Can Candleford follow up his stunning success at Royal Ascot in bet365 Trophy?

Friday: 3.00 Newmarket
bet365 Trophy (Heritage Handicap) | 1m6f | 4yo+ | ITV/RTV

When considering the most impressive handicap winners at Royal Ascot there are two names who immediately spring to mind: Golden Gates scorer Missed The Cut and Duke of Edinburgh victor Candleford.

The BHA handicapper clearly agrees as both were hit with 13lb rises for their respective romps, and we get another look at Candleford in the bet365 Trophy.

The now 104-rated Candleford was returning from a 219-day break when bolting up by six lengths in the Duke of Edinburgh for William Haggas, and the natural assumption is he will improve for it.

Progeny of Kingman are not associated with staying distances, but Candleford gave the impression this trip would suit at the royal meeting granted an easier course. There is plenty to like.

However, it is likely we are dealing with a strong handicap and one or two others could have several pounds in hand. From the same stall (15) as last year's winner (the Saeed bin Suroor-trained Live Your Dream), Summer's Knight is a name to note with firms offering enhanced place terms.

Summer's Knight was given too much to do when fifth in the Northumberland Plate last time where those ridden handily undoubtedly held sway. It was a significant improvement from his disappointing comeback, and this four-year-old can rate higher still.

Bin Suroor, who is flying with a 41 per cent strike-rate over the past fortnight, could go close to following up last year's win with the lightly raced Dubai Welcome.

The five-year-old has never tried a staying trip and was kept to the all-weather on his two runs back from 20 months off in June, but he shaped well on both occasions when runner-up despite losing twice at short odds.

Dubai Welcome is 1lb well in on his staying-on second to Nao Da Mais last week and Pearl Beach, who lowered the grey's colours on his comeback, placed in a Group 3 next time. With Bin Suroor's team in such rude health, he can hit the frame.
Race analysis by Robbie Wilders

Pedigree fear for Candleford backers

Impressive though Candleford was at Royal Ascot, that victory is no guarantee he will follow up here. Look at his family history.

Half-brother Atty Persse took the King George V Handicap by a commanding three lengths in 2017 yet, not only was he was beaten in both subsequent runs that season, he did not win again until he was exported to Spain.

William Haggas: trainer of CandlefordCredit: Edward Whitaker

Candleford won the Duke of Edinburgh by even further last month, his six-length margin the largest of any race at the meeting.

But three weeks on he is stepping up to 1m6f for the first time, and trainer William Haggas warned: "Candleford appears to be in good form after Royal Ascot but my concern would be if this race comes too quickly.

"He's up 13lb for his win and enjoys fast ground, so hopefully he can give another good account in what looks a competitive race."

What they say

Brian Meehan, trainer of Mandoob
We probably should have made more use of him at York last time. This is a good spot for him. He's got top weight but he's a fine, big horse.

Alan King, trainer of Midnights Legacy
He battled on well to win at Epsom and the step up in trip will suit. I don't know whether the ground will be a bit lively for him.

Thady Gosden, joint-trainer of Trawlerman
He was slowly away at Ascot, which did him no favours from his low draw, and hopefully he can get in a decent position this time around. He should enjoy the ground and the trip and has come out of that in good shape.

Tim Easterby, trainer of Dark Jedi
He's in great form. He won nicely at Ayr and should run well.

Nic Barron, joint-trainer of Contact
We've always thought a fair bit of him and he's been luckier with the weather this year. He ran a good race at Ascot, where he was drawn wide and didn't have a good track position. He's been winning over a mile and a half, but everything suggests he wants to go a mile and six.

Zoffee: versatile campaigner won the Northumberland Vase last timeCredit: Edward Whitaker

Hugo Palmer, trainer of Zoffee
He won at Carlisle and followed up in the Northumberland Vase in good style. He's gone up 6lb to 90, which is still very workable. He loves top of the ground.

Eve Johnson Houghton, trainer of HMS President
He's in good form and I think he's up to this grade. He won well at Goodwood, which will give him a bit of confidence, and I don't think the longer trip is a concern. He needs to come late, and the bigger field should suit.
Reporting by David Carr

Friday's Newmarket previews:

1.50 Newmarket: Is former Derby fancy New London thrown in off opening handicap mark?

2.25 Newmarket: Who will come out on top as Royal Ascot races are pitched against each other?

3.35 Newmarket: Gosden hopes to avoid 'trappy race' for red-hot Falmouth favourite Inspiral

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