1pt win Ultimate Avenue @5/1, 14:35 Newmarket, Saturday

In the shadows of the Epsom meeting and prior to Royal Ascot, the racing calendar can feel a little thinner in terms of quality. But there is still plenty of competitive action this afternoon to get stuck into at the Rowley Mile.

Eastern Impact has not had a victory since October 2015 and he is dangerously well-handicapped as a result. He enjoys his trips to Newmarket and with the eye-catching booking of Ryan Moore on-board, he looks certain to go off favourite.

But I can’t have Eastern Impact at 3/1, he should be much a bigger price on recent evidence – even excusing his latest run over 7f – as he hasn’t looked like breaking his baron spell for a while.

There should be a decent challenge from Gunmetal who won in taking style for his new connections. However a 5lb rise makes this much tougher for the grey.

Ultra-consistent Baron Bolt has been so unfortunate not to get his head in front of late, finishing second on each of the last four occasions.

This may be the day Baron Bolt tastes success again. But he continues to creep further up the handicap as a result of his good form and was raised another 2lbs for his most recent performance.

The horse that finished three lengths behind, and perhaps the most interesting contender in this handicap is for in-form trainer Ed Walker, who saddles ULTIMATE AVENUE.

Ultimate Avenue finished his two-year-old campaign in the Group 3 Tattersalls Stakes here at Newmarket over 7f. He put in a respectable effort that day against several horses that have gone on to win multiple black-type races.

After a promising opening season, Ultimate Avenue disappointed by and large as a three-year-old. His best performance actually came over course and distance when an unlucky 3/19 on good ground off just a 1lb lower mark than what he races off today.

He showed plenty of promise on his comeback run from both wind and gelding operations three weeks ago behind Baron Bolt and gets a three pounds swing in-the-weights. Baron Bolt had a fitness advantage at Newbury so it’s possible the form can be turned around.

If they have sorted out Ultimate Avenue’s breathing then there is every chance he can come on for that run and more generally as a four-year-old given he has only had seven starts on turf in his career.

1pt win Ultimate Avenue @5/1, 14:35 Newmarket, Saturday

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