TimeformBlog

The William Haggas-trained Mabaany can get us off to a good start in the opening race of the afternoon (14:10) by landing the odds in what looks an ordinary conditions race. Mabaany finished third on his racecourse debut, behind Zumbi and Glen Moss, in what has transpired into above-average Ascot maiden, before a runaway victory at Chester on his one and only subsequent start. He was still extremely green at Chester and was almost clueless to his task when first asked for his effort, but the way he quickened clear of some fair rivals suggested that he would be plying his trade in pattern company sooner rather than later. He comes from a smart family and obviously has a great deal of potential, so a victory here today should provide the platform for bigger and better things.

Kaafel can hopefully provide Richard Hills with a second winner of the afternoon in the maiden at 15:10. Like many of Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum's horses, Kaafel is extremely well bred, his dam an unraced half sister to high-class performer Muhtathir, and he achieved a similar amount to that one on debut at Newbury. He impressed with the amount of ground he made up in the final furlong at the Berkshire venue, having sat off the pace, closing well in the final stages despite hanging markedly for pressure. Richard Hills will have had first choice of the other Sheikh Hamdan runners for this contest, so the hint that he's chosen Kaafel should be taken.

In the minor event an hour later, it's worth taking a chance on Zoowraa, who at her best should prove herself head and shoulders above today's opposition. An impressive juvenile for the late Michael Jarvis last season, Zoowraa put in an impressive effort to land a listed contest at Newbury by three and a quarter lengths towards the tail-end of the 2010 season. She disappointed on her only start this season, finishing last of sixteen in the French 1000 Guineas, but she had an impossible task on her hands considering the draw and today's contest is a far weaker affair. Silvestre de Sousa is booked for the ride in the absence of Frankie Dettori and, in hot pursuit of the Jockey's Championship, we can rest assured he will give his mount every possible chance.

All at Leicester
Back Mabaany @ 2.74 in the 14:10
Back Kaafel @ 1.71 in the 15:10
Back Zoowra @ 2.38 in the 16:10

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