8.10pm Newmarket Tips & Betting Preview 28/07/2017

A field of five go to post for the penultimate race of the day at Newmarket on Friday, see our betting tips and the full race preview below.

IN SUMMARY: It is more than likely that having to lead on his handicap debut didn’t help SABLE ISLAND, who was unable to quicken late on, but he is obviously capable of much better and can prove that today. A return to the turf is a good move and these softer conditions will also help him show his best, with rider Ted Durcan taking over in the saddle. A mark of 79 still looks lenient and if building on that latest run he should be tough to beat. His main danger is obviously Pouvoir Magique, who holds some fancy entries, but we learned very little about him on his latest start at Ayr and it doesn’t look wise to take him at short odds.

1 POUVOIR MAGIQUE – Made an eyecatching debut at Sandown in June before recording a facile success at Ayr on his latest start, beating a very weak maiden field with ease. He holds some fancy entries so must be held in some regard by John Gosden and a handicap rating of 88 on debut could be lenient as he remains with a huge amount of potential after only two runs. Frankie Dettori takes the ride and with conditions unlikely to be a problem, he has to be respected.

2 THE GRAND VISIR – Won on debut at Yarmouth in May before finding Listed company coming far too soon at Goodwood on his second start for William Haggas. He didn’t have the easiest of runs when fourth at Newbury when last seen and a St Leger entry would suggest connections feel as though far more is to come. Pat Cosgrave takes the ride and he likely has far more to offer off a mark of 85 on only his second handicap run.

3 DUKE OF BRONTE – Got back to winning ways on his latest start when winning a handicap at Newbury under hands and heels earlier this month and he’s only been raised three pounds as a result. If matching that form he would have to be given an each way chance, though he does face some rivals who are likely more progressive than him. Jim Crowley takes the ride and although he cannot be dismissed entirely, others make more appeal. Holds an entry at Sandown on Thursday.

4 SABLE ISLAND – Slowly progressive in maidens for Sir Michael Stoute and leading perhaps didn’t suit on his latest start when he could only manage fourth. He is obviously capable of much better than that and with pace likely to be coming from other horses, he should be able to track the pace on this occasion under Ted Durcan. Returning to the turf looks also likely to suit and with softer ground no problem, he looks set for a big run.

5 PETITIONER – Ran very green on debut at Wolverhampton in April, leaving that form well behind him to win a Kempton maiden last month in determined fashion. This son of Dansili is well bred and looks set to go on to much better things if his pedigree is to be believed, with an opening handicap mark of 78 looking very lenient as he should continue to improve with racing. Kieran Shoemark takes the ride and he looks sure to play a big part in the contest.