Will New Science get powerful Godolphin Classic generation off to perfect start?

European Free Handicap (Listed) | 3yo | 7f | (ITV4/RTV)

The European Free Handicap has provided the platform for five post-war British Guineas winners but the double hasn’t been achieved since 1991.

Two of the five in this year’s running are Classic-entered, including race favourite New Science. That he is rated 108 yet isn’t considered one of Charlie Appleby’s top three 2,000 Guineas prospects underlines the trainer’s enviable big-race hand in 19 days’ time.

However, the top weight rates a vulnerable market leader and Racing Post Ratings suggest he doesn’t warrant such a lofty official mark.

While New Science has a fitness advantage over the other four, his odds-on defeat in a Listed race at Meydan last time was disappointing. He lacked a change of gear over the mile trip and was beaten fair and square by horses rated 97 and 98 off level weights.

By Lope De Vega out of a Galileo mare whose best form was over 1m6f, New Science is expected to be inconvenienced by this drop back to 7f.

Tacarib Bay is the other horse with the Classic entry and makes greater appeal at a bigger price. The Richard Hannon-trained colt looked a future Pattern performer when an easy-to-back 14-1 winner on his debut at Haydock in May and enhanced his credentials following a 149-day break when third in the Horris Hill at Newbury.

Tacarib Bay (nearside, yellow silks) chasing home Light Infantry in lasts season's Horris Hill Stakes at NewburyCredit: Mark Cranham

Top-class miler Mohaather used that race as a springboard to the top a few years back and Tacarib Bay shaped better than the result suggested as he seemed to be slightly worried out of things when being sandwiched by the first and second late on.

Tacarib Bay is unraced on going this lively but his pedigree points towards better ground suiting.

Ribhi is another with compelling claims. Nothing went right for him in the Flying Scotsman Stakes in September when he was thwarted by his track position and finished with running to give.

Don’t be surprised if one of these two colts usurps the favourite in the betting.
Race analysis by Robbie Wilders

'The obvious starting point' for talented Power Of Beauty

One of his 2021 flagbearers Ebro River is due to return to action at Newmarket on Wednesday but Power Of Beauty will be just a second runner for Hugo Palmer from his new Cheshire base.

The son of Slade Power progressed well last season until throwing his race away ahead of the Ascendant Stakes when proving unruly in the stalls.

A gelding operation followed and on the basis of a narrow defeat to Albahr in the Listed Stonehenge Stakes over a mile, Power Of Beauty could have plenty to offer.

Hugo Palmer will give Power Of Beauty his seasonal debut in Newmarket's bet365 Free HandicapCredit: Edward Whitaker

"He's a horse we always liked last year and he surprised us by getting as upset as he did in the stalls at Haydock," said Palmer. "The ground was also far too quick for him that day. We gave him a long break and he’s ready to start back although being a gelding, he's perhaps not quite as far forward in his coats as the colts are.

"I think whatever he does he’ll improve. This is the obvious starting point for him."

What they say

Charlie Appleby, trainer of New Science
New Science has definitely come forward from his run in Dubai. If he brings the best of his two-year-old form to the table, it will make him very competitive.

Karl Burke, trainer of Honey Street
She's disappointed a little bit in her work the last couple of work mornings but she goes there fit. We'll know a bit more about where we'll go for the rest of the year after this. There's only five in the race and she's a Listed winner so this looks the right place to start her. The ground will be fine but she's got to prove she stays the seven [furlongs], I think she will but we'll learn more about her.

Richard Hannon, trainer of Tacarib Bay
The two in front went a bit quick in the Horris Hill. He'll be ridden with a bit more restraint and hopefully he'll run very well. I like the horse a lot.

Marcus Tregoning, trainer of Ribhi
We think he’ll probably get a mile so ideally we’d like a nice even pace, which isn’t guaranteed in such a small field. I can’t remember this race having such a small field. He should handle the ground absolutely fine and he’s in good form. We hope he goes down slowly and saves all his energy for coming back. He’s in good order so let’s hope for a big run.

Tuesday's race previews:

1.50 Newmarket: 'we hope there's a big handicap in him before stepping up to bigger things'

3.00 Newmarket: this could be Godolphin's forgotten horse – and here's why you should take note

3.35 Newmarket: Hello You and Cachet clash again as 1,000 Guineas claims are put on the line

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