'We've waited for it' - which connections have been eyeing a Group 2 prize?

Friday: 3.00 Newmarket
Godolphin Stud & Stable Staff Awards Challenge Stakes (Group 2) | 7f | 3yo+ | ITV4/RTV

This doesn’t look a strong Group 2 and recent Racing Post Ratings appear to confirm that impression. The median RPR for all winners of Group 2 races in Britain and Ireland in recent seasons is 116 and only two of this nine-runner field have run to that level.

Safe Voyage is one of them, but you have to go back to October last year and his third behind One Master in the Foret at Longchamp to find the last time he reached 116, and most of his runs this season have been well below that. His RPRs in 2021 read 43, 100, 115, 85 and 102.

Al Suhail is the other to have reached the standard required, but it’s six starts since he last showed that sort of form, at Meydan in March, and he has only once recorded 116 in Britain.

All of that points to this race being more like a strong Group 3 than a Group 2 and we know Chindit is at least a Group 3 performer. His last victory was achieved in that grade in the Greenham at Newbury in April and he has competed solely in Group 1s and 2s since.

However, he came a cropper in what looked another weak Group 2 when only fourth behind Lavender’s Blue in the Celebration Mile at Goodwood last time, so has already had a chance.

Maybe the return to 7f will prove the key, but he seems to stay a mile and this is a sharp test.

The final word goes to Shane Foley, who is having just his third ride for Henry Candy, on the outsider of the field, Jouska. One of Foley’s first two mounts for the stable was placed and he takes over from Laura Pearson, who was unable to claim off Jouska at Sandown last time.
Race analysis by Graeme Rodway

Double Or Bubble out to uphold family honour

Chris Wall gained Group success with Mix And Mingle and the Newmarket trainer is aiming to do the same with her sister, Double Or Bubble.

The four-year-old filly has finished second in two Group 3s since winning a Listed race at Pontefract in August and the prospect of drying ground will aid her cause.

Although Double Or Bubble steps up to Group 2 level, the form of her last two starts has plenty of substance as Toro Strike set a course record when beating her at Goodwood and she lost by only a head to the smart Just Beautiful at Doncaster last time.

"She's been in good form and we've been keen to have one more run this season and, although we've avoided slow ground with her, it should get to nearly good, which will be okay," said Wall.

"As much as this is a Group 2, I don't think she has to take on anything of a class she hasn't already faced and she's not out of place."

On comparisons with Mix And Mingle, whose Lingfield Group 3 success came over this 7f trip, the trainer added: "They're very different in colour, with Mix And Mingle a chestnut, and character as Double Or Bubble is much more laid-back, but they've both got plenty of talent."

What they say

Charlie Appleby, trainer of Al Suhail and D'bai
Al Suhail lacks a bit of consistency but has taken each run well this year and if he produces his best form, he should be bang there. D'bai has been consistent all year and heads into this race in good order. We're hopeful of another solid performance over his optimum trip.

Charlie Hills, trainer of Garrus
It's his first try over seven furlongs, which will be interesting, and the drying ground should be in his favour.

Richard Hannon, trainer of Chindit
He ran poorly on soft ground at this meeting last year, so hopefully it continues to dry out. This is his last run of the season and we’ve waited for it. He stays in training next year.

Aidan O'Brien, trainer of Horoscope
He ran well at Leopardstown last time and is dropping back in trip by a furlong. He seems to be in good form and it looks like he's versatile enough in terms of ground.

William Haggas, trainer of With Thanks
It’s her last run of the season but I fear the ground may have dried out a bit too much as she likes it soft.
Reporting by Andrew Dietz

Read more of Friday's previews

1.50 Newmarket: Cheveley Park fourth features in meeting of smart juveniles in Cornwallis Stakes

2.10 Chepstow: 'I'm sure he retains his ability' - Potters Corner aiming to get back on track

2.25 Newmarket: Will a 1,000 Guineas contender emerge in wide-open Oh So Sharp Stakes?

2.45 Chepstow: Paso Doble bids to continue outstanding Nicholls record in Persian War

3.35 Newmarket: Guineas favourite Inspiral bids to extend unbeaten record in Fillies' Mile

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