Punting pointers as Willie Mullins has his first runner at Bath

2.55 Bath
British Stallion Studs EBF Beckford Stakes (Listed) | 1m6f | 3yo+ | Fillies & Mares | ATR

Willie Mullins can tick another destination off his world tour as he has a runner at Bath for the first time in True Self, a wide-margin winner of a Cork maiden a fortnight ago.

Irish champion jockey Colin Keane, who was on board for that nine-length romp, will again be in the saddle, but Mullins is worried Bath may be the wrong way around for his five-year-old.

Mullins said: "We spotted this race and thought it might suit but it looks quite hot.

"She won very nicely at Cork but I'd have preferred another week with her.

"Another worry I do have is that she might be better going right-handed. I don't think she's won left-handed yet. There may or may not be something in that. We'll find out."

O'Brien on black-type hunt

Have fillies, will travel. Joseph O'Brien is keen to get some black-type onto the CVs of High Language and Cascabel to increase their stud value.

Oisin Murphy has been booked for High Language, who has a rating of 94, while David Egan partners Cascabel, who shed her maiden tag at the fourth time of asking in gutsy fashion at Galway last month.

"We're on the hunt for black type," said their trainer. "High Language ran very well in a good Listed race at Galway last time and has been in good form since. She won't mind the ground.

"Cascabel dug deep to win her maiden at Galway and we'd love her to sneak some black type."

Altra Vita goes for seventh win

Many of this year's Flat sensations are being lined up for Ascot on Saturday but, with six wins from seven in 2018, Altra Vita has proved to be a star in her own right.

Having risen a huge 30lb in the weights, the Sir Mark Prescott-trained three-year-old returns to Bath, the venue of her first and third victories of the year.

Altra Vita: seeks a seventh win of the year at BathCredit: John Grossick

She enjoyed the most convincing success of her sextet of wins at Newcastle last time and now makes her first foray into Pattern class.

Assistant trainer William Butler said: "She started off at a lower level but she's improved massively as the year's gone on. Her first two or three wins were hard-fought so the handicapper couldn't do a lot, but now she's starting to show a nice bit of a speed. She's improved a huge amount.

"I thought she looked impressive last time at Newcastle, and she's from a wonderful family we know well – we trained the dam who was a Listed winner in France.

"She's a winner at the track but has got a bit to find on ratings."

Prescott also runs Trouble And Strife, who has improved 'just' 24lb and also steps into Listed class for the first time.

Butler added: "She's a bit similar to Altra Vita. She hasn't won as much but always been in the shake-up. She's a tough filly and it's well worth a shot."

Back-to-back wins for Cumani?

Luca Cumani won this Listed prize with Aljezeera last season and bids for a repeat success with Alwaysandforever.

In the famous blue and orange silks of Michael Tabor, who owns her with Coolmore partners Derrick Smith and John Magnier, the four-year-old was beaten in a photo-finish at this level at Pontefract in June, since when she has not been disgraced in four further runs in Listed class.

Cumani said: "She's very well and she's come back from Galway in very good form. That was in very heavy ground and as long as it isn't any worse than soft it will suit her much better. I think she'll run a very good race."

What they say

Michael Bell, trainer of Graceland
This will probably be her last run. We're hopeful she'll be in the mix to nick a place and some black type.

Clive Cox, trainer of Luire
Luire will appreciate the ease in the ground and hopefully she'll enjoy the track.

William Haggas, trainer of Mam'selle
She should enjoy the ground and seems very well at home. We've been waiting for this race with her for a bit so I'm hoping she'll run well.

Ralph Beckett, trainer of Mistress Quickly
She's in good nick and will like the ground and track. The trip should be fine for her too.

Lucy Wadham, trainer of Galmarley
She's in very good order and done nothing wrong all year. It's her first time on this type of ground but I think she should be fine. I don't think she's drawn very well but we're looking forward to it.

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