AL MUSMAK is expected to book his place in the Betfred Derby line-up with a victory in the Group 2 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Dante Stakes (3.45) at York on Thursday.
On the back of scores at Ascot (novice stakes) and Haydock (Listed Ascendant Stakes), Roger Varian trainee Al Musmak ran second to subsequent 2,000 Guineas fourth Ghostwriter in the Group 2 Royal Lodge Stakes at Newmarket in September.
James Doyle’s mount looks sure to be suited by the step up to a mile and a quarter, and can thwart favourite Ancient Wisdom.
Having made the frame three times at the highest level last season, BLUESTOCKING should have the answers as she drops down a level for the Group 2 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Middleton Fillies' Stakes (3.15).
The ability to go well on the Knavesmire points to the chances of COPPER KNIGHT in the opening Lindum York Handicap (2.15) and BLUE FOR YOU in the Oakmere Homes Hambleton Handicap (2.45).
Mick Appleby aims low with BIG EVS in the Listed British Stallion Studs EBF Westow Stakes (4.15), but the Breeders’ Cup hero should at least make a successful return to the fray.
At Salisbury, RATHGAR has strong claims to give his in-form trainer Jack Channon another winner by landing the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai “City Bowl” Handicap (2.30).
THURSDAY'S SELECTIONS
PERTH
1.50 RAVENSCRAIG CASTLE
2.20 IMAGINARIUM
2.50 VILLAINESS
3.20 BUSTY BOY
3.50 LIVERPOOL KNIGHT
4.20 DONSO STAR
4.50 GRAND VOYAGE
5.25 MAGNA VICTOR
SALISBURY
2.00 WILLINGLY
2.30 RATHGAR
3.00 MEGALITHIC
3.30 MONKEY MISS (NAP)
4.00 MASTER BUILDER
4.32 FAIFA
5.02 WAR DIRECTOR
YORK
2.15 COPPER KNIGHT (NB)
2.45 BLUE FOR YOU
3.15 BLUESTOCKING
3.45 AL MUSMAK
4.15 BIG EVS
4.45 ANDESITE
5.20 WHISKEY PETE
FONTWELL
5.10 BREAK MY SOUL
5.40 ISLAND RUN
6.10 MILLIES MITE
6.40 MERMAIDS CAVE
7.10 BALTRAY
7.40 BLAZE A TRAIL
8.10 JUBILANT
LINGFIELD
5.52 PUBLICITY
6.22 YOUNG ENDLESS
6.52 FEERAAS
7.22 SO OBSESSED
7.52 SKALLYWAG BAY
8.22 ARLECCHINO’S GIFT
DOUBLE: MONKEY MISS and COPPER KNIGHT