HENRY CECIL unleashes 1000 Guineas favourite Sleepytime in today's Fred Darling Stakes at Newbury but his promising filly could be upstaged by Bianca Nera.
The latter, trained by David Leder, ran four times last term, winning the first three and finishing a decent fourth, beaten around four lengths behind Ryafan, in a Group One event at Longchamp in October on her final start.
Successful at Beverley on her debut, the daughter of Salse went on to land the Lowther Stakes at York on her next outing. Then followed her best run when sent to the Group One Moyglare Stud Stakes at the Curragh.
Held up behind the leaders she was continually denied a clear run but once switched inside the final furlong, Bianca Nera quickened nicely to win by half a length from Ryafan.
Possibly below her best in Paris on her final outing, Bianca Nera can put herself right in the Classic picture with victory in this recognised trial.
Geoff Lewis has his team in good form following a disappointing 1996 when the Epsom trainer had only 12 winners and his Eastern Prophets has sound claims in the Newbury Racecourse Handicap.
A useful two year old, the gelding was below his best last year but returned to form with a bang over six furlongs at Kempton last month. Making all on the far side, Lewis' sprinter kept on strongly to deny Sea Deer by half a length after being clear at halfway.
Sea Deer reopposes on 2lb better terms today but the furlong shorter trip should be more suitable for Eastern Prophets who is napped to give Lewis another boost.
Ayr provides a competitive card and the best bet could be Young Kenny in the Lickleyhead Castle Handicap Hurdle over an extended three and a quarter miles. The winner of his last three outings, Peter Beaumont's six year old was very impressive over 25 furlongs at Wetherby on his latest start when trotting up by 16 lengths from Smart Approach.
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