Juddmonte International at Newmarket

Newmarket yesterday staged higly successgul renewals of York´s Grpoup One races and will stage the third today at 16.35, the biggest race of the week, the Juddmonte International over 10 furlongs, the centrepiece of a huge card (9 races) with some huge fields. Both Irish superstars Duke of Marmalade (Aidan O´Brien/ Johnny Murtagh) and New Approach (Jim Bolger/ Kevin Manning) and the clash between arguably the best 4yo and best 3yo in Europe makes this one of the top racing events of 2008. Duke of Marmalade has done wrong this year, winning all 4 starts, all at Group One level, including the King George last time out, while New Approach has not run since his narrow but impressive win in the Derby at Epsom. Last year the Derby winner beat the King George winner in this event and we expect the same result this time around. It would be quite amazing if a third party should win this, but Henry Cecil´s pair Phoenix Tower (Ted Durcan) and Multidimensional (Tom Queally) as well as J ohn Gosden´s consistent Pipedreamer (Seb Sanders) should fight it out for third place. Another race transferred from York´s abadoned Ebor meeting is the Group Two Lowther Stakes over 6 furlongs for 2yo fillies at 14.25. All 7 runners can be given a chance, with Danehill Destiny (William Haggas/ Murtagh) hoping to atone foe her Royal Asco flop after looking very smart earlier. On recent form, African Skies (Kevin Ryan/ Neil Callan) and Penny´s Gift (Richard Hannon/ Ryan Moore) can be preferred. The listed 6 furlons race at 16.05 has attracted no fewer than 18 runners, and Peter Chapple-Hyam´s Winker Watson (Alan Munro) is clear best on form, but the stable has not had a good season and possibly Godolphin´s Floristry (Richard Mullen) and Stewards Cup runner-up King´s Apostle (Haggas/ Liam Jones) will come out on top.