1:30   European Breeders' Fund Fillies' Handicap (Class 2) 

A decent handicap to start proceedings and several of these will be hoping the rain stays away to increase their chances.

Janina was a useful 2yo of Barry Hills’ last season but disappointed when hating a slow surface at Royal Ascot. Off the track since I’m told she is back in good form. She will come on for the run, but on quick ground she shouldn’t be dismissed.

Highland Daughter is another who has been catching the eye on the  Lambourn gallops and she too won’t want the rain too much. Having not really impressed since an impressive maiden win last season she looks the type to keep progressing and ran a decent race last time at Warwick. There is a strong feeling in the yard that she can come back to form here with a good run.

Sourire done well as a 2yo for Sir Mark Prescott but needs the run on her return and looks likely to need further judged on recent work.

Red Dune is another who can be competitive and there was alot to like about the way she stretched clear of Persian Sea over the weekend and the form of her last race looks strong given how easy Lee Miller won next time. 7f on decent ground is ideal and connections expect a big run.

Badweia and Justlikeawoman are two who need the rain but remain in good form and should give their running, whilst looking handicapped to their abilities.

Filigree Lace is another who is open to improvement but she failed to score in only a modest maiden last time and that remains a big worry. The yard think a bit of her but she will get easier chances than this.

Insaaf is from a yard that has served us very well this season and she is open to the most improvement if the rain comes. She has been catching the eye in recent work and pulled clear of her lead horse over the weekend. Best suited by 7f on soft ground she will want plenty of rain but off 87 she has found herself well handicapped again and shouldn’t be dismissed easily.

Summary

A trappy fillies race to start proceedings and a few gather interest here. Much will depend on what happens with the weather but on fast ground Red Dune & Highland Daughter are the pair I really rate. The former is working well at present and looked in great form last week on the gallops. However heavy rain could be on its way and if that is the case I’m keen to take a chance on INSAAF who has been working really well for some time and needs a slow surface to be seen to her best. The blinkers saw some improvement last time and I get the impression there is still more to come from her. She is a tough sort and should have great value about her in this race.

Selection:                             INSAAF (E/w) 

Saver:                                    Red Dune & Highland Daughter (E/w)