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And a look at the prospects for Day 2

Day 1 Wednesday started off with a bitter-sweet note in the Duke of York Clipper Stakes.

It was sweet for trainer Michael Dods who trained the 12/1 first – Azure Blue and 12/1 third Commanche Falls.

But it was a bitter day for Godolphin when their Creative Force suffered a fatal injury in running and had to be put down.  The 5yo chestnut was known as a really honest horse who was in the frame for most of his races.  He was by Dubawi and will be sadly missed.

The local heroine Highfield Princess was second.  No luck for The Astrologist here as he finished 7th.

The Musidora saw an emerging Oaks chance when Soul Sister under Frankie Dettori swooped home for the Gosdens having been sent off at 18/1.  She's by Frankel and seems to have inherited some top genes.  Navakai was 4 lengths away second and favourite Infinite Cosmos third.

Thursday's interest starts with the Middleton Fillies' Stakes G2 for f&m over 2100m with 8 going to post.  Free Wind is the even money favourite here for the Gosdens and Dettori.  Aristia is 4/1 for Richard Hannon and Sean Levey, and Sea Silk Road 6/1 for William Haggas and William Buick.

The Dante is of course a key trial for the Derby and has 12 3yos contesting the 2100m G2.

Epicetus is on 4/1 for the Gosdens + Dettori – he's by Kingman.  Godolphin runner Flying Honours is on 5/1 Appleby-Buick and is by Sea The Stars, with the Stoute trained Passenger on the same quote.  He was supplemented for this and the son of Ulysses will be ridden by Richard Kingscote.

However since the Whistlejacket home stable is in Canberra we will be shouting for Canberra Legend, a son of Australia who looks very promising.  James Ferguson trains, Dan Muscutt rides and they are value on 11/2.