Speed or stamina: which is key to winning the Beverley Bullet over a stiff five?

Saturday: 3.15 Beverley William Hill Beverley Bullet Sprint Stakes (Listed) | 5f | 3yo+ | ITV4/RTV

Only Pontefract has a stiffer five-furlong course than Beverley in Britain but it's speed rather than stamina that has been the key to winning this Listed event over the last ten seasons.

Tangerine Trees (2011), Stepper Point (2013), Pearl Secret (2014) and Take Cover (2017 and 2018) made all the running and only Group 1 winner Maarek won from the back in 2015.

Front-runners have beaten a remarkable 79 per cent of their rivals in that time and a low draw hasn’t been essential for them. Tangerine Trees and Take Cover (2018) both won from nine.

Four of the last ten winners have been drawn in stalls one and two, so a low draw certainly isn't a disadvantage, but it's pace and not stall position that will likely decide this year's race.

The problem is that it's not easy to pinpoint who will win the pace battle. Show Yourself has made all on her last three starts over course and distance but she probably won't find it as easy to dominate this class of field as she has done when beating Class 5 and 6 opposition.

Dakota Gold is more likely to win the early battle. He hasn't been quick enough to lead Winter Power on two of his last four starts but there is nothing with the Nunthorpe winner's speed in this and Dakota Gold was quick enough to lead on the other two occasions. He is also drawn in stall ten and rider Connor Beasley probably needs a sharp break to get across.

It's easier to work out who might not lead. perennial slow-starter Lampang, Wise Words, Dandalla and Ostilio are among those who are rarely ridden positively and you may want to strike that quintet off your list in a race that could be decided in the first furlong.
Race analysis by Graeme Rodway

'Special' record holder Judicial aims to join elite few

There may not be a dry eye in sight for trainer Julie Camacho and her team should their evergreen stable star Judicial land yet another big-race success and become the third multiple winner of Beverley's biggest race of the year.

The nine-year-old has won over £314,000 in prize-money in a stellar career that has seen him land four Listed contests – including this race in 2019 – as well as two victories at Group 3 level, and he roared back to his best with a two-length win over Dakota Gold in the Queensferry Stakes at Chester last time.

Judicial: bids for a second success in the Beverley BulletCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

"We were all a bit emotional at Chester because a lot of people had written him off. We forget he's nine-years-old as he doesn't have too many miles on the clock, he's ran 44 times and won 17 of them," the trainer said.

"He's been a massive star for us and it would be even more emotional if he was to do it again. He's so special."

On his chances, Camacho added: "He loves Beverley – he holds the track record there and at Pontefract – and there will be plenty of pace for him, we're really happy with him at home and is in great form."

What they say

Clive Cox, trainer of Tis Marvellous
He's a real favourite here at Beechdown and there couldn't be a more fun horse to own. Hopefully he can continue his run of consistent performances. The last time he ran at Beverley he didn't get a lot of room at all but with a little bit of luck he should put in his usual good effort.

Alastair Donald, racing manager for King Power racing, owners of Lampang
He's been a bit unlucky in getting soft ground, being drawn badly and missing the break on the last couple of occasions. If he gets a bit of luck he should go very well.

Karl Burke, trainer of Significantly and Dandalla
Significantly is stepping up in class but he deserves a go. We think he's well up to Listed and Group 3 class and if he runs well tomorrow he'll take his chance in the Flying Five Stakes on Irish Champions weekend. Dandalla is on a recovery mission, but as the season has gone on she's got bigger, stronger and faster. She's a powerful animal and the drop down to 5f plus a fast-run race should see her finish strongly.
Reporting by Matt Rennie

Read more of Saturday's race previews:

1.50 Goodwood: is the Prestige about proven performers or can 'special' Simcock filly step up?

2.25 Goodwood: 'I've had to buy a new shirt!' – trainer quotes for the £50,000 ITV4 handicap

2.45 Newmarket: a stepping stone to Group glory or a step down the ladder? What can we expect?

3.00 Goodwood: odds-on shot Nagano could be opposable for the March Stakes

3.35 Goodwood: Benbatl out to make a winning return in Celebration Mile