RACECARDS
The Mandarin’s Saturday Selections for 29th June 2024

The Mandarin’s Saturday Selections from The Curragh & Newmarket
The Curragh
Airlie Stud Stakes (Group 2) (Fillies) 2.20
California Dreamer
Adrian Murray’s California Dreamer ran a cracker in the Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot last week, and can go in here with a repeat of that level. That was a fiercely competitive Fillies’ Group 3, won by the smart prospect Fairy Godmother, and her fifth place could have been even better but for some greenness still evident. On that basis, she can only come on if keeping her mind on the job, so David Egan will be keen to keep her in a straight line coming out of Stall 2. The Ballydoyle pair of January and Truly Enchanting will give California Dreamer most to think about, but she’s got a good draw and should go close
Al Basti Equiworld Dubai International Stakes (Group 3) 2.55
Bolster (nb)
A great race in store as the impressive Maiden scorer Jan Brueghel looks to impose himself on this Group 3 contest. This Galileo colt is up against plenty of experienced types here, notably Joseph O’Brien’s Trustyourinstinct, and Ger Lyons Ulysses filly Wendla, but the vote goes to British raider Bolster from Karl Burke’s in-form yard. This Invincible Spirit colt has returned a better model this term, notching up a brace of wins at Pontefract and Epsom over this trip, so the hat-trick is on the cards for the Spigot Lodge handler. Jan Brueghel took no prisoners on his debut over course and distance last month, so has to be respected, while Wendla should appreciate this new trip. However, Bolster should make the trip over worthwhile for Karl Burke, with Chris Hayes up top adding to the appeal
Cairn Community Games Pretty Polly Stakes (Group 1) (Fillies & Mares) 3.30
Bluestocking (nap)
Ralph Beckett’s Bluestocking can land the feature, chiefly at the expense of fellow British raider Emily Upjohn. This Camelot filly was fourth in the Yorkshire Oaks last year, 3 lengths behind winner Warm Heart with Free Wind in second, but improved to beat Free Wind in the Fillies & Mares Stakes at Ascot’s Champions Day meeting, and began this campaign with a dominant 6 length victory in the Middleton Stakes back at York, with Free Wind behind again. More to come at the top level, and hard to oppose

Newmarket
Maureen Brittain Memorial Empress Fillies’ Stakes (Listed) 2.15
Teej A
The winner of the Woodcote Stakes at Epsom, a Conditions race, should prove too strong for Ralph Beckett’s costly filly, Tales From The Heart. Although Tales From The Heart got the job done on her debut under rules at Kempton Park, racing experience should count for plenty on Teej A’s fourth start, while there’s no doubting Karl Burke’s form this season, and the Spigot Lodge handler has a progressive one in his yard here. It’s a new challenge with quicker ground on Newmarket’s July course, but Teej A gets our vote
JCB Fred Archer Stakes (Listed) 2.50
King Of Conquest
It’s hard to ignore the credentials of King Of Conquest for this Listed race, especially with the trainer and Jockey combination of Charlie Appleby and William Buick here at headquarters. This should be bread and butter fodder for the Moulton Paddocks yard, with recent form over the re-opposing Aimeric confirming favouritism for Charlie Appleby’s Lope De Vega gelding. Harry Eustace’s hat-trick seeking Crystal Delight is feared most, but King Of Conquest gets the nudge
Plantation Stud Criterion Stakes (Group 3) 3.25
Tiber Flow
Tiber Flow looks easy to back for this Group 3 contest, after an impressive win in the John Of Gaunt at Haydock Park three weeks back. This Caravaggio gelding gives weight to the rest of the field here, but certainly appreciated the return to 7 furlongs when scoring last time out, and drawn next to Pogo, who was a length and a half behind in the John Of Gaunt, should have a pace angle to lead him into the race, with Charlie Appleby’s Noble Dynasty likely to set the early fractions. Tiber Flow to win, with Pogo to follow him home, and Noble Dynasty in the mix for minor honours
The Mandarin
