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BULLET DOUBLE

Beverley attracts top entries

The nine-year-old was a thrilling winner of the race last year but could face a tough field with classy sprinters Muthmir and Strath Burn also entered

MAAREK is set to bid for back-to-back victories in the Listed totescoop6 Beverley Bullet on Saturday.

The Group One-winning sprinter won the £50,000 dash by a neck under a brilliant Jamie Spencer ride 12 months ago and is likely to return to East Yorkshire on Beverley's richest raceday of the season.

County Tipperary-based McCutcheon said: "Maarek is also entered at Tipperary on Thursday, but I would say it was more likely he'll come back to Beverley for the Bullet instead."

 Maarek (right) could head back to France if everything goes well
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Maarek (right) could head back to France if everything goes wellCredit: Getty Images

Should all run smoothly at the weekend, Maarek is then likely to head to Chantilly for the Group One Prix de l'Abbaye, a race he won in 2013 when staged at its usual home of Longchamp, on October 2.

McCutcheon added: "He ran a really nice race on his last-but-one start at Chantilly, so hopefully we'll head back to France in good spirits."

Last season's Bullet runner-up Line Of Reason could renew rivalry with Maarek for the Paul Midgley team, while popular veteran Kingsgate Native could take his chance after earning a stay of retirement with victory at Nottingham earlier this month.

He is one of three possible runners for Newmarket trainer Robert Cowell, who can also call on Spirit Quartz and Strath Burn.

Classy sprinter Muthmir (William Haggas) and Sandown scorer Son Of Africa (Henry Candy) also feature in the 23 entries.

Richard Fahey could be double-handed with Mayfair Lady and Mr Lupton, while fellow Yorkshire trainer Bryan Smart, who won the race in 2011 with Tangerine Trees, could saddle the hat-trick-seeking Alpha Delphini.

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