Kempton - Mon 10 Aug 2026
As is par for the course in these types of contest, the market is likely to be a good indicator as to what is expected, and only a tentative vote can go to SINGING BLUES with that in mind. The daughter of Space Blues is a half-sister to Fast Society, who won over 7f on the all-weather, so although she might come into her own over further in time, this should still be a suitable starting point. Others to note include Hidden Beyond, Greta Tintin and Alidoolally.
This could be another informative maiden with a view to the future and it might be best to side with THESPIAN QUEEN. Eve Johnson Houghton's filly is related to a C&D winner and is really interesting on that basis, whilst she also has a potentially favourable draw. Clive Cox's youngsters typically merit respect and Playfull Warrior is no different and although hooded ahead of her debut, Tojoannie is still worth considering.
Many of these could take a significant step forward now pitched into nurseries and LADY MIRANDA makes the most appeal. Her three novice/maiden runs weren't devoid of promise, but stepping up to a mile for first time should be a catalyst for improvement and an opening mark of 61 looks fair. Bollengo Boy shares a similar profile and is also of interest as a result, whilst the addition of first-time blinkers might sharpen Hamdani Mokhater up.
SHADOWMERE took a big step forward when filling the runner-up spot on his handicap debut at Windsor and was only raised 2lb for that effort. The son of Sea The Moon should have more in the locker and he looks the one to beat on this occasion. Coxy's Star outran her odds of 40/1 to finish fourth over 7f at Southwell last month and an opening mark of 65 looks workable. Roi De Coeur completes the shortlist.
Shirakawa came up just short when bidding for her hat-trick at Sandown and should remain competitive, but MOHAAB finished a creditable second at Windsor in June and races off an unchanged mark. The daughter of Mohaather is unexposed over this trip and might have a bit more improvement to come. Flightofthephoenix bounced back to form when runner-up at Nottingham and isn't out of this either.
Northumberland Vase winner Believitanducan is bound to have his supporters as he bids to complete the four-timer, but a 5lb rise for that Gosforth Park triumph might leave him vulnerable. With that in mind, a chance can be taken on BARENBOIM, who outran his odds of 66/1 to finish a close third over track and trip last month. Tom Dascombe's charge is able to race off an unchanged mark and he could represent the value. Maxident is another to note.
A field of newcomers so plenty of guesswork involved. Let's side with HIDDEN BEYOND, who comes from good connections that are capable of readying one to strike on debut. The market will reveal plenty for this Southern Hemisphere-born filly. Greta Tintin hails from a top yard that does well here and rates the danger, with Rhythm Of My Heart coming in as third choice despite the possibility of wanting further.
Another field of newcomers, the market will be revealing. Tojoannie is of obvious interest on debut for her good yard with a hood on, but WITHOUT FAIL might be of more interest. He's a 28,000gns breeze-up purchase and can be expected to know his job. Thespian Queen is from a yard capable of doing well with 2yos and she could easily be good enough to have a say.
A weak handicap, let's side with BOLLENGO BOY who has failed to make an impact in three starts over 6f at Windsor but now goes up to 1m off a lowly mark and could be a big improver in waiting. Lushill, third at Lingfield, is of obvious interest now handicapping over 1m and looks the danger, while Magical Life has experience in handicaps and is another to take seriously.
Fallacious Promise, a winner at Lingfield two starts back, ran well in defeat despite not getting the best of runs over this C&D last time. He's 4lb higher but should be bang there once more. The selection, though, is his old rival ROI DE COEUR, who beat him over C&D before running well from the front in a small field back on turf last time. There's little between them at the weights. Shadowmere is the best of the remainder, coming off an improved second when runner-up on handicap debut at Windsor.
Eve Johnson Houghton's in-form filly SHIRAKAWA might have failed in her bid for a hat-trick at Sandown but it was another good effort and returning to AW over a slightly longer trip might see her find enough to return to winning ways. Hot Silk is consistent and has a bigger effort in her yet with her going here off a reduced mark. She's bred to keep progressing. Mohaab has been in good form and this consistent filly should be thereabouts once more returning to AW.
The 3yo Killer Whale shouldn't be underestimated here with the step up to 2m likely to suit with his dam being the Cesarewitch winner. It's top weight BELIEVITANDUCAN who is the selection, though. This most progressive gelding landed the Northumberland Vase last time and the fact he missed Glorious Goodwood means he comes here fresh. He can complete the four-timer. Senor Cortez is on a hat-trick following back-to-back AW wins and another to strongly consider.
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