of respect for top connections, while Guildmaster was impressive when scoring at Lingfield in December.
Prediction : 1st Maho Bay 2nd Amadeus Mozart 3rd Guildmaster

Having gone agonisingly close on his stable bow at Musselburgh recently, Gangsta Man is high on the shortlist. The 5f distance that day looked to be on the sharp side for the son of Dandy Man and he's unlikely to be far away, but ROYAL VELVET is a touch more compelling. The five-year-old is another who will appreciate a return to this trip and she may take some stopping if reproducing her York triumph in August last year. Morte Point, Goldmoyne and Huscal are other leading contenders.
Prediction : 1st Royal Velvet 2nd Gangsta Man 3rd Morte Point