Rain should suit Purr along in Qipco Falmouth stakes
That should suit four-year-old Purr Along (pictured under Jamie Spencer) - who is owned by Qatar Racing and Newsells Park Stud - when she lines up in today's feature race, the Gr.1 QIPCO Falmouth Stakes (2.40). She is set to be joined at the start by the Qatar Racing-owned Kiyoshi, a Royal Ascot winner last year, although that filly has never raced on ground that is soft.
Charlie Hills trains Kiyoshi, while Purr Along is in the care of Johnny Murtagh, who reported: "She came out of the Royal Ascot race very well."
Murtagh was referring to the filly's run in the Gr.2 Duke Of Cambridge Stakes, in which she finished third, beaten four lengths by the winner, Integral. That rival heads betting on today's race, but she is another who has yet to tackle a race on soft ground. Another key runner, Sky Lantern, who was second in the QIPCO Falmouth Stakes last year, could be withdrawn if trainer Richard Hannon feels the going is unsuitably easy, although Rizeena is another tough nut who should handle conditions.
She had Kiyoshi in rear when winning the Gr.1 Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot on her latest start.
Two horses - Gamesome (3.15) and Royal Battalion (4.25) - who were due to carry Qatar Racing colours have been withdrawn from today's Newmarket card by trainer Olly Stevens, although Green Door represents his yard at Chester this evening (7.15).
Victories for either Purr Along or Kiyoshi in today's big race at Newmarket would result in a new leader in the Qatar Racing 8 to Follow competition - Tristan Wootton would leap from joint-14th into pole position if Kiyoshi wins, while Jack Cantillon would ascend from joint-18th to the number one spot if Purr Along lands the prize.
For the latest positions, go to the 8 to Follow website (www.8tofollow.co.uk) or click on the 8 to Follow logo on this site.
The Qatar Racing 8 to Follow competition raises money for the charity Racing Welfare (www.racingwelfare.co.uk), which provides help for people from the racing and breeding industries in need.