Newmarket July meeting

The three day July meeting at Newmarket got underway on Thursday with Nostrum producing a smart performance on his belated reappearance in the Listed Sir Henry Cecil Stakes. Sir Michael Stoute's colt hadn't been seen since finishing third in the Group 1 Dewhurst Stakes last Autumn following a setback in the spring. The son of Kingman was prominent throughout under Ryan Moore and he quickened away inside the final furlong to win decisively by three lengths. Entered in the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood early next month, he looks ready for a return to the highest level and is an exciting prospect for the second half of the campaign. Interestingly, both his trainer and jockey feel he will stay ten furlongs in time.

Even allowing for the fact Nostrum was impressive, it was disappointing to see both Mostabshir and Imperial Emperor finish only fourth and fifth respectively. The former may benefit from dropping back to seven furlongs, while the latter evidently needs further because he couldn't muster the speed to challenge. Charlie Appleby's colt must be better than he showed here and one wonders whether the 'bounce' factor came into the equation. It is only 19 days since he, too, made his return to action this summer following a setback in the spring.

While the Top 40 were out of luck on Thursday, there were a couple of winners for the Maidens In Waiting section during the evening. Tony Montana outclassed his opponents in the ten furlongs novice stakes at Newbury, making all the running. Unplaced in the Group 3 Hampton Court Stakes at Royal Ascot, the son of Kingman was always in control before scoring by two and a half lengths. His rider Kieran Shoemark feels the colt will stay twelve furlongs and could be an interesting proposition for three year old handicaps. The improving Shamida (100/30) was given a beautiful ride by Chris Hayes to lead close home in the Group 3 Stanerra Stakes at Leopardstown. The Australia filly won her maiden at the same track over a mile and a half and relished the extra two furlongs here. Trained by Dermot Weld, she has a lot of potential and the Group 2 Park Hill Stakes at Doncaster (14th September) is expected to be her next target.

Clive Cox sent out three juvenile winners on Thursday, including Jasour in the Group 2 July Stakes at Newmarket. The Lambourn trainer reportedly runs an above average type at York on Friday (3.15). Symbology is a daughter of Havana Grey and she holds an entry in the Group 2 Lowther Stakes at the same venue next month. A full-sister to Group 2 winner El Caballo, her stable's two year olds couldn't be in better form.