Gosden and Buick the team to follow at Newmarket

Trainer John Gosden and jockey William Buick are enjoying a great run of form, highlighted by the victory of The Fugue in the Yorkshire Oaks on Thursday. Taayel leads a strong team from the Newmarket yard when he contests the Hopeful Stakes.

Taayel beat Valbchek by three-quarters of a length at Doncaster earlier this month and can confirm the form. MInce showed signs of a return to form at Sandown last month and would be a big threat on her best form whilst Nocturn and Tropics step up from handicap company.

Mick de Kock runs Meydan winner Kavanagh who has not raced since May whilst Hitchens won in this grade at Chester.

The card opens at 2.10 with an interesting maiden. Richard Hannon’s War Spirit was a huge disappointment on his debut and the unraced trio of Ghazi, Moonfaarid and Dubawi’s Thunder are all bred to be useful.

Andrew Balding’s Pool House is best of those with racecourse experience and should improve for the extra furlong. The son of Sakhee’s Secret stayed on well over five at Sandown and could go close here.

Balding also has claims in the 2.45 with Windsor winner Zampa Manos. Safety Check looked set to win at Haydock last time but didn’t find as much as expected when finishing runner-up to Silent Bullet.

Mark Johnston’s Emaad kept on at the one pace when second at Chester and also has claims off a low weight. Fledged is chasing a quick hat-trick for Gosden and Buick in the 3.20.

The son of Dansili has gone up 8lbs for his most recent success at Nottingham where he strode clear to win by four and a half lengths. He could still be ahead of the handicapper and can take this at the expense of Luca Cumani’s Mankini.

Buick rides Duke Cosimo in the 4.30 for Sir Michael Stoute. He won twice before disappointing at Chester and may have most to fear from Muthmir.

Buick’s best bet of the day may be Willow Beck in the 5.05 who is seeking a fifth consecutive victory. He was a comfortable winner over course and distance last time out and is difficult to oppose.