The weather is once again going to be a significant factor this Saturday and following the downpours on Friday night the ground is testing at Newbury once again which will play in the favour of MORANDO in the Geoffrey Freer Stakes at 2.25.

Andrew Balding’s charge does have a penalty to give away, but is at his very best when the mud is flying and this intermediate trip is his perfect distance and I expect him to repay the midweek ante-post support once the weather forecast is known.

His victory over Kew Gardens in the Ormonde Stakes at Chester sets the standard here and he has not been disgraced in both group one and group two company since then. With the classic generation simply not up to scratch his biggest rival could be the Royal runner Sextant who is three from four this season. He has quite a bit to find at the weights with the selection, but remains open to more improvement.