Full Moon Forecast At Newmarket

Saturday’s Group 2 Jockey Club Stakes (3.05) at Newmarket is all about quality rather than quantity, with the likes of Sir Michael Stoute’s Telescope (2/5), set to make his seasonal reappearance.

Stoute’s Star Telescope Is Back!
This 5yo was an impressive 7l winner of last season’s Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot (1m4f, good to firm), prior to several more creditable efforts, including a fourth in the Breeders’ Cup when last seen in November. Whether Telescope will be fully tuned for this return remains to be seen, but he looks set for another good season.

Trends Summary
Of the last 10 Jockey Club winners…

10 returned 8/1 or shorter
10 made the top four last time
9 had not won a Group 2

Moon To Eclipse Telescope?

The above stats also highlight that a top four finish last time was a good sign, which is something Richard Hannon’s Pether’s Moon (4/1), can boast.

This 5yo won a Group 2 abroad last term, prior to winning a Group 3 at Ascot (1m2f, heavy), and may have a fitness edge on some of these, having been a 1l second in a Group 3 at Newbury a fortnight ago (1m4f, good to firm).

Second To Win First Time Up?
On the subject of fitness, it’s possible Luca Cumani’s Second Step (6/1), could be rusty having not been seen since winning a Listed event at the Curragh in October (1m4f, yielding). Some may point out that Second Step won first time up last season, however, and conditions here won’t be a problem if the market speaks in his favour.
James Given’s Odeon (33/1), may be outclassed on his return here having managed only a 10l third in a Group 2 last season (unplaced in his other four races).

Recommended Bets
Telescope sets an excellent standard for this Group 2, but he may have bigger targets ahead in what could be a long season. With that in mind, fitness may prove vital, which may see Pether’s Moon get home in front having made a solid return last month.