Conditions looking good for Joyeaux to celebrate
The Ollie Pears-trained mare is not too shabby a performer on her day, as neatly illustrated by her recent start at Nottingham.
Reverting to five furlongs proved a sage decision as the seven-year-old stayed on nicely to finish an admittedly well-held second behind Solemn.
That effort still represented a sharp return to form – especially as the third that day, Mazzola, has since performed laudably at Ayr.
Joyeaux, who has posted her best performances with cut in the ground, was intriguingly the subject of plenty of market support that day.
With conditions made to measure, it would be of no surprise to envisage the daughter of Mark Of Esteem being all the rage in the build-up to this five-furlong event.
Perhaps crucially, a meagre 1lb extra on her back will be clinically offset by the appointment of star 3lb claimer Frederik Tylicki.
Look out in the finale for Kyzer Chief, who can consolidate upon a fine effort at Redcar in division two of the Come Racing Again Next Tuesday Handicap.
Ronnie Barr's sprinter is hardly the most prolific of speedsters, but gave every indication at the Tees Valley circuit that his turn is near.
Kyzer Chief held every chance one furlong from home in a tight handicap but was just bustled out of it and came home fifth.
Although he would not appreciate any further deterioration in ground conditions, the first-time visor could prove the difference.
Kyzer Chief is, after all, exceedingly well handicapped on his best form.
Strike Up The Band looks the star turn at Southwell.
Dandy Nicholls' six-year-old has not had the best of seasons, but takes a significant descent in class in Nottinghamshire.
The son of Cyrano De Bergerac has often gone toe to toe with some of the best sprinters in the game.
That was the case on his last start when Nicholls thought him worthy enough for a place in the Prix de l'Abbaye line-up.
With similar Group One-winning rivals noticeable by their absence in the southwell-racecourse.co.uk Conditions Stakes, a return to form can be confidently predicted.
Trip The Light is a whole-hearted stayer and has a prime opportunity of doubling up in the Rotary Club of Mapperley Handicap.
Richard Fahey's four-year-old struck by a narrow margin at York last time in the manner of a horse who is back on top of his game.
A 5lb penalty makes life tougher, but he has proven form over this trip and should go well for his excellent connections.
Longliner is taken to do the business in division one of the EBF Maiden Stakes at Yarmouth.
The Irish Derby entry impressed when third on his debut at Salisbury and should have improved.
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