Turf Talk: Sutter County's class should shine through at Newcastle

Sutter County under the stewardship of William Buick on the way to winning the Ben Burgess & Co EBF Novice Stakes at Newmarket last April.

Mark Johnston’s three-year-old looked a seriously exciting prospect when bolting up on his Wolverhampton debut last March and earned himself a step up in grade by landing a novice event at Newmarket’s Craven meeting. He looked to have his limitations exposed in Listed and Group company later in the season, but has been running consistently well on the all-weather in recent months, most recently being narrowly beaten by the useful Tomily at Lingfield. There is nothing of that standard in this field, with Sutter County well clear on official ratings, and it will be bitterly disappointing if he is unable to make the most of what looks a gilt-edged opportunity.

The Betway Handicap is significantly more competitive, with Petite Jack fancied to continue his progression. Neil King’s youngster ran terribly on his hurdling debut at Newton Abbot during the summer and his return to the level at Epsom did not yield much improvement.

However, he has been reinvigorated back on the all-weather, rising from a mark of 73 to 90 after completing a hat-trick at Lingfield. His latest impressive display suggested he has not stopped improving yet and with confidence high, he should make his presence felt once more.

The Sir Mark Prescott-trained Boost rates the best bet at Wolverhampton.

The daughter of Pivotal confirmed the promise of successive placed efforts with a runaway success at Dunstall Park a month ago and does not look badly treated on a mark of 77 in the 32Red.com Handicap.

Colin’s Sister can continue her rise through the ranks with victory in the Weatherbys GSB Goes Online Jane Seymour Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at Sandown.

SOBOT’S SELECTIONS

FAKENHAM: 1.30 Lake Chapala, 2.00 Zeroeshadesofgrey, 2.30 Stowaway Magic, 3.00 The Fresh Prince, 3.35 Petite Power, 4.05 Mr Madeit, 4.40 State Sovereignty.

NEWCASTLE: 2.20 Bowban, 2.50 SUTTER COUNTY (NAP), 3.25 Petite Jack (next best), 3.55 After Toniight, 4.25 Footlight, 4.55 Worlds His Oyster, 5.25 Fairway To Heaven.

SANDOWN: 1.40 Movie Legend, 2.10 Sir Note, 2.40 Colin’s Sister, 3.15 Rathlin Rose, 3.45 Early Du Lemo, 4.15 Twenty Eight Guns, 4.45 Quarenta.

WOLVERHAMPTON: 5.45 Hidden Gem, 6.15 Tricorn, 6.45 Hallstatt, 7.15 School Run, 7.45 Boost, 8.15 Favorite Girl.