1pt ew Tiercel @20/1, Newmarket 14:35

Hugo Palmer’s Gifted Master makes a quick reappearance for this mile Group Three after routing a decent field at Newmarket last weekend. He broke like a bullet and didn’t slow down, winning by a handful of lengths. Whether that took anything out of him remains to be seen but it was quick ground on the day and looks likely to be a touch slower on Saturday which, combined with the step up in trip, could ask a lot of his stamina under similar tactics.

Last time out the joint-favourite, Beacon Rock, was off the bridle a long way from home in a Curragh Group Two but probably would have won with more luck in the running. The Ryan Moore effect has shrunk his price, though, and I’m not having 10/3.

Sharing favouritism is Ibn Malik, who followed up a close second to Galileo Gold at Goodwood before chasing home the potentially exceptional Emotionless at Doncaster. Whichever way you look at it, he got thoroughly routed and it’s a shame Charlie Appleby’s rising star runs 35 minutes later on the card as it’d give a clearer picture of the form. Right now, I’ve not seen anything to get excited about and you’d imagine Hugo Palmer will have a good read on the form as he saddled the winner at Goodwood.

Special Season possibly wants it softer but it’s Roger Varian’s Tiercel who catches the eye at a big price. Once-raced, he ran well when third in a close finish in his debut at Sandown (good to soft), travelling like the best horse but perhaps getting outstayed by race-fit opposition the final furlong. Better ground should help and there’s enough scope for improvement to make a mockery of his 20/1 price so he makes plenty of each-way appeal.

We wouldn’t begrudge you a bet on Gifted Master at 7/2 as he looks comfortably the race’s class horse.

1pt ew Tiercel @20/1, Newmarket 14:35 (various)

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