The story of my summer so far has been getting into a run then a major festival appears and I go to pieces and this week has been no exception, so fingers crossed for today.
Park Stakes Group 2 (7f)
This appears a strong renewal despite the
small
field with 4 having won at Group level previously. The pace may well be set by Shine
So Bright with
Turjoman,
Azano
and Never
No More close
behind. Sir
Dancealot
and Breton
Rock should
be towards the rear held up to come with a run off a strong pace.
Shine
So Bright made
all to win the City Of York Stakes and set a very strong pace in doing so,
apart from Laurens the rest of the field were too far behind to get into the
race in the home straight. He may not have things that easy on this occasion.
The fast ground will be to his liking and if he can shake off the attentions of
other prominent runners he may take some catching. The Lennox Stakes is often a
key race for this, Sir Dancealot won
that for the 2nd year running last month but has disappointed since. The first
occasion on soft at Newbury and then turned out very quickly 7 days later at
York where he was 4l behind Shine
So Bright and
like the rest never looked like getting into it. He has his preferred
conditions again today, fast ground and a strong pace to aim at, so with a
break he could run a big race. The inexperienced Turjoman
looks an interesting runner, he was slow to break at Goodwood but made steady
progress to lead 1f out only to be collared late on by Duke Of Hazard. This
drop back to 7f with the fast ground will suit and if he learns from that
experience he should be a big threat.
Selection:
The
pace could collapse in up this long straight as it has all week, Sir
Dancealot should
benefit from that with his customary late burst of speed.
Champagne Stakes Group 2 (7f)
Won by Too Darn Hot last year and in previous renewals Emotionless and Toronado. Despite the small field this appears a competitive renewal wit favourite Threat having his first outing at this trip. His sire won at 1m and was successful over 7f as a 2yo, plus he gave the impression that this extra furlong would be suitable when winning the Gimcrack at York. He brings top form to the table here and is a worthy favourite. Royal Crusade won on debut over 7f at Newmarket where he showed a good turn of foot up the hill. He won cosily by a neck but the front pair were well clear of the rest. The 2nd that day Hot Summer has since disappointed in a novice race. Another bringing Group form to the table is Juan Elcano, he was 2nd in the Superlative at Newmarket having won on debut over this trip. He never really looked like getting close and the form of that race looks weak with several that have not troubled the judge since. Fort Myers may well improve for stepping up in trip from 6f but he has looked well held at this level so far.
Selection:
One or two with question marks at this level and a favourite still to race over the trip, so Royal Crusade is taken to improve from his debut win.
St. Leger Stakes Group 1 (1m 6f)
The warm favourite is Logician, he won the main trial at York and has progressed from handicap ranks to take centre stage in this Group 1. I must admit I don't like his running style, he appears a relentless galloper to me and I prefer horses that travel well and have some acceleration thrown in.Usually the O'Brien yard provide a pacemaker for their fancied runner, this year it isn't so obvious but the frontrunner may emerge in the shape of Western Australia, if so Dashing Willoughby is unlikely to be far behind. A strong pace would suit the favourite but I'd still prefer to look elsewhere. Sir Dragonet was all the rage for the Derby after his win at Chester last May, he ended up 5th at Epsom in a bunch finish. He was given a run last month over an inadequate 1m 2f, that will have brushed the cobwebs off for this higher target. He gave the impression he will stay this trip in the Derby and whilst the form of that race is patchy it has provided a Juddmonte winner in the form of Japan as well as Circus Maximus a winner of 2 Group1s at 1m.
Selection:
Sir Dragonet to have the race set up for a late run in the straight by a pacemaker and continue the stable's winning run in this classic.
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