'We expect some improvement' - can anyone challenge Godolphin trio in Group 3?

Saturday: 1.40 Newbury
Dubai Duty Free Legacy Cup Stakes (Group 3) | 1m3f | 3yo+ | ITV4/RTV

The Legacy Cup was established in 1997 as the 'Arc Trial' but had its name changed in 2013 as that audacious billing was never justified. Of the past ten winners, Desert Encounter and Hillstar were the only horses who landed top-level prizes and both were weak affairs for the grade at Woodbine in Canada.

This race will have no bearing on Longchamp next month but is an interesting Group 3 in its own right and Godolphin are responsible for the first three in the betting. Each is a son of Dubawi and Saeed bin Suroor's representative Dubai Future is preferred over Charlie Appleby's pair Siskany and Kemari. This 1m3f trip looks sharp enough for these proven stayers.

Dubai Future disappointed slightly when third in the Sky Bet York Stakes behind Sir Busker and Dubai Honour last time, but the form was franked with strong efforts from that pair in defeat behind the brilliant Baaeed in the Juddmonte International.

If Dubai Future returns to the form of his three-length success in the Wolferton at Royal Ascot two starts ago he is the one to beat. The Racing Post Rating of 119 he recorded there is bettered only by Siskany in this field and a RPR of 117 has been good enough to land nine of the past ten runnings.

There are others to consider at bigger prices and both like Newbury. Max Vega's high-class track form means you can never rule him out, even if he has run woefully below par on his previous three outings.

Stay Alert rates a more interesting contender as soft ground in a strong Lancashire Oaks last time might have been a culture shock to this lightly raced filly. Her previous Listed success here and close second to subsequent dual Group 1 winner Nashwa read excellently, and she receives all the allowances as a three-year-old filly.
Race analysis by Robbie Wilders

Solid Stone in 'good shape' ahead of repeat bid

It has been an important year for Solid Stone in his role as lead horse for his more illustrious Derby-winning stablemate Desert Crown.

That is not to say Solid Stone has been merely relegated to that role, with the six-year-old having captured the Group 2 Huxley Stakes at Chester in the spring.

Solid Stone also landed this race last year when gamely defeating Foxes Tales by a neck having been headed.

He has to shoulder a 5lb penalty this time around but Bruce Raymond, racing manager for owner Saeed Suhail, was able to offer an upbeat assessment of the horse.

Solid Stone (right): bidding to repeat last year's winCredit: Edward Whitaker

"He's working well at home at the moment, better than I have seen him work for some time," Raymond said. "He's going into the race in good shape and we're hopeful he'll run well as a result."

Desert Crown has not been seen since winning the Derby at Epsom in June for Solid Stone's trainer Sir Michael Stoute and jockey Richard Kingscote, with a foot injury ruling him out for the season.

Raymond added: "Desert Crown's fine. He's been turned out here at Dalham Hall for the last couple of weeks having a good pick of grass and he seems very happy. Michael came up to see him on Wednesday and he's happy with how he's doing. We're looking forward to next year with him."

What they say

Saeed bin Suroor, trainer of Dubai Future
Dubai Future is a horse who always tries hard. He has been in excellent form over the summer, and a mile and three furlongs looks a nice distance for him. I'm hoping for another good run.

Richard Hannon, trainer of Fancy Man
I thought he ran well in the Ebor. He's a solid, Group-race performer who gets the trip. Newbury is a nice track for him and he is fit and ready to go.

Charlie Appleby, trainer of Kemari and Siskany
Kemari has put up two solid performances behind Rebel's Romance, who has since won a Group 1 in Germany. We feel that dropping back a furlong should suit and he goes into this in good shape. Siskany is making his first European start of the year but he looks great and has been training well. We expect some improvement from the run, although the ground and trip will play to his strengths.

William Haggas, trainer of Lysander
He's been off since Ascot, but is in good shape and is ready to go. I hope he'll run well.
Reporting by Peter Scargill

Saturday previews:

2.15 Newbury: 'This is much easier - she'll go close' - who is confident for wide-open sprint?

2.30 Ayr: Early pace could prove key to breaking Tim Easterby's Silver Cup stranglehold

2.50 Newbury: 'He could be a dark horse' - analysis and key quotes for the Mill Reef

3.05 Ayr: Clive Cox hopes 'thriving' filly can follow Harry Angel's improvement arc

3.40 Ayr: 'I'm not sure he's streetwise enough' - Haggas on Ayr Gold Cup favourite

3.55 Gowran Park: Analysis and key quotes as Magic Chegaga bids to continue brilliant season

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