Two runners at Newmarket tomorrow, so here’s hoping there is plenty of water going on the track

July 10

Fast ground did not prevent Sharp Glance from winning her first handicap at Bangor last Friday, but with barely a drop of rain having fallen in the majority of the country since, Alan, like so many trainers, is “walking his box” as he mulls over whether to give the green light to our quartet who have been declared to run over the next two days.

Alan has always rated Kurakka highly, but, though he was hugely impressive when winning on his turf debut at Haydock in May, he would never have raced on ground as fast as he will encounter in the opener at Newmarket tomorrow, and, remember, Alan pulled Kurakka out of the King George V Handicap at Royal Ascot because he felt the going was too firm.

Even though Kurakka was raised 6lb after Haydock, he still looks to be on a very tempting mark on the July course, but, while Kings Charter and Urban Glimpse will provide stiff opposition, Alan will be awaiting Rossa Ryan’s views on the ground, the jockey having had three rides at Newmarket today.

Underfoot conditions are also a worry for Insanity, who is earmarked for the mile and six furlong Heritage handicap at HQ. Insanity bounced back to last summer’s form when winning at Ayr last month, but again this will be he fastest ground he has experienced.

In contrast, Chester are calling their ground ‘good’ for tomorrow’s meeting, where Daiquiri Bay looks to have a solid chance in the mile and a quarter plus handicap. He ran better than his finishing position suggests at Royal Ascot, and Alan has booked Richard Kingscote, who has a excellent record on the Roodee.

We have just the one runner on Saturday, but it is an interesting one, Brioni flying the flag for Barbury in the prestigious John Smith’s Cup at York, where the ground is also being described as ‘good’,

Rossa Ryan, who won on Brioni at Sandown last time out, is again in the saddle on the Knavesmire, and, though, as always, it is a very competitive handicap, our fellow would look to have an each-way shout.