Free horse racing betting preview and tips from Simon Holt

16:31 · FRI October 13, 2017

Simon Holt is prepared to give another chance to Limato as he previews Friday's action at Newmarket.

Providing conditions do not deteriorate and turn the ground any softer than a going description of "good", LIMATO is given another chance to show his class in the Group Two Godolphin Stud And Stable Staff Awards Challenge Stakes at Newmarket on Friday.

Henry Candy's smart six/seven furlong campaigner is well known for being ground dependent with a preference for a fast surface, and one assumes he will be withdrawn if the going eases.

It can be argued that Limato has not been quite at his best this season, and one certainly has to forgive his fourth in the Lennox Stakes at Goodwood last time when he appeared to have every chance of justifying favouritism when hitting the front just over a furlong out.

However, a previous second behind Harry Angel in the July Cup, a race he won in brilliant fashion in 2016, looks good enough to take this in receipt of 3lb from Massaat who appears the obvious danger.

2017 Darley July Cup - Harry Angel - Racing UK

With a strong gallop likely courtesy of Gifted Master, Limato's high cruising speed should enable Harry Bentley to sit and wait before delivering a later challenge this time over a distance at which his mount also boasts high-class form having bolted up in last season's Prix de la Foret at Chantilly.

Massaat, runner-up to Galileo Gold in last year's 2000 Guineas on this course, returned from a lay-off to land the Hungerford Stakes at Newbury in August for which he picks up his penalty.

Back in Group One company subsequently, in the Prix de Moulin, he didn't travel anywhere near as well, coming under pressure two furlongs out before being beaten over four lengths into third behind Ribchester.

This return to seven furlongs could well suit Massaat but an on-song Limato would be very hard to beat at the weights.

Earlier, Dark Rose Angel and GAVOTA look closely matched in the Group Three Godolphin Lifetime Care Oh So Sharp Stakes and a line through Nyaleti gives the former a small edge.

Dark Rose Angel finished just in front of Nyaleti when going down by a head to Laurens in the May Hill Stakes at Doncaster (1m) last month whereas Gavota was a length and a half behind the same horse in the recent the Rockfel Stakes over this course and distance a fortnight ago.

However, the Roger Charlton-trained selection, who was taking a big step up in class that day after two impressive victories in minor company, was unable to find a clear run over a furlong out before rattling home in eye-catching fashion.

With Dark Rose Angel now dropping back in trip, Gavota is fancied to come out on top given better luck in running.

The possible spoke in the wheel is Aidan O'Brien's I Can Fly, who jumps up in class following a winning debut at Dundalk.

With the Group One bet365 Fillies Mile seemingly dominated by the two O'Brien-trained fillies Magical and Happily (joined by stable companion September) who have beaten each other this season but look well clear of the opposition on form, it might be worth banking on TORCELLO to continue his improvement in the competitive bet365 Old Rowley Handicap.

Andrew Balding's front-running colt ran out an impressive all-the-way winner over the course and distance last time for which he picks up a 6lb penalty, but he is 2lb well-in compared to his future, reassessed handicap rating.

Torcello seen winning last time

It's possible Torcello will be taken on for the lead by Hochfeld but the Mark Johnston-trained son of Cape Cross makes a quick reappearance after finishing third behind the promoted Raheen House at Ascot last Friday and he shapes like more of a stayer with his last three outings being over a mile and six furlongs.

There are plenty of progressive types in the field but, in his current form, Torcello could take some pegging back in the hands of Oisin Murphy.