The Generation Game

 

Falmouth Stakes
Newmarket
TIME: 2.40pm, C4 and RUK

LIGHTING UP NEWMARKET

It’s a shame that just the four runners go to post for the featured Etihad Airways Falmouth Stakes Group 1 this afternoon and staggering that no owner in the country wanted the £4,842 for finishing fifth !!

It still should be a decent race and it’s the chance for Sky Lantern to show not only she’s the best of her generation but also that her generation are above average.

She’s officially the best horse in the race with a BHA rating of 119 and has been particularly impressive in winning the 1000 Guineas and most recently the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot where she quickened inside the final furlong to beat outsider Kenhope into second and Irish 1000 Guineas winner Just The Judge into third.

Further down the field, in eighth, was another of today’s rivals, Purr Along, who surely has no chances on turning that form around.

Biggest danger is likely to come from Elusive Kate who ran well in fourth behind Declaration Of War in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot. That was on her belated reappearance and she is entitled to have come on for that run.

French raider Giofra is a real globe trotter but I’ve the feeling the ground might well be a little quick for her today. It was soft when she won this last year.

In summary Sky Lantern. I know she’s short but it’s one of those that looks value at current odds and I think she will prove herself and her generation special today.

STAR FORECAST
(stake between 0.5 and 10 points)
10 point win SKY LANTERN (2.40 Newmarket)

(-6 points Thursday)

GETTING HOTTER

Britain has already been basking in sunshine for over a week but this weekend could bring the hottest day of the year so far.

Temperatures on Friday are expected to reach 27C (80.6F) in some places but it is Saturday that looks like the scorcher.

Forecasters say 32C (89.6F) is possible in southeast England.

In July 2006 Wisley, Surrey, saw the mercury rise to 36.5C (97.7F) after a fortnight-long hot spell.

The Met Office has said there is a 70% probability of heatwave conditions between 12pm on Friday and 8pm on Sunday.