Newmarket Cambridgeshire Meeting Day One – CopyBet

Charlie Appleby boasts an incredible strike rate over the Rowley Mile, operating at 38% this year, and he is well clear of any other trainer. While he hasn’t been able to secure victory in this Group 3 contest since Modern Games in 2021, he will feel he has a great shot with his talented two-year-old Distant Storm.

Appleby’s top juvenile prospect was the winner of what seems to be the most valuable maiden of the season in terms of form. Since that race over the July course back in the summer, an astonishing six horses have gone on to win next time out, boosting the Godolphin horse’s form greatly.

Despite this, the Night of Thunder colt was unable to back that performance up in the Group 3 Acomb Stakes at York; finishing third that day. However, it could be worth forgiving that run, as the two-year-old gave himself little chance of justifying favouritism by pulling too hard and running too freely throughout.

Therefore, it is clear he is better than that performance and will come along well for the experience - he certainly has a great opportunity to put himself in the frame at Newmarket on Thursday.

Three-year-olds have a strong record in the Fillies Handicap on Day One of the Cambridgeshire Meeting, winning two of the last three races, and Arabian Leopard could be one to continue that trend.

David Simcock’s filly has been impressive since returning to the six-furlong distance, finishing in the top three on each occasion. Despite not being able to pick up a win, the daughter of Ghaiyyath has been well supported in the market before those runs, suggesting that it may only be a matter of time before she is able to get off the mark.

She’s only run once over the Rowley Mile at Newmarket, but that performance did provide her with her sole victory to date, and a return to the track could be what she needs to make her way back into the winners’ enclosure.

Andrew Balding holds a good record in the Rose Bowl having won two out of the last five renewals. This year’s race looks to be an open affair and Balding’s Spirit Mixer has been performing well in handicaps this season and could have what it takes to compete at a listed level.

He showed good ability when holding on to secure the Northumberland Plate back in June, and while his form has dipped a little bit since then, he bounced back well when putting in another strong staying performance to secure victory in the Watergate Cup at Chester last time out.

As previously mentioned, the seven-year-old has held his own and performed well in valuable, competitive handicaps this season and a step up to listed level is very much in his capabilities. He’s a horse that stays well and can put in a good showing at Newmarket.