CONNECTIONS are expecting another bold show from Laaheb as he bids to add another Pattern-race success to his tally in the Princess of Wales’s sportingbet.com Stakes at Newmarket.

The five-year-old was twice successful in Group Three company last term but victory at tomorrow’s Group Two level has so far eluded him.

Laaheb finished a creditable fourth in the Sheema Classic on his first start of his three starts this year, and notched a reasonable fourth behind Await The Dawn at Royal Ascot on his most recent outing.

Trainer Roger Varian issued a proviso that the horse would only run if suitable ground on the July course, but Angus Gold, racing manager for owner Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum expects Laaheb to line up after some overnight showers.

“I would have thought he would run, we just didn’t want it too firm for him. I haven’t spoken to Roger today but they had seven millimetres of rain and I would imagine he would run,” he said.

“We were thrilled with his run at Ascot, he travelled well into the straight but just got a bit stuck in the ground.

“He’s a lovely horse, he’s won seven races for us and he’s incredibly game. It’s always a tough race, but he deserves to take his chance. He gives his best every time and I’m sure he will do so again.”

CHRIS WRIGHT NEWMARKET (DAY ONE) PREDICTIONS: 1.20pm Hurricane Higgins, 1.50pm Right To Dream, 2.25pm Malthouse (NAP), 3pm Laaheb, 3.35pm Hadej, 4.05pm Fury, 4.35pm Jamesway.