TV TIPS (THURSDAY)

We preview the four live ITV races from 'Flat HQ' this Thursday. 13:50 NEWMARKET

Trainer Stuart Williams enjoyed success here at HQ yesterday and looks to follow up with Ironwill. He showed steady progression throughout his juvenile campaign and, if returning improved after a winter break, should be competitive—but this looks a deeper contest.

Godolphin’s Treanmor is likely to head the market, having already scored over course and distance and shaped well in Meydan over the winter. The gelding operation may bring further improvement, though he may prove vulnerable under penalty.

Of Charlie Appleby’s pair, Silent Applause makes slightly more appeal on the strength of form, despite being the apparent second string.

Richard Hannon is well represented and any of his runners warrant respect, though preference is for Sayidah Hard Spun, who is partnered by Ryan Moore. Her turf form has worked out well, with her latest third boosted by subsequent Group success from the winner. She also ran with credit in a Group 3 on the all-weather and looks fairly treated.

Lebron Power is another to note in a competitive heat.

SAYIDAH HARD SPUN (E/W)

14:25 NEWMARKET

This maiden presents a tricky puzzle with no racecourse evidence to assess and a field packed with well-bred newcomers from leading yards.

Crown Knott, Portcullis and Santushti all boast strong pedigrees and top connections, so it would be no surprise to see any of them feature prominently on debut.

However, value may lie elsewhere. Andrew Balding has his string in excellent form and added to his tally at this track yesterday. His representative North Beach appeals as one who could be forward enough to make an immediate impact.

In a race where market clues will be informative, he looks a worthwhile each-way proposition at likely odds.

NORTH BEACH (E/W)

15:00 NEWMARKET

Beckford’s Folly benefits from a valuable weight-for-age allowance as a three-year-old, which could prove decisive. He ended his juvenile season on a high, showing determination to get the better of the Ballydoyle-trained Brussels, and that form has a solid look to it.

Further improvement is anticipated this term, and representing the Godolphin team, he holds leading claims.

Among the older horses, Washington Heights commands respect given his consistent efforts at this venue, particularly on seasonal return in recent years.

Recent winners Quinault and Aramram are both in form and should be in the mix, but the progressive profile of the selection is hard to ignore.

BECKFORD’S FOLLY (E/W)

15:35 NEWMARKET

A small but select field of seven limits each-way opportunities, so focus turns to the principals.

Hidden Force is currently the shortest-priced contender for the 2,000 Guineas from this line-up and brings the benefit of a recent run. However, stablemate Avicenna is preferred, despite the absence, having already posted strong form including a win over Hankelow, who he meets again here.

Hawk Mountain sets a clear standard with multiple Group successes and is likely to prove tough to beat if reproducing his best.

With little separating the main contenders, siding with Avicenna to reverse form with Hawk Mountain could be the angle, with both expected to dominate proceedings.

AVICENNA – HAWK MOUNTAIN (REV FCAST) written by Rory Paddock