Keith Melrose analysis and trainer insight for a competitive Marsh Cup

4.00 Newbury
Marsh Cup (Handicap) | 2m½f | 3yo+ | ITV4/RTV

The puffed-up prize fund this staying handicap carried in its first two years meant that it was targeted by Tony Bloom, who saw his colours carried to victory on both occasions by different horses (Stratum and Withhold). The value has been more than halved this year, but the race looks scarcely less competitive given the formlines represented.

There is quite a significant representation from Royal Ascot, both the Ascot Stakes over 2m4f and the newly-minted Copper Horse Handicap, over 1m6f. The Ascot Stakes is a known quantity, it is always competitive but tends to attract older horses and dual-purpose performers.

The Copper Horse would have taken some of the more interesting sorts away from the Ascot Stakes this year and, with it being won by a well-backed, progressive, lightly raced six-year-old who was chased home by a hatful of four-year-olds it is likely that it represents stronger form.

Fujaira Prince dotted up and is bound for Group races. Second was Selino, whose form figures since stepping up beyond one and a half miles reads 112. His rating might have gone up by 23lb as a result, but that is fully deserved.

Themaxwecan (blue and white cap) scored at Ascot last year and will carry top weight this timeCredit: Edward Whitaker

Fourth in that race, just over a length further back was Themaxwecan. He is trained by Mark Johnston and has duly had more runs than most of a similar age, but still has the air of unfinished business about him. He was shuffled back in the Copper Horse and finished strongly over what is just about the minimum for him. He was fancied for the Cesarewitch last year, but struggled in soft ground and was pulled out at Newmarket last week after the rain fell.

While plenty of Johnston's charges are asked to race prominently, Themaxwecan is no more than a part-timer in that regard. Even so, there is a notable dearth of proven front-runners in this race and, with the enterprising Silvestre de Sousa on board, he is one of few candidates to cut out the running.
Analysis by betting editor Keith Melrose

What they say

James Fanshawe, trainer of Selino
He ran very well to be second at Royal Ascot and was a winner over two miles last year so hopefully the step up in trip will help, although there appears to be a few improvers in there.

Henry Ponsonby, owner of Just In Time
He's had nearly two years off and we are trying a new trip but whatever he does he will improve for it. He's been working with winners at home and it will be nice to get him back.

Ian Williams, trainer of Reshoun and Blue Laureate
Reshoun ran well to be fourth at Newmarket last time and we are sticking the visor on. Any rain would help his chances as it will Blue Laureate, who missed the break at Ascot and ended up in an impossible position.

Reshoun: will wear a visor for the first time in the Marsh CupCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Charlie Fellowes, trainer of Carnwennan
He ran well last time in the Northumberland Plate considering he was way back early on and he's always benefited from a run in the past. He should like the ground if it stays good as he doesn't like soft.

Roger Charlton, trainer of True Destiny
He's taking on horses that finished around him last time and it looks a tight little race.
Reporting by David Milnes

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