IT'S A CERT

Extra distance can help Murphy's improving filly bag more top-level glory

- GARRY OWEN

CERCENE (3.05) looks a cut above in the Nassau Stakes on Day Three of Glorious Goodwood.

Joseph Murphy's star began 2025 with a pleasing third to Swelter in a Leopardstown Group 3.

The bay improved for a step up to a mile when chinned by Atsila at the same level back there.

She defied odds off 20-1 when third to Lake Victoria in the Irish 1000 Guineas at the Curragh.

That performance led Murphy to target another Group 1 in the Coronation Stakes at Ascot and that decision was totally justified with a hugely convincing defeat of the talented Zarigana.

The three-year-old hit the line running so she can bag more top-level glory upped two furlongs.

BEST SECRET (1.20) has all the answers for Stephane Wattel in the opening Kincsem Handicap.

The colt relished tackling 1m 2f when slamming Parachutiste on his return at Saint-Cloud and stayed upwardly mobile by routing Good Speed in a valuable Longchamp handicap.

The three-year-old was then a hugely unlucky third to Quai De Bethune in the Golden Gates at Royal Ascot but he has a touch of class and can defy a welterburden from a cracking draw.

HAVANA HURRICANE (1.55) can extend Eve Johnson Houghton's super run in the Richmond Stakes.