Another squeeze in the lemon? Palmer has high hopes for Encrypted

3.00 Newmarket
bet365 Handicap | 3yo | 6f | ITV3/RUK

A ferociously competitive £100,000 sprint handicap, featuring six last-time-out winners and six graduates of a similarly valuable event at York last month won by Encrypted.

The Hugo Palmer-trained horse got the better of a sustained final-furlong tussle that day with Savalas, who renews rivalry.

Ryan Moore takes over from Josephine Gordon on Encrypted, and Palmer said: “He’s gone up 6lb for York so has to improve. Conditions are almost identical – a big field, £100,000 handicap, six furlongs on fast ground – and Josephine felt she got there a bit soon at York and he idled in front.

"If she’s right there might be another squeeze in the lemon.”

Balding has good record in race

Andrew Balding has won this twice in the last eight years with Dancing Star (2016) and Fireback (2010).

He endeavours to do so again with Foxtrot Lady, who was successful in 6f handicaps at Chester and Carlisle earlier this summer prior to finishing fifth behind Encrypted at York.

Foxtrot Lady (far right): won 6f handicaps at Chester and Carlisle earlier this summerCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

The filly didn’t enjoy the best of luck in running that day, and there appears no reason why her improvement has bottomed out just yet.

Balding said: “She was at the end of a busy period when she ran at York, where she just lacked a bit of zip – although she doesn't have much to find with the York winner.

“This will be her first run in 26 days, so we would hope to see her run a nice race.”

What they say

Tim Easterby, trainer of Staxton
He ran a super race at Newcastle and should have a good chance. He’s come out of that race in great form.

Richard Fahey, trainer of Gabrial The Saint
I’d be a fraction worried about the ground for him because good to firm at York last time didn’t really suit him. He’s a sound horse and in good form, so it’s a good race to have a go at. It’s usually good turf at Newmarket, so he definitely takes his chance.

Clive Cox, trainer of Grand Koonta
It’s a hot race but I hold Grand Koonta in high regard. We’re putting cheekpieces on to keep his concentration.

Brian Meehan, trainer of Tadbir
He has been very consistent all year, winning once and placing in two of his four starts. He has been in great form at home since his last run and should like the drop back to six furlongs. I'm confident of a good performance and he should be in the reckoning.

Richard Hannon, trainer of Buridan and Embour
Buridan scored over course and distance on his penultimate start off a mark of 82 and then followed up with an easy success at Haydock on Saturday. We’re backing him up pretty quickly and he has a 6lb penalty to contend with, but he’s due to go up 10lb so is potentially 4lb well-in. We’ve always thought a great deal of him and he’s progressing nicely. Embour is getting better with every run and I liked the way he finished his race at Newmarket last time. I think he has a fantastic chance under Tom Marquand.

John Gosden, trainer of Jawwaal
He ran well at York the other day, when he was staying on well at the finish and was unlucky not to be placed. Hopefully this stiffer track will play to his strengths.

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