The new Inspiral? Commissioning could prove Gosdens' latest star in Rockfel

Friday: 3.00 Newmarket
Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Rockfel Stakes (Group 2) (Fillies) | 7f | 2yo | ITV4/RTV

Nostrum threw his hat into the Classic ring with an impressive victory in the Tattersalls Stakes on Thursday, and now it's the turn of another once-raced winner to try to do the same.

Commissioning attracted on-course support before her debut in a novice on the July course 55 days ago and could hardly have looked more impressive, scoring by three and a half lengths. The eye test was backed up by a sound time and some smart finishing sectionals.

She was awarded a Racing Post Rating of 95 for that success, which is 1lb higher than Nostrum achieved on his debut at Sandown when you add on the 3lb fillies' allowance.

The well-held fifth is a subsequent winner, so the form also has some substance, and John and Thady Gosden had the outstanding two-year-old filly of last season in Inspiral. Commissioning isn't as good as her yet, but she has the potential to reach a similar level.

This race looks about potential over proven ability, too, because those who have had their chance in top company have largely disappointed. Olivia Maralda is the exception, but her second to Meditate in the Debutante Stakes at the Curragh hardly sets a fearsome standard.

Maybe the biggest danger to Commissioning will be another unexposed winner who has yet to run outside of novice or maiden company in the shape of Eximious, who quickened up well to land a Salisbury maiden last time in what was a sound time for the grade of race.

Her trainer Roger Varian won this with Daahyeh three years ago and his string is flying, following a seven-timer on Saturday with an across-the-card double at Goodwood and Kempton on Wednesday. He also saddles Cell Sa Beela, who was fourth in the May Hill.
Race analysis by Graeme Rodway

Ryan and Amo rekindle relationship

Rossa Ryan is looking forward to riding for Amo Racing once again, with the jockey called up to partner Olivia Maralda in the Rockfel Stakes following their high-profile split this summer.

Ryan left his previous retained owners, whose supremo is football agent Kia Joorabchian, last month, but will renew the association with their Michael O'Callaghan-trained juvenile, while he also rides Persian Force in the Middle Park Stakes on Saturday.

"It was great to get the call back to ride them two," Ryan said. "Obviously there's no hard feelings between me and Kia, and it was quite a lovely surprise to get the call to ride both of them.

"I still speak to Kia on a regular basis and as we both alluded to, we didn't have a falling out at all – this weekend has confirmed that."

Rossa Ryan is back aboard Amo Racing's Olivia MaraldaCredit: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)

Olivia Maralda finished second behind Meditate in the Debutante Stakes on her last start, and Ryan is confident she can go one better.

He said: "The reports are she's in good form at home. I spoke to Michael earlier this week and he was nothing but positive about her.

"It looks like a good race, but it was a great run from her last time and her form is rock-solid. She has a live chance."

What they say

Roger Varian, trainer of Cell Sa Beela and Eximious
Eximious is a nice filly. She'll love conditions and won a usually good maiden very convincingly, although I'm unsure on how strong that form is and might not have been up to that usual standard. However, she was very dominant and deserves to take her chance. Cell Sa Beela has been progressive and ran well in the May Hill two weeks ago. She didn't get home on that ground so 7f on good to firm should be ideal.

Thady Gosden, joint-trainer of Commissioning
She won nicely on her debut on the July course, but this is a step up in grade. She's trained well into the race, but is taking on some more streetwise fillies. This will tell us plenty.

Karl Burke, trainer of Electric Eyes
I'm hopeful of a good run as she's a very nice filly, but she won't want the ground being too firm and might need some rain to arrive.

Charlie Hills, trainer of Sydneyarms Chelsea
We had her in the Moyglare Stud Stakes, but the soft ground went against her, so we've come here instead. She's been pleasing us at home and this looks like a good opportunity. It'll give us a gauge of where fillies like her are at in terms of next year's 1,000 Guineas.
Reporting by Matt Rennie

Friday's race previews:

1.50 Newmarket: Can unlucky Zanbaq benefit from Roger Varian's sequence of success?

2.15 Listowel: Handicap blot? Willie Mullins' summer revelation chases €100,000 pot

2.25 Newmarket: 'She's progressed again' - high hopes Pearl can overturn form with Sea Silk Road

3.35 Newmarket: 'He's well bred and now living up to that' - Tempus out to crack Group 2 company

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