'On a going day he's still as good as ever' - Accidental Agent still a contender

Group 1 winner Accidental Agent (4.10) returns to where he first made it big as he kicks off his seventh season at Newmarket on Thursday.

It was on the Rowley Mile where he landed the first major prize of a career in which he has earned more than £705,000 in prize-money, beating 25 rivals to take the £150,000 Tattersalls October Auction Stakes as a two-year-old in 2016.

He had his day of days when springing a 33-1 shock in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot in 2018, pipping Lord Glitters who is also still going strong four seasons later.

Accidental Agent had his first success since then when landing a handicap on the July course last summer under apprentice Georgia Dobie, who is on board again as the eight-year-old runs off the same mark in a six-runner £30,000 contest.

"It looks a great starting point for him," said trainer Eve Johnson Houghton. "There aren't too many runners and he likes Newmarket. As we know, he's quirky but on a going day I think he's still as good as ever. Georgia gets on with him and he's in good form and we're hopeful."

Accidental Agent and Georgia Dobie: pair reunited at Newmarket

There are only 50 runners for a card which was staged as the first day of the Craven meeting last year, when 62 horses were declared.

Cheveley Park Stud has a couple to look forward to, including Audience who runs in the three-year-old conditions race (2.25) over the same 7f trip as when he won by three and three-quarter lengths on his debut here last October.

"He won well and he was impressive," Cheveley Park managing director Chris Richardson said of the John and Thady Gosden-trained colt.

"He's wintered well and we're not quite sure of his trip yet, whether or not he's going to be a sprinter. He's in good form but we'll learn something, he'll either be dropping back in trip potentially or stepping up – or staying the same."

The Henry Candy-trained Twilight Calls, a dual winner as a three-year-old last season, reappears in the 5f handicap (4.45), his first run since finishing sixth when taking on older horses at the Ebor meeting at York in August.

He has been gelded since and Richardson said: "Henry has always been very sweet on him and we managed to persuade Mrs Thompson to geld him with the view that will hopefully get the best out of him this year.

"He's in good form and has also wintered well. The ground and trip will suit him and this is a nice place to get him started."

James Tate has two of the six contenders in the bet365 British EBF Novice Stakes (1.50), a two-year-old race in which all the runners will be making their debuts.

"Kingdom Of Dreams is very professional and is ready to make his debut," the trainer said. "Royal Mariner looks a beauty. His work on the grass at Newmarket last week was very pleasing."

GET READY FOR THE 2022 FLAT SEASON WITH OUR BRILLIANT STABLE TOUR SERIES

Over 50% off Racing Post Members' Club! Members' Club is the only subscription racing fans and punters need in order to stay informed and make smarter betting decisions. Features include early access to the Racing Post digital newspaper, exclusive news and interviews, premium tips and form study tools to assist with betting. Select 'Get Ultimate monthly' and enter code TRYME to get your first month for just £14.99* – that's better than half price! Subscribe now If you decide that Members' Club is not for you, then you can cancel at anytime by contacting us.

*Members' Club Ultimate monthly first month will be charged at £14.99, renews at full price thereafter