Candy star Limato up for the Challenge again in bid for third straight win
The Godolphin Stud & Stable Staff Awards Challenge Stakes (3.00) has been fertile ground for Limato in the last two years, and the Henry Candy-trained stable star is back to attempt a hat-trick.
Now seven, Limato is still operating at a high level, winning the Group 3 Criterion Stakes on Newmarket's July course earlier in the season. He has not run since August as conditions have been too slow for potential targets, and although the ground will be softer than ideal at Newmarket he still looks likely to line up.
Owner Paul Jacobs said: "Unless the ground gets an awful lot worse we will run as it's his last race of the season. We thought it would be nice to give him a third shot and see how we get on."
Ryan Moore has been booked, and Jacobs added: "Harry [Bentley] would have ridden as usual but he has a full book at York. I'm delighted to get Ryan and he's ridden him before."
Five runners have been declared, with City of York Stakes winner Shine So Bright heading the market.
Varian bidding for a third consecutive Oh So Sharp Stakes
Limato has been a regular winner at this meeting and so has Roger Varian, with the trainer taking the Group 3 Godolphin Lifetime Care Oh So Sharp Stakes (2.25) for the last two seasons.
Altyn Orda (2017) and Mot Juste (2018) were Varian's previous winners, and he has another leading chance with Stylistique.
Runner-up to stablemate Daahyeh in the Rockfel last time, Stylistique is a five-race maiden, but has been placed on all but one start.
Varian said: "She's a nice filly who is improving and she's in great form. She's got course and distance form, the ground should be okay for her, and we'd be hopeful she has a good chance."
Godolphin hold strong hand for the Cornwallis
So many big races around the world have been won by Godolphin, but the Group 3 Newmarket Academy Godolphin Beacon Project Cornwallis Stakes (1.50) has yet to fall their way.
That could change this year, with Saeed bin Suroor and Charlie Appleby fielding leading chances.
Platinum Star hosed up by three and a half lengths in Ripon's Champion Two Yrs Old Trophy last time out, and drops back to the minimum trip this time for Bin Suroor.
The trainer said: "This is a step back up in class but he shows plenty of speed in his races and should be fine over five furlongs."
Like Platinum Star, Lazuli is also dropping back in trip after a pair of wins over six furlongs, most recently at Doncaster.
Appleby said: "We have been pleased with Lazuli's first two starts and feel that the drop back to five furlongs is going to suit, especially at a stiff track like Newmarket."
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Published on 10 October 2019inPreviews
Last updated 18:53, 10 October 2019
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