Infraad bids to make it three on the bounce in the Noel Murless Stakes at Ascot

A Listed contest, the Noel Murless Stakes, stands as the stage for a clash between two three-year-olds at Ascot today — Infraad and Galiyan. The race represents Infraad’s first step up in class. The colt, trained by William Haggas, comes into this assignment off consecutive wins, having taken a useful handicap at Goodwood before landing the Melrose at York with ease.

Tom Marquand takes the ride, and Galiyan comes in with real form behind him. He matched Infraad’s official mark of 106, then finished fifth in the St Leger last month after winning a Chester maiden. Galilean Quality is the other runner worth noting, having placed second in both the Melrose and the Haydock.

The Noel Murless Stakes

The Noel Murless Stakes at 3.35 features six runners, and the field is solid enough to make the win a true contest. Infraad has been advancing steadily throughout the season, and his form indicates he can finish near the front under Marquand.

The threat here is Galiyan, whose St Leger performance demonstrated he can compete with the best, and a rating of 106 places him in the same conversation as Infraad. Among the rest, Galilean Quality stands out, having shown pace across two high-level contests.

Enchanted Queen’s Debut

Enchanted Queen takes on the bet365 Fillies’ Handicap at Wolverhampton as a handicap debutant at a mark of 84. George Boughey and Billy Loughnane pair up on the runner, who comes off the back of an easy Kempton win on his first start for the yard.

Trainer Roger Varian’s runner Bintaziza appears to be the one to beat, with Ray Dawson on board. She has tasted success in her first two outings on the all-weather, though she met with defeat at Thirsk. After being sent off at odds of 9-1 for the Sandringham in June, she has not been seen since, and she should have more to give.

Hexham’s Feature Race

The top spot in the Jewson Hexham Handicap Hurdle at Hexham goes to Moveit Like Minnie, who leads a field of seven. Trained by the team of Nigel and Willy Twiston-Davies, the mare registered her eighth career win at Wincanton back in March. She concluded that campaign in a lower position in a strong heat at Plumpton.

Coming back after an interval in a lesser heat, she could outweigh the rest for a stable that have already won this contest. In May, Banderas achieved a victory over two miles on this course, and must be feared if she handles the drop in distance under this six-pound higher mark.

Winds Of Winter and Double Digits complete the shortlist.

Other Races on the Card

A full day of racing is brought to viewers through Sky Sports Racing, with competition from three different venues joining Ascot’s card. The action at Hexham, Newcastle and Wolverhampton all contribute to the day’s schedule, which starts at 1.31pm. The Noel Murless Stakes stands as the highlight of the afternoon.

Ascot’s 2.25 offers a strong novice campaigner with Pink Larkspur among five runners. The 4.10 delivers a top-class 0-105 handicap over six-furlongs, with Wiltshire, Pilu, Far Above Dream and Fandom all in contention.

There is a classification on the 3.00, and Drymee and Hygge are expected to draw attention. Hygge is trained by Gordon Elliott.

International Notes

Saint-Cloud stages a Group Three with eight runners abroad, while four Listed races include 3.38, where Osin Murphy rides Zgharta. Keeneland runs the Grade One Darley Alcibiades Stakes, with Emphatic and Summer Starlet among the eight runners.

What to Watch For

A day rich with skill centers on Infraad’s run for a third straight win. The Noel Murless Stakes at Ascot is the main race, with Galiyan set to put the form on trial.

Wolverhampton hosts Enchanted Queen’s first run under weight penalties, while the feature hurdle at Hexham deserves attention too, giving the card added depth.

Source material: “Infraad looks to bring up a hat-trick at Ascot,” Sky Sports.

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