Maarek lines up in Abernant Stakes

Maarek may be the oldest horse lining up in the Connaught Access Flooring Abernant Stakes at Newmarket, but he showed he could still mix it when an encouraging third to Mobsta, who renews rivalry on Thursday, in the Cammidge Trophy at Doncaster last month.

His trainer Evanna McCutcheon was delighted with the effort and was pleased with the rain that fell at Headquarters on Tuesday.

"We were delighted with the rain that was at Newmarket on Tuesday. The sun was quite strong on Wednesday morning but hopefully it won't undo all the good work for us," said the Tipperary handler.

"He's come out of his race at Doncaster very well and we're very happy with him.

"We had to bring him over to let him take his chance."

Connections of Magical Memory are excited to see the classy sprinter beginning what they feel could be a memorable campaign.

The son of Zebedee leapt from decent handicapper to Group One performer in 2015 for trainer Charlie Hills.

After winning the Stewards' Cup at Glorious Goodwood, Magical Memory went close to lifting the Betfred Sprint Cup when third to Twilight Son at Haydock in September.

Hopes are high Magical Memory can develop into one of the top sprinters in 2016, with the Duke Of York Stakes and the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot high on the agenda in the first half of the season.

"He should go well. He's such a good moving horse, so better ground would suit," said Sam Hoskins, racing manager to owners Kennet Valley racing manager.

"He's done really well from three to four. The plan is the Duke Of York and then the Diamond Jubilee, but he should run well on Thursday.

"He's got the best form in the book and he's unexposed. We're all very excited about him. It's all about the future but, that said, hopefully he can go well.

"He's fit enough to do himself justice and we feel he's improved over the winter. We are cautiously optimistic he should go well."

Hills reports Magical Memory to be ready for his first run and believes he is still on the upgrade.

"I think he'll come on for the run. He worked round Lingfield and worked fine," said the Lambourn handler.

"It's a good spot for him to start and I think he's still improving."

Mattmu's only poor run of 2015 came in Haydock's Sprint Cup, but he had shown himself to be extremely smart, especially with some cut in the ground.

He won the Group Three Phoenix Sprint at the Curragh and was placed in both the Duke Of York Stakes and the Nunthorpe at York.

His trainer Tim Easterby is looking forward to another good campaign.

"He's in good form and he should like the ground," said the Malton handler.

"Hopefully he'll run well. There's a bit left in the tank for another day."