Newmarket 4:10 Result

Charles Darnay carries the highest OR (83) of the field yet is drawn to be dropped in class/weight relative to that mark, and his form figures 5311 show he's progressive and has won his last two starts including presumably stepping up. A 115-day break is a slight concern but James Owen is a shrewd trainer for placing improving 3yos, and Cieren Fallon takes over. Weight of 135lbs is very workable off that OR. Zurna (97211) is the obvious market rival, also progressive and won last two, but is 3lbs worse off at the weights on official marks and hasn't proven himself at this trip as convincingly. King of Berkshire has solid recent form (313421) for a powerful Balding/Murphy team but his OR of 80 with 138lbs to carry is less attractive than Darnay's profile, and he's already had a busy season with more UK opportunity — market may over-shorten him due to the yard/jockey combo. Masterinthewoods is consistent (712228) but hasn't shown true winning form recently and tops the weights. First Officer and Double Meaning are held on form/class. Overall, Charles Darnay's rating, recent scoring sequence and potential for more improvement as a lightly-raced 3yo stepping up in trip make him the source of value in a competitive but not overly deep race. The layoff is the only real question mark, but Owen's yard has a knack of readying horses fresh.