Saturday 7th September

We got close with Millisle the other day at Salisbury but she was just outstayed by Dark Lady, a filly I'm still convinced needs 7f. It was a strongly run affair so that played into the winner's strengths.
One of the 2yo noted recently ran yesterday at Ascot, Cosmic Power winning at 6/1.

Superior Mile Stakes Group 3 (1m)

The ground is soft at Haydock for what appears to be a strong renewal with all but one of the field passing the official rating trend of 107. The trend that reduces the qualifiers to only 3 is that those that have won or placed at Group level often prevail, Matterhorn has passed that test and the other 2 have yet to run at this level. Matterhorn is likely to be setting the pace.

Current favourite is Sharja Bridge, he steps down in class after finishing 9th in the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot and has had a break since so that will have freshened him up and he should like the underfoot conditions, having won on soft and good to soft previously and he will appreciate the strong pace. The form of that Group 1 is quite strong despite it looking a little untrustworthy at the time. Matterhorn was also down the field in the Queen Anne. He was run down in a close finish in the Winter Hill Stakes recently after trying to make all, he will need to show his stamina to win this back down in trip and the ground looks to have gone against him. One that will have his ground is Raising Sand the winner of the International Stakes last time out over 7f at Ascot. He is effective at 1m but does appear to save his best for Ascot. He steps out of handicap company here. What's The Story also steps up in class from handicaps and although he has won once on soft he has a better record on quicker ground.

Selection:

Whilst Sharja Bridge fails on the LTO trend that was in a Group 1 and he will have a combination of soft ground plus a quick pace to aim at and use his useful turn of foot in the closing stages.

Lavazza Stakes Class 2 (1m 2f)

Over to Ascot for this 3yo Heritage Handicap. I'm starting to have a dabble at these races so hopefully I'll land one soon.

Often won by one from the mid to bottom of the handicap with at least 3 season runs. The pace should be strong with the possibility of a battle for the lead between Cirque Royal, Fox Vardy, I'll Have Another, Persian Moon and Zuba. A high draw is often an advantage over this trip as those inside can meet trouble early on or get boxed in, with several from the high stalls likely to want to get to the head of affairs that scenario could be played in this. Baasem has been raised 12lb for his last win at the trip. The way he cruised through that race at Doncaster gives the impression he may well be up to his new mark and having won on fast and soft he looks one to consider here. He is drawn in the centre and often races held up or midfield so may not be best positioned from the stalls and could find some trouble in running. Travel On has been a little sketchy so far this season but has won at the trip and looked to have improved last time out. Never Do Nothing has a decent record at the track having placed twice on 2 runs at Ascot. One that has made steady progress this season is Apparate, a winner at 1m 2f he has gone close at this trip, he travelled well at the July Festival when just losing out in a close finish and must be considered on this fast ground. He is drawn low, which is a concern but usually breaks well from the stalls so a lot may depend if he can get a good prominent position near the rail. Rhythmic Intent may be better suited by some give underfoot.  Fox Vardy is another that cannot be discounted and escapes a rise in the ratings for a 2nd last time out.

Selection:

Apparate is taken to win for the first time at this trip. He fought out a close finish at the July Festival where the 2 principles came clear of the rest. He looks a useful strong running type and has the ground in his favour.