Kevin Stott’s Blog: Cuban could Thunder home in the Superlative

I’ve been having a pretty good week so far, with a few nice wins, including a double on the first day of the July Festival at Newmarket and a four-timer on day two, which I was delighted with.

Persian Dreamer, who won the Duchess of Cambridge Stakes on Friday, has become a serious racehorse and I’m looking forward to all that’s to come for her.

I’m still at Newmarket on Saturday for a handful of nice rides, so let’s see what they can do.

Newmarket, Saturday

Glorious Angel is first up in the fillies’ handicap at 2.15pm. She’s been in good form at home and has been improving too. She’s had plenty of racing since her two-year-old debut, so has lots of experience now with 24 starts, and she ran very well in a Listed race over seven furlongs last time out in June.

She’s back in a handicap for this, which is better for her, really. The only thing we don’t know is whether or not the rain that’s fallen will suit her. We’re hoping that, as she’s been working well, she can put in a good performance regardless.

Cuban Thunder is next in the Group 2 Superlative Stakes (3.25pm). He’ll be stepping up in trip for this from six furlongs last time, which is a massive positive, and he was a nice winner at York on his second ever start. After that, he didn’t disgrace himself by any means, finishing 10th of 20 in the Coventry at Royal Ascot.

We think the step up in trip will play to his strengths and the fact that there’s a bit of juice in the ground too should help him out. He’s a good-looking colt with plenty of promise, and we’re hopeful for a big run here.

Last of the day is Spangled Mac in the Bunbury Cup (4.00pm). He ran twice at Royal Ascot last month and was pretty good in both – beaten just two-and-three-quarter lengths and three lengths respectively. With five wins on his CV now, he has some talent and just needs the right conditions to win.

The rain we’ve had, unfortunately, will not be much of a help to him as he would prefer quicker ground, but he is in good form at home and has been running well. Ultimately, seven furlongs is fine, but his stamina will be stretched on a slower surface.

At the declarations stage, we thought he had a real chance, so the rain is a shame, but let’s see what he can do on the day.