Hand of God (3.40) has the necessary punch for the bet365 Cambridgeshire. He looked likely to progress into a Group-race performer when winning both his races as a three-year-old in 2024.
It didn’t happen for him last year but he has been firmly back on track this year. Whatever was ailing him was well behind him when he made a promising return to action in Newbury’s Spring Cup from a poor draw.
Impressive form at Newbury and York
There was a huge amount to like about the way he took apart a decent field to land a 1m2f Newbury handicap and he bettered that victory when second in the competitive John Smith’s Cup at York in July.
It was no disgrace to finish sixth behind subsequent Irish Champion Stakes runner-up Wimbledon Hawkeye in a Group 3 contest at Deauville last month and his class gives him a great chance in this prestigious Newmarket handicap. His proven stamina is another asset. Have 1pt each-way at 9-1. Sky Bet is paying out on seven places.
Next of Kin and Stargazed selections
The card kicks off with a nursery handicap for fillies where Next of Kin (1.22) has solid claims. She didn’t get the breaks on her handicap debut when upped to today’s 7f trip for the first time at Newbury last weekend.
It didn’t help that she was racing away from the main action towards the far side of the track and she met trouble when trying to close from the rear.
Her previous form in novice sprints promised plenty for the future. She kicked off her career with a decent third at Newbury and she made all the running when breaking her duck with a defeat of subsequent winner Myesme at Ayr.
A more prominent ride over this longer distance should see her bounce back to form. Have 1pt each-way at 9-1. A couple of firms are offering four places. The ground is likely to be on the soft side at Haydock. That will suit Stargazed (2.10).
She missed the break at York’s Ebor Festival last month and she did well to finish eighth in a race that could not have worked out any better. Unhelpful stalls had hampered her progress earlier in the season but she has, finally, plenty in her favour today. Have 2pts each-way at 22-1. Plenty of firms go four places.
