Judge to be in charge at Newmarket

A BACK to form Just The Judge has every chance of troubling the principals in today’s Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket (3.10).
Nailed on the line by today’s favourite Sky Lantern in the 1000 Guineas at the course, the three-year-old filly had her day of glory in the Irish equivalent.
A fairly decent effort at Royal Ascot was followed by a dismal run at Goodwood last time, a course which does not suit all horses due to its demanding undulations.
On Newmarket running, there is little between the Hills and Hannon pair, and Elusive Kate comes into the equation on form too.
But this column will be hoping it is the Judge who comes out on top in what is likely to be a tight race.
The 35-runner Cambridgeshire handicap is a minefield for punters, there’s all sorts of angles it can be looked at from.
Last year’s winner Bronze Angel, the well-fancied Educate for rookie trainer Ismail Mohammed, perennial handicap runner Dance and Dance and the hat-trick seeking Graphic all line up.
But the one that intrigues me in this puzzle is Queensberry Rules, Willie Haggas’ 12-1 shot who wears a first time tongue tie.
The bay colt has run well in the Brittainia and was not going the pace to threaten last time.
A step up in trip should suit, he has Ryan Moore in the plate and there should be more to come.
Red Avenger, a horse I saw win his maiden at Warwick in 2012, also has the ability to run a big race.
With so many runners, the winner is bound to have a big slice of luck coming its way with traffic problems inevitable.
There’s plenty of action on the flat, but don’t forget the jumps season is moving up a gear this weekend too.
Market Rasen hosts some tasty handicaps and while Chepstow’s Secret Witness will be trying to bag one up at Haydock, Wales has chances over the obstacles with plenty of runners from the stables of Peter Bowen and Tim Vaughan.
It’s tough to gauge which horse will be fully tuned up at this time of year, but there’ s a good chance Prompter will be in the 2.15.
Jonjo O’Neill’s charge has been kept ticking over on the flat in the run up to this Listed prize and he won’t be lacking strength in the saddle from the champion AP McCoy.
A fast pace would be ideal and off 10st 12lb he looks on a good mark.
The day’s highlight at Market Rasen comes up next at 2.50 and it looks devilishly difficult to solve.
Bouggler has lots of ability on a going day and he is a tentative selection.