1m (Row) Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai Joel Stakes (Group 2) (Class 1) (3yo+)
The admirable Chindit arrives here in excellent form but I don’t think he can win – he’s got poor form at Newmarket and this is his third run in quick succession. Conversely, Mutasaabeq has excellent course form but hasn’t been running well of late and also shoulders a 3lb penalty. Maljoom could easily turn out the Group One horse in this race but he’s been off a year with issues and has a Champions Day entry so I’d say he will need the run. The Gosden yard have declared both Mighty Ulysses and EPICTETUS and seemingly Frankie has chosen the latter, so I will too. I think he’s an overpriced 6/1 shot as he’s clearly been struggling with middle distances this season and showed improved form when dropping to a mile at Goodwood. His last run didn’t go to plan but the ground was basically heavy and I’m happy to put a line through that and pay more attention to his promising juvenile efforts, where he proven he handles the Rowley Mile when second in the Royal Lodge.
1pt win Epictetus @6/1, 15:35 Newmarket, Friday
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