Timeform Daily: Joel Stakes, Friday, Newmarket 14:20

Newmarket is the venue for Friday's Race of the Day.

Timeform look ahead to the Group 2 Joel Stakes at Newmarket on Friday...

Fanunalter is a tricky customer but good when he gets it right, as he showed when winning Summer Mile at Ascot on first run for this yard. Disappointed in Norway next time but folly to dismiss.

Most Improved's best effort at 2 yrs when third in Dewhurst, and delivered at the highest level when winning St James's Palace at Royal Ascot. Shaped if amiss in France last time but can be expected to bounce back.

Penitent showed the benefit of a change of yard early this season, better than ever in winning Group 2 Sandown Mile. Not so good since, however, and only worth considering if there's rain.

Premio Loco has proved just about as good as ever this term, winning Winter Derby at Lingfield, Group 3 in Sweden and Celebration Mile at Goodwood. Had run of things for latest win, however, and will find this tougher.

Side Glance won Group 3 Diomed Stakes at Epsom before creditable placed efforts in pattern events last 3 runs. Unlikely to be far away once more for in-form yard.

Tazahum won 1m minor event at Newmarket and back to very best when placed next 2 starts, neck second of 4 in listed race at Sandown 9 days ago despite being bumped against rail. Bit more required here.

Joviality won Musidora at York last term and took her form to another level when taking Windsor Forest at Royal Ascot. Bounced back from poor run in Falmouth when third in Grade 1 at Arlington last time.

Saigon won maiden and listed race at 2 yrs, and ran well when seventh in St James's Palace Stakes. Some creditable efforts since then but not quite up to this level.

Sovereign Debt is a progressive colt, winning Ascot handicap and minor event at Newmarket (too much to do in Jersey Stakes in between). Good second in Group 3 at Salisbury last time and can make presence felt.

Stipulate was an impressive winner of a 9f listed race at Newmarket on return, and some solid efforts in defeat since. Likely to prove vulnerable in this grade, however.

Trumpet Major enjoyed successful 2-y-o campaign, and impressed when landing Craven Stakes over C&D on return. Probably fortunate to win Group 3 at Goodwood but race not run to suit there last time. Respected.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Most Improved
2. Trumpet Major
3. Side Glance

Timeform Verdict: This looks very competitive. Group 1 winner Most Improved has had a stop-start campaign but that may prove to be an advantage at this time of year, and he can defy a penalty on only his fourth run of the season. Trumpet Major and Side Glance head many potential dangers.

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