Millar's Method: Tips for the Middle Park and Cheveley Park at Newmarket

If a short-priced play isn't your idea of a good bet, especially on a competitive day of racing, make sure you have a second look at Ross Millar's selections.

2.25 Newmarket, 6f Group 1 Juddmonte Cheveley Park Stakes

After her game Flying Childers win at Doncaster, where she finished strongly to head the high-class The Platinum Queen in the final few strides, Trillium looks ready for this return to six furlongs. 

Richard Hannon’s filly has already won over this trip - she shed her maiden tag in impressive style over six at Newbury on her second start - but she races exuberantly and the extra distance at Newmarket will fully test her stamina. I expect her to travel powerfully into the race but I have concerns that her eagerness may leave her vulnerable to a strong finisher.

One filly that has been underestimated in the market is Mawj, providing you can forgive her below-par run in the Lowther. York doesn’t suit some horses and, given that she has already beaten the shorter-priced Lezoo over this trip in the Duchess Of Cambridge and that she ran Meditate close at Royal Ascot, she looks like a solid place play.

From a win perspective, Meditate might be the one. She lost her unbeaten record last time in the Moyglare Stakes when her stamina was stretched over seven furlongs on soft ground, but she ran with credit behind the exceptional Tahiyra and the pair drew a long way clear of the rest.

Aidan O’Brien spoke after the race about her speed, so this drop back in trip looks a wise move. Her form over six includes a comfortable Albany Stakes victory at Royal Ascot, and is undoubtedly the best on offer.  You can expect her to finish too powerfully for Trillium.

Selections: Meditate @ 3.15, Mawj @ 23

3.00 Newmarket, 6f Group 1 Juddmonte Middle Park Stakes

This race is full of high-quality colts. Let’s start with Persian Force, who won the Group 2 July Stakes at this track back in July. I thought he laboured to victory there and has looked mildly regressive since, and even though he is now reunited with regular pilot Rossa Ryan, he’ll need to take a big step forward to land this prize.

Marshman was heavily backed before the Gimcrack at York and delivered a solid display, though he had no answer for the impressive Noble Style. Prior to that he had run out a wide-margin winner at Thirsk, though it is worth noting that the runner-up has since been beaten in a handicap off a mark of 73. 

Marshman has been visually immature in all of his starts - he reared as the stalls opened on debut and has hung in the closing stages on every start - so he will be tested on the Rowley mile, which requires balance and professionalism. While he might step forward, I think he needs to.

Blackbeard might be a little bit crazy, much like the pirate that shares his name. But once the gates open he’s the model professional - he drops the bridle and races nicely.

He comfortably mastered Persian Force last time at Deauville and has looked progressive with each of his seven starts. It is a mild concern that his busy campaign might catch up with him at some point, but I’m hopeful that he will put his vast experience to good use and prove too tough to pass.

Selection: Blackbeard @ 3.65

4.25 Haydock, 7f Paramount Digital Nursery Handicap

Drafted might be added to my list of cliff horses sooner rather than later (we all have them). 

He caught my eye when he looked clueless for large parts of his debut before staying stoutly at York, but his next two runs weren’t so promising. However, after a gelding operation, he took a step back in the right direction when third over this course and distance last time. 

Drafted broke smartly but was shuffled back when posted wide on the first bend. He then hit a flat spot at the three-furlong pole before he flew home late to only just be denied. He gets to race off the same mark, and a repeat performance can land this contest.

Selection: Drafted @ 6

Recommended bets

Meditate (2.25 Newmarket) @ 3.15
Mawj (2.25 Newmarket) @ 23
Blackbeard (3.00 Newmarket) @ 3.65
Drafted (4.25 Haydock) @ 6