10 colts remained in contention for the Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket on Monday morning ahead of Saturday’s Group 1.
Among those was the unbeaten Inner City Blues for Godolphin and Charlie Appleby. The Blue Point colt looked full of promise when dying inexperience on debut at York in June. Despite racing keenly in rear then switching left to race into a headwind without cover, he won with some authority.
Inner City Blues backed that up in the July Stakes in good style, albeit in a 3-runner field. Charlie Appleby told the Press Association, via At The Races: “I worked him last week up at Newmarket and he worked well. I was pleased and he needed it as well as he’s been dormant since the July Stakes.”
Appleby, who is seeking a hat-trick in the contest, concluded: “That has definitely brought him forward and from what I’ve seen the last week he’s definitely back on his A-game. I’m looking forward to it.”
Aidan O’Brien has won the race three times in the last 10 years and heads the market with Great Barrier Reef. The No Nay Never colt was three from three at the start of the season, including landing the Coventry Stakes. He was a beaten favourite in the Round Tower Stakes next time out, albeit by a neck with the yard under a cloud.
Orthodox looked highly promising when following up his maiden success with victory in the Norfolk Stakes. However, he took a step back when comfortably beaten in the Prix Morny, albeit by an impressive winner.
Push The Boat Out remained unbeaten when taking the scalp of Great Barrier Reef. His form beating Marco Polo on debut now reads well, and Ace Stud’s have acquired the promising Kodi Bear colt.
Folsom Blues was also confirmed despite his dominant display over seven furlongs in the National Stakes. He was defeated over six on his penultimate start, albeit only by the freakish Sun Goddess.
Marco Polo bounced back from Gimcrack disappointment when a five length winner at Cork. He was due to run in Listed company at Fairyhouse on Monday evening, suggesting he may turn up here.
O’Brien also confirmed Richmond Stakes winner Man’s Best Friend, disappointing Coventry favourite Confucius, and well beaten Norfolk favourite Orthodox.
Hell Of A Spin brings up the rear end of the market, and could well be overlooked on his Gimcrack form.