Seeking A Revival

SEEKING A REVIVAL 
Now at Newmarket, the G2 Juddmonte Royal Lodge S. has suffered a notable dip in fortunes since Frankel (GB) (Galileo {Ire}) dominated its Ascot finale four years ago to become its third consecutive subsequent top-level scorer. Whether today's select assortment can provide a boost to the race that once boasted an honor roll including Shirley Heights (GB), Ela-Mana-Mou (Ire), Mister Baileys (GB) and Benny the Dip remains to be seen, but in Nafaqa (Ire) (Sir Percy {GB}) it has a potential star to headline. Fourth on debut after blowing the start in a solid renewal of the seven-furlong Listed Chesham S. at Royal Ascot June 21, Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum's homebred opened his account over that trip in a Newbury maiden next time July 18 before being tested in the Listed Flying Scotsman S. at Doncaster last time Sept. 12. Despite the emphasis being on the J “TDN Rising Star” J White Lake (GB) (Pivotal {GB}) there, the bay readily upstaged that rival and last week's impressive G2 Mill Reef S. scorer Toocoolforschool (Ire) (Showcasing {GB}) and is in pole position to provide Barry Hills with an overdue first edition. “He won nicely at Doncaster the other day. He's a progressive horse and this is the next step up,” the owner-breeder's Racing Manager Angus Gold told PA Sport. “He's feeling his way up the ladder and this is his biggest test so far.” 
Qatar Racing have bought into Elm Park (GB) (Phoenix Reach {Ire}) following the Kingsclere-bred's latest success in the Listed Stonehenge S. over this trip at Salisbury Aug. 29, and trainer Andrew Balding is hoping for a bold show. “While he's a horse for next year, we thought he deserved a chance in it as he has done nothing wrong in his last two wins,” he told PA Sport. “He's stepping up in class, but it looks the right place for him and he should run a good race.” 
Unexposed and untried in black-type company is Michael Pescod's July 12 Salisbury maiden scorer Misterioso (Ire) (Iffraaj {GB}) and he represents the Richard Hannon stable always worthy of respect in these contests. “It looks a good race, without boasting an obvious star, so we think Misterioso deserves his shot,” his trainer said. “He was impressive when winning his maiden at Salisbury and is a colt who is going the right way.”