Nuggets of wisdom to help find winners at Newmarket on Craven day

The bet365 Wood Ditton Maiden Stakes (2.25) once had a reputation for producing well-bred winners who did not progress as much as one might have anticipated.

That is no longer necessarily the case as Mukhadram, who was awarded the race on the disqualification of the Mahmood Al Zarooni-trained Mariner’s Cross in 2012, went on to land the Group 1 Coral-Eclipse two years later.

Punters annually face a tough task in making a selection from a field full of unraced three-year-olds, and this year is no exception.

On paper the Roger Varian-trained UAE Jewel looks a likely type for the ITV4-televised race, and the son of Dubawi holds an entry in next month’s Group 2 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Dante Stakes at York.

Charlie Hills, a trainer who often does well at the Craven meeting, took the Wood Ditton with Ajraam in 2013.

He sends out Mutaraffa, the mount of Richard Kingscote, and Caesonia, who will be partnered by Jamie Spencer.

"Mutaraffa is a nice, big horse, and I’m sure he’ll run a nice race," reported Hills.

"Caesonia works okay and I’m looking forward to getting her started too."

Breath Of Air: looked a fine prospect when winning at NewburyCredit: Getty Images

Breath Of Air sets the standard

Hills saddles Breath Of Air, the likely strong favourite, in the opening bet365 Handicap (1.50), a 6f sprint he won with Salt Island in 2015.

Breath Of Air, who will be ridden by Ryan Moore for the first time, signed off his first campaign last October with a third to San Donato in a Listed race at Doncaster.

That sets a good standard and, with the prospect of even better to come as a three-year-old, it would be no surprise if many punters latch onto the son of Bated Breath.

Hills said: "His work has been good all spring and this looks a good starting point."

Richard Hannon is represented by Moyassar, who has his first start since undergoing wind surgery, and dual juvenile scorer Naughty Rascal.

"Moyassar should be bang there," said Hannon. "He's done well for his winter break and will be aimed at some of the bigger sprints during the year.

"Naughty Rascal should be able to run in the first four. I've been happy with his progress over the winter."

Derby entry El Misk catches the eye

El Misk, who holds an entry in the Investec Derby, overcame inexperience to make a successful debut at Newcastle this month and he is one of three winners contesting the British EBF bet365 'Confined' Novice Stakes (4.45).

The son of Dansili looks just the type to improve considerably on that run and has the services of Frankie Dettori for the first time in what could prove to be a highly informative race with future middle-distance Listed and Group events in mind.

El Misk, along with Eightsome Reel and One Vision, has to concede 7lb to a clutch of promising maidens, including the Hannon-trained Doughan Alb.

"He's been working to a good level but will be in need of the experience," warned Hannon.

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