'We've targeted this race' - can Tis Marvellous win the Beverley Bullet again?

Saturday: 2.40 BeverleyWilliam Hill Beverley Bullet Sprint Stakes (Listed) | 3yo+ | 5f | ITV/RTV

Twelve months ago Tis Marvellous turned this race into a procession. He pulled clear of his rivals by three and three-quarter lengths and that is about as dominant as it gets at five furlongs.

Paul Hanagan rode Tis Marvellous that day and is on again. If he can coax the gelding back to similar form, this could again be a one-horse race because he is miles clear on both Racing Post Ratings and Topspeed figures. However, that is quite a big 'if' now aged eight.

Tis Marvellous also hasn't shown the same form this season. He was beaten four lengths on his seasonal reappearance in the Palace House at Newmarket and then failed to get within eight lengths of Nature Strip at Ascot, a track which should suit him ideally.

In fact, any course with a stiff uphill finish is perfect for Tis Marvellous. He would probably be at his best over five and a half furlongs were there a race for him, so a testing five is ideal.

He has been given 74 days to recover from his Ascot effort and has been trained with an autumn campaign in mind, which makes sense given he peaked at this time last year. If he reproduces his best he'll win, but regular rider Adam Kirby has gone to Newmarket instead.

Korker is another who has been ditched by his regular partner. Clifford Lee opts to go to Goodwood to partner Bright Diamond instead and Ben Curtis is on the Karl Burke-trained runner for the first time, which is a concern because Korker has a habit of starting slowly and Curtis will need to be on his game.

The final word goes to another habitual slow-starter, Mondammej. He finished ahead of Korker at York when they last met and at least regular rider Cam Hardie hasn't jumped ship.
Race analysis by Graeme Rodway

Mondammej out to gain elusive first Listed success

The late-charging Mondammej has struggled in handicaps off a high rating but connections hope the return to Listed company could bring about an improved performance.

The last time the Antony Brittain-trained five-year-old tackled this level he finished runner-up to Royal Aclaim, who went off favourite for last week's Nunthorpe, and he was also in the placings in the Group 2 Temple Stakes in May.

"We've tried him at a higher level this year but this race seems to be more his level," Brittain said. "He was second in a Listed race at York last month and he was fourth in the Temple Stakes. He also was second at Listed level at Lingfield earlier in the year when things didn't go right for him – he probably should've won that."

Mondammej (centre) bids for a first pattern-level success in Saturday's Beverley BulletCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Mondammej makes his first start at Beverley and Brittain believes his chances are strengthened by the drying conditions, despite being 8lb worse off on official ratings to last year's winner Tis Marvellous.

He said: "The fact that the rain has stopped is going to help us, particularly if it starts to dry out. He struggles in handicaps at the moment obviously with his rating so Listed races are more suitable to him.

"On the ratings there are still a few above us that we have to beat and it seems a competitive little race, but he seems in good order and we take our chance."

What they say

Stuart Williams, trainer of Existent
He's in great from. I thought he ran well at Goodwood last time out despite it not panning out for him as we hoped. He's a hold-up horse, so we've got to get through the field which is always fraught with danger but I'd rather be drawn in stall two than 12. I hope he's got a decent chance.

Mick Appleby, trainer of King Of Stars
He ran a blinder at York and if he runs a similar kind of race I think he could break first. He's run well at Beverley before so the track won't be a problem. It's the ground that is the main concern, if they get anymore rain he may not run. We could've done with a better draw as well.

Clive Cox, trainer of Tis Marvellous
He goes there to defend last year's success when he broke the course record. We've targeted this race since last year as he liked the track so much. With his excellent profile, even though he's getting older, he's been slightly top-end in the handicaps, so we're looking forward to a Listed contest. He runs well fresh and he goes up there in excellent form. We're delighted Paul Hanagan is on board again.

Ed Walker, trainer of Tenaya Canyon
She's been unlucky not to win a Listed race this year, but she's been in pretty good form. The race looks very competitive, but on her best form she can be there or thereabouts.
Reporting by Harry Wilson

Saturday previews:

1.50 Goodwood: can Charlie Appleby complete a quickfire hat-trick of juvenile Group-race wins?

3.00 Goodwood: 'We have him in a good place' – Boughey confident in St Leger hope Hoo Ya Mal

3.15 Newmarket: 'He's never had any luck in heritage handicaps, so we're aiming a bit higher'

3.35 Goodwood: 'He has a good chance' – Charlie Hills eyeing glory with unlucky Mutasaabeq

4.15 Curragh: 'He's in the form of his life' - Harrington seeks second Cambridgeshire success

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