Superlative Class

Newmarket's G2 Superlative S. has played host to some lofty talent in recent times and Saturday's edition, with so many unexposed types in the line-up, could possibly unearth another in the mold of Dubawi (Ire), Horatio Nelson (Ire) and Olympic Glory (Ire) (Choisir {Aus}). If the betting is the guide, then if it comes it will most likely be in the form of the almost obligatory Ballydoyle representative Air Vice Marshal (War Front), who was impressive when scoring over this trip at Gowran Park June 21. That is a track which the stable have used to launch the likes of Spartacus (Ire) and Antonius Pius and there was much to like about the way the half-brother to the high-class Contested (Ghostzapper) went through his race. Michael Tabor's challenger will be tested by Hambleton Racing Ltd's unbeaten Taking Libertys (GB) (Makfi {GB}), who comes here on the back of five- and six-furlong wins at Beverley Apr. 15 and Pontefract May 22. Cosmo Charlton, who manages the syndicate, is hoping he can hold his own in this elite company. “He's been a really exciting horse for us this year. He's done everything well. He looks to be crying out for the step up to seven furlongs and I think he's the type of horse that will continue to improve through the year.”

Mark Johnston has proven the foremost trainer of juveniles in Britain so far this year and his duo here include the June 16 G2 Coventry S. fourth Beaverbrook (GB) (Cape Cross {Ire}) and the June 26 Doncaster conditions scorer Champagne City (GB) (Tobougg {Ire}). “I hope we have made the right decision taking Beaverbrook up to seven furlongs in what looks a very hot Superlative Stakes,” he commented. “The horse has earned his spot in the race and I think he is a progressive horse with more to come. It is a big jump up in grade for Champagne City, but like Beaverbrook, he has earned a shot at a race like this.”