Take Silver Patriarch to regain the winning thread in the Geoffrey Freer Stakes over an extended 13 furlongs at Newbury today. John Dunlop's high-class performer landed the Group 2 Sagitta Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket on his reappearance and looked set for another good season.
However, things have not quite worked out for the grey. He was unsuited by the slow pace when fourth to Daylami in the Vodafone Coronation Cup at Epsom next time, followed by another fourth place at the highest level behind Daylami in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes at Ascot, where the 1997 St Leger winner could not get going in the short straight.
There should be no such problems at Newbury, particularly over a slightly longer trip, and Silver Patriarch is a confident selection.
The unbeaten Elaflaak can keep her record intact despite a step up in grade for the Listed Swettenham Stud Stakes. She has won both her starts in style and victory in this class would put her in the frame for some of the big autumn prizes.
Volontiers can make the most of a plum draw to land the opening Ladbroke Rated Stakes where Pat Eddery looks an eye-catching booking for Peter Harris's charge.
Further Outlook can continue the recent good record of fancied horses in the William Hill Great St Wilfrid Handicap at Ripon.
Plenty of nice touches have been landed here in the past and as such, the market should be heeded carefully. And significantly, no winner in the past 10 years has started at longer than 12-1.
David Nicholls can do little wrong with his sprinters and though he saddles another two in the race, conditions appear to be coming right for Further Outlook with the recent rain likely to turn the going towards the soft side of good.
Just as importantly, confirmed front-runner Further Outlook has a fine draw in stall three and provided Kevin Darley can get him quickly into pole position on the stands' rail it will take a good one to get past him.
Family Man gets the vote in the Joe Jennings Bookmakers Stakes (Showcase Handicap) at Newmarket. He has been unlucky more than once this season but this race looks tailor-made for him.
Although off the track since seventh in the Royal Hunt Cup from a disadvantageous draw, James Fanshawe will be sure to have him cherry-ripe for this.
