Can unlucky Zanbaq benefit from Roger Varian's sequence of success?

Al Basti Equiworld Dubai British EBF Rosemary Stakes (Listed) | 1m | 3yo+ fillies & mares | ITV4/RTV

Improving three-year-olds have dominated this Listed prize and that trend looks set to continue with the leading fancies coming from that age group, including two who completed hat-tricks with wins in handicap company last time.

One of them is early market leader Crystal Caprice, who overcame her tendency to race keenly with victory at Ascot this month.

That effort can be upgraded as it was a steadily run affair and she would appreciate a true test over a mile. She is scopey and improvement looks guaranteed as she strengthens up.

It is interesting to note that no favourite has been successful since the race was switched from being a Listed handicap at Ascot to its current status in 2011.

Also seeking a four-timer is Whitebeam, who defeated a subsequent five-and-a-half-length winner at Haydock last month.

That was over 7f, however, and her previous start at a mile saw her scramble home at Newbury with the petrol gauge blinking after she pulled hard early. That tendency wasn't on display at Haydock but she is another who would not want the early leaders to dawdle.

Roger Varian's string is flying and he relies on Zanbaq, an unlucky second in the Sandringham Handicap at Royal Ascot.

She endured another luckless passage in a Group 3 there last time and, with her yard in such good form, this could be the day for a better rub of the green.

Crenelle was third in the Sandringham and posted an identical Racing Post Rating when third again in Listed company at Haydock last time. First-time cheekpieces may well help her to play a leading role here.
Race analysis by Owen Goulding

What they say

Ed Walker, trainer of Random Harvest and Sunset Bay
I'm hoping to see Random Harvest get back on track. She's been running well this summer and went close at this level in the Dick Hern Stakes at Haydock. The Atalanta last time was probably one race too many as she ran a bit flat. She's had a break and been freshened up and goes there with a solid each-way chance. Sunset Bay will be suited by stepping back up in trip and we hope she can get some black type.

George Boughey, trainer of Romantic Rival and Mystic Wells
On another day Romantic Rival could have possibly won her last race. We were looking for black type with her, so it was mission accomplished. She seems better with a straight and that’s probably in her favour. She’s unlikely to run unless we get some ease in the ground but there’s a bit of rain forecast and that should help her. Mystic Wells drops back half a mile. She ran very well on the course last year behind Mellow Yellow and Peripatetic, who are decent fillies, and should go well at a big price.

Hugo Palmer, trainer of Arion
She's staggeringly well bred and we've been on a quest for black type. She was a bit disappointing at Longchamp last time but she got a bit far back in a slowly run race. Her run at Vichy the time before was very good. She was still in front there with 100 yards to go and this trip will help her.

Thady Gosden, joint-trainer of Crenelle and Thundershower
We know Crenelle handles the track as she won there at the Craven meeting. She's been running well at this level and the lack of rain should play to her strengths. Thundershower deserves to take her chance and the aim is to get some black type.

Roger Varian, trainer of Zanbaq
She was a little unlucky on her last two starts but is a talented filly and capable of running well in this field.
Reporting by Lola Katz Roberts

Friday's race previews:

2.15 Listowel: Handicap blot? Willie Mullins' summer revelation chases €100,000 pot

2.25 Newmarket: 'She's progressed again' - high hopes Pearl can overturn form with Sea Silk Road

3.00 Newmarket: The new Inspiral? Commissioning could prove Gosdens' latest star in Rockfel

3.35 Newmarket: 'He's well bred and now living up to that' - Tempus out to crack Group 2 company

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