Key quotes as Britannia second Finest Sound bids to go one better

1.50 Newmarket
bet365 Mile Handicap (Class 2) | 1m, 3yo | ITV/RTV

Simon and Ed Crisford bid to continue their excellent run of form with Finest Sound, runner-up in the Britannia Stakes last month.

They have been training in partnership since the resumption of racing and recorded their second Group success last Sunday when A'Ali and Frankie Dettori landed the Coral Charge at Sandown.

After winning on his reappearance at Haydock, Finest Sound was beaten four and a half lengths by Khaloosy at Royal Ascot.

He will face up to ten rivals, including Eastern World, who recently recorded his breakthrough success in a maiden on the Rowley Mile course.

The Charlie Appleby-trained colt makes his first start in handicap company after finishing in the first two in his three starts. The Godolphin trainer landed this race with First Contact two years ago.

He is one of the more lightly-raced runners alongside Haqeeqy, a promising two-time winner for John Gosden last month.

Haqeeqy justified odds-on favouritism to win over seven furlongs on the Rowley Mile most recently and is stepping up to a mile for the first time.

The Roger Varian-trained Establish also obliged at short odds last time in a novice at Bath over this trip.

What they say

William Haggas, trainer of Surf Dancer
He'll definitely like the soft ground. The handicapper and I disagree about him and we'll see whether I'm proved right because I think he's harshly treated. He's well and very genuine so there's hope.

Simon Crisford, joint-trainer of Finest Sound
He ran a very good race in the Britannia and this was the logical next step. He's in good form and soft ground will not be an issue.

Richard Hannon, trainer of Ziggle Pops and Oh Purple Reign
Ziggle Pops hated the soft ground in the Britannia and ran no sort of race so I'm concerned about the rain for him going and think he's very much in the handicapper’s grip. Oh Purple Reign has been dropped a few pounds and ran okay last time at Windsor in first-time blinkers, albeit racing a little bit keen early on. He’s tough and genuine and will be there to pick up the pieces.

Roger Varian, trainer of Establish
Establish won well at Bath the other day and has come on from that but this looks a competitive race.

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