13:55 Newbury – Dubai Duty Free Finest Surprise Stakes (Registered as The John Porter Stakes)

Midterm heads the market in what looks a strong renewal of The John Porter Stakes, he carried a huge reputation on his shoulders in 2016, talked up as a potential Derby horse but unfortunately met with injury before a decent enough performance in the Champion Stakes in the autumn.

He may well be value at 2/1 but in such a strong field it’s tempting to look elsewhere.

Recent running’s have gone to those making their seasonal reappearance so recent Doncaster winner Chemical Charge is passed over along with Muntahaa who he had back in third.

Crimean Tatar looked a horse of huge potential when notching a Listed success on the AW in November and Hugo Palmer’s string have been going well over the last fortnight but there’s a suspicion he might lack a bit of experience for this.

The same can’t be said for Second Step who was well campaigned in Group company last season, often coming up short but he’s unbeaten in two trips to Newbury and has left Luca Cumani for Roger Charlton which I would deem a huge positive.

Jamie Spencer gets the ride having previously ridden him to Group One success overseas and at around 10/1 he looks a cracking EW bet.

14:30 Newbury – Dubai Duty Free Stakes (Registered as The Fred Darling Stakes)

The top of the market is dominated by two extremely exciting fillies in the shape of Dabyah and Queen Kindly who put their respective Classic credentials on trial.

The former was wildly impressive in her first two starts before being narrowly beaten in France by the highly touted Wuheida. Lowther winner Queen Kindly, one of Frankel’s smartest progeny should appreciate the return to a flatter track but must prove her stamina having only won over 6f as a two year old.

It’s likely that the pair will dominate the finish but at 6/4 and 9/4 represent little value on their seasonal reappearances.

A few places down in the betting lies the Cheveley Park Stud owned Glitter Girl who had a busy but successful campaign last year finishing the season with a narrow defeat at this track.

Her run prior to that in the Group Three Oh So Sharp Stakes splitting Poet’s Vanity and Unforgetable Filly now looks seriously strong form with those two having gone on to finish second and third in the Nell Gwyn this week.

In the context of this race that’s head and shoulders above what the majority of these have achieved so at 10/1 could represent some serious value given she’s already proven over today’s trip.

15:05 Newbury – JLT Greenham Stakes

While this may not prove to be one of the best running’s of the Greenham there are some decent types on show with the top of the market very tight between four.

The once raced Godolphin pair of Barney Roy and Dream Castle are very much priced up on reputation but having both won their maidens in convincing fashion they’ve every right to be; of the two I’d be keener on Dream Castle with Barney Roy’s form not having worked out quite as well as it could’ve last year and trainer Saeed bin Suroor has been very bullish about his chances.

Irish raider War Secretary comes here following a Listed win at Dundalk last week but it’s likely that Aidan O’Brien is using him as a benchmark for his better colts at home.

Rounding off the top of the market is Zainhom who was only just touched off in a Group Three at the end of last season. On form he should be favourite for this and at 4/1 is likely an each-way bet to nothing.

Of those at longer prices, Via Serendipity stands out as one who could step up in a first time tongue tie; he was third on debut to subsequent Group One winner Rivet and had excuses next time before shedding his maiden status in a strong field at Newmarket.

It is however hard to shake off the impression that the Frankel colt, Dream Castle , made on debut earlier this month so take him to follow in his father’s footsteps en route to Greenham glory at around 3/1.

Selections: 13:55 – Second Step 10/1 14:30 – Glitter Girl 10/1 15:05 – Dream Castle 3/1