Bath's Listed British Stallion Studs EBF Beckford Stakes promises an intriguing contest on Wednesday, with Brilliant Star and Alla Stella among the leading contenders in a field of 13 runners. The race will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing.
3.15 Bath - Brilliant Star and Alla Stella fancied for Beckford glory
Brilliant Star arrives at the track having won two of her opening three starts, though she struggled to make an impression when sent to Goodwood in May. A return to form came with an encouraging fourth-place finish in the Ribblesdale, a respectable effort that suggested she was back on track. However, connections have kept her under wraps since that outing.
Alla Stella's record stands at a single victory, yet she has been competing with credit throughout the summer months in quality company. Her most recent run saw her finish third at Dundalk in this grade, and she looks set to mount another strong challenge under the guidance of jockey Luke Morris.
William Haggas's Pierian represents a notable entry for the race, with Tom Marquand in the saddle. The filly has shown consistent improvement with each start and caught the eye when defeating Asset at this venue last month. According to the race details, Pierian earned another opportunity at Listed level following that impressive victory. Haggas has enjoyed considerable success in this race, having won two of the previous four editions of the Beckford Stakes.
Lady Vivian and Venetia complete the shortlist of runners most likely to feature prominently in the finish.
5.25 Bath - Courageous Sioux bids for hat-trick
The 5.25pm Free Race Replays On attheraces.com Fillies' Handicap features Courageous Sioux, a three-year-old seeking to extend her winning run to three consecutive victories. Trained by Clive Cox, the filly made it two wins from two for her handler when capturing a handicap at Southwell sixteen days ago. A four-pound penalty for that success may test her credentials, though she cannot be dismissed lightly.
Ed Walker's Sound And Vision produced a strong finishing effort to win a Goodwood handicap on her penultimate start and was not disgraced when finishing midfield at the same track most recently.
Moe's Legacy, carrying top weight, scored here on her last outing and commands respect. Vishaka, making her handicap debut for David Simcock, is worth monitoring in the betting markets.
8.30 Southwell - Nostrum and Not That Guy clash
Two recent winners go head-to-head in the Download The At The Races App Handicap at Southwell. Mick Appleby's Nostrum demonstrated admirable attitude when scoring on his first all-weather start on Saturday. With confidence restored, he possesses obvious credentials as he drops back to seven furlongs under new jockey Kevin Stott. According to Sporting Life, Nostrum went on to win the race, with Billyb finishing second.
Not That Guy secured his maiden victory when narrowly landing the odds at Wolverhampton on his previous start and represents an intriguing proposition stepping into handicap company for the first time. A rating of 72 may prove generous given his Newbury second from last season.
Handicap debutants Enacting and Elite Approach warrant close attention in the markets. Nostrum carried a 5lb penalty for his previous win and was scheduled to race again just five days later, a quick turnaround that may have implications for his performance.
Best of the rest
Oisin Murphy travels to France to ride Moneefa in Saint-Cloud's Prix Esmeralda at 1.31pm. This daughter of Baaeed secured victory on her debut at the track last month and appears well positioned to repeat that success for the Fabre team.
At Bath, the EBF Fillies' Novice Stakes at 2.05pm sees Debutante attempting to build on a fourth-place finish on debut under Tom Marquand and Ed Walker. Blake's Lass opposes, along with Go Go Girl, who runs in the Jeff Smith silks for Clive Cox.
Southwell's card includes Roxa Love, owned by Amo Racing, bidding for a hat-trick in the 4.25pm Follow @at.the.races On Instagram Nursery Handicap. Dorigo headlines the 8pm Free Bets On attheraces.com EBF Restricted Maiden Stakes at the same venue.
