Connections excited by Baaeed's potential

Excitement is growing over the future of Baaeed, who has registered three quickfire victories to start his career with a bang. 

The William Haggas-trained three-year-old only made his competitive bow when winning at Leicester at the start of June and has since added two Newmarket wins, including in last week's Listed Sir Henry Cecil Stakes at the July Festival. 

That impressive start has led Angus Gold, who is racing manager to Baaeed's owners Shadwell Estate, to describe the colt as perhaps "the best three-year-old we have in training". 

Gold has also outlined Baaeed's upcoming plans by revealing that a run at Glorious Goodwood is unlikely.

But he could feature at the same venue in the Celebration Mile at the end of August or the Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville. 

Starman has Group One plans

Darley July Cup winner Starman is being lined up for runs in the Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville and Haydock's Betfair Sprint Cup, just as long as conditions prove to be suitably firm. 

Starman has won on five of his six starts, with his only slip-up coming on notably softer ground at Ascot last October. 

The four-year-old showed his qualities in firmer conditions by opening his Group One account at Newmarket's July Festival and he will now be looking to add further top-level successes over the coming weeks, although trainer Ed Walker admits a lot will depend on conditions. 

Speaking to Sky Sports Racing, Walker said: "The calendar is not that generous with opportunities for him so the next logical step would be the Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville and then the Haydock Sprint Cup. 

"At the moment those are his next couple of targets.

"You can get soft ground at Deauville and obviously at Haydock as well, so we're just going to play it by ear."

Mercian Prince talked up for Summer Plate success

Trainer Amy Murphy is confident Mercian Prince can mark his return to chasing with a victory in Saturday's Summer Plate at Market Rasen.

After undergoing a wind operation earlier this year, Mercian Prince has produced solid form over hurdles, finishing second at Market Rasen on his first start of 2021 before going one better to win at Worcester last month. 

Murphy is now hoping the evergreen 10-year-old can continue his fine form this weekend, as she goes in search of a second victory in the Summer Plate following Really Super's success in the Listed National Hunt chase 12 months ago. 

Speaking to reporters, Murphy said; "He's just been unbelievable and to have him going into another Grade Three is very exciting. We've been trying to protect his mark over fences, hence why he hasn't been seen over them of late." 

Kelly escapes serious injury following Brighton fall

Jockey Shane Kelly has escaped serious injury and will only face a short period on the sidelines after suffering a horrific fall at Brighton on Tuesday evening. 

Kelly was riding the Evan Williams-trained Finvarra, who was fatally injured in the fall. 

Thankfully for Kelly, he was found to have suffered no serious injuries and he could return to racing as early as next week, so long as he passes a subsequent concussion test. 

The Irishman was certainly relieved to emerge relatively unscathed from the fall but he was also quick to pay tribute to Finvarra, with the duo having won together at Brighton the previous week. 

Quoted by the Racing Post, Kelly said: "Everything is a little bruised and shaken but nothing appears to be broken and I need to have a concussion test in little over a week. 

"I'm looking forward to getting the green light, so hopefully I can pass and get back.

"It was tragic what happened to Finvarra, it's the tough bit of our game, especially for Evan and his team."