The Listed John Musker Fillies’ Stakes serves as the feature event on day two of Yarmouth’s Eastern Festival on Wednesday, with all coverage available live on Sky Sports Racing.
Simon and Ed Crisford’s filly Fairy Glen tops the ratings with a handicap mark of 112, making her the standout contender. The Group Two winner, who was only narrowly defeated when finishing fifth in the Group One Prix Vicomtesse Vigier back in May, is considered difficult to oppose in this lower-grade contest. Her main concern will be ensuring she is fully fit for her return to action.
William Haggas’s Rhapsody, ridden by Tom Marquand, is viewed as a key player. A dual winner, Rhapsody has finished runner-up in her last two starts, and replicating that form would keep her firmly in the mix. Lightly-raced Seet is also expected to improve, while Sky Safari, who has not been seen since placing third in the Group Three Hoppings Stakes at Newcastle, looks an each-way proposition on her switch to turf.
In the 4.12 race, Ryan Moore directs Enoch in a strong edition of the Goffs Two Million Series Handicap. Moore boasts a 24 per cent strike-rate from more than 100 rides at the Norfolk course. John and Thady Gosden’s horse is bidding to remain unbeaten after defeating a penalty-imposed field at Lingfield last month, and his pedigree suggests he should handle the step up to handicap company well.
Elsewhere on the card, Round The Table seeks redemption after racing too keenly on his handicap debut last time. Now running without a tongue-tie, he looks to build on his maiden and novice successes. Consistent performer El Matador is among the dangers, as is Point Of Contact, who was beaten favourite at Salisbury and has points to prove.
The 3.06 race sees Liberty’s Hall aim to follow up an encouraging debut in the EBF Future Stayers Maiden Stakes. James Owen’s son of Nathaniel showed some inexperience when chasing home Sonic Angel at Kempton last month but is expected to progress into the frame. Nostalgic Warrior, a sibling to useful performer Star Performer, and debutant Divine Rhythm for William Haggas are also notable entries, along with Richard Hughes’s Daddy Star and Chapel Stream, who has been handed cheekpieces after a seventh-place debut.
Round The Table with no tongue-tie is a smart tweak. Might just find his rhythm this time around.
Sky Safari on turf feels like a gamble. I’ll stick to Fairy Glen and Enoch unless the odds drift.
Did anyone else catch that Liberty’s Hall showed real promise on his debut? Worth a small each-way bet.
Enoch stepping up to handicaps? Brave move by Gosden. Hope he handles the pressure with Moore aboard.
Fairy Glen looks like the banker of the day, but Rhapsody’s consistency is worrying for the bookies.