Racing Centre

 Silver Torch. Photograph by Steven Cargill

CLASSIC PUNCH and Silver Touch proved the star turns of an intriguing afternoon’s action at Newmarket on June 30.

While Silver Touch landed the feature Group 3, there was no bigger cheer today than the one for Classic Punch, who took the Ladbrokes Fred Archer Stakes in grand style.

The four-year-old triggered memories of his legendary half-brother Persian Punch as he came home with two-and-a-half lengths to spare in the 12f Listed race.

Classic Punch, wearing the familiar Jeff Smith colours, returned the 12-1 winner in what was his first race in 275 days.

“He is a chip off the old block,” said trainer David Elsworth. “He looked promising when beating Ask at Windsor last year but he had muscle problems. We gelded him, sent him home for a long rest and he has taken a bit of time to come to himself.

“While I was hopeful today, I have to confess I’m a little bit surprised. The Prix Kergorlay (a 14f Group 2 at Deauville on August 19) might now be a consideration - that is often quite a nice race for them. But we haven’t given it a lot of thought.”

Silver Touch found herself back in the winner’s enclosure for the first time in a year after landing the Cheveley Park Stud Criterion Stakes.

She came home with a storming late challenge to turn over the 11-10 favourite Major Cadeaux for a victory for trainer Mick Channon.

Bruce Raymond - racing manager to winning owner Jaber Abdullah - said: “She is quite versatile but the seven furlongs suited her and she had the soft ground she needs. She is a big powerful filly and there is improvement to come.”

The Clipper Logistics Empress Stakes saw Polar Circle get her season back on track as she made all for jockey Jimmy Fortune.

Winning trainer Peter Chapple-Hyam said: “I got it wrong by running her in the Queen Mary and not the Albany. That was my fault as she wanted further.”

Asked whether July 11’s Cherry Hinton Stakes over course and distance would come too soon, Chapple-Hyam replied: “It might not. That race was always the plan, or the other option is the Robert Papin (July 22).”

Ghetto improved on an encouraging debut at Newbury a fortnight ago by clinching the Fairstead Homes Maiden. The Richard Hannon-trained juvenile pipped Albaqaa by three-quarters of a length.

The other winners on the day were Big Noise (Barclays Eastern handicap), Lady Stardust (EBF Force Group Working For Racing Welfare Fillies’ handicap) and Mugeba (Morris Armitage Apprentice handicap).

Racing returns to Newmarket on July 11 when the three-day July Festival starts.

By Tony Rushmer