6th-May-2023

I think that Azure Blue has plenty in her favour here.

She loves the track for starters.  She has won both her races on Newmarket’s Rowley Mile, and she has won one of her races on Newmarket’s July Course, which is not dissimilar.

She had 8lb to find on official ratings with her stable companion Gale Force Maya – who I think is her main danger – but she was really progressive at the end of last season, she won her last two races last season, both over today’s course and distance, and there is every chance that she will continue her progression now this season.  And this race has probably been her target for a little while.

In contrast to Azure Blue, Gale Force Maya is at her best at York, and it may be that this race will bring her forward for the Duke of York Stakes in 11 days’ time.  Her trainer Michael Dods could have Azure Blue primed for today, and we know that she can go well fresh.

AZURE BLUE WON (ADV 9/2, SP 7/2)