St. Leger Festival Day 2

Yesterday was disastrous, it's no fun having two selections go out like lights when the race unfolds. West End Girl was at the front of the pack for much of her race, a position that suffered throughout the day due to the strong headwind down the straight. Today the wind is forecast to not be so strong.

Attending today, treating myself and friends to fish and chips at the restauraunt next to the fire station a short walk from the track.Looking forward to seeing Stardivarius live at the track but with his domination of the division plus the short odds I won't be betting in a race that I've slected the winner of the last twice.

Sceptre Stakes Group 2 (7f)

A very open renewal with several needing to step up on achievements so far this season. Despite this being a 7f event the pace may not be too strong, favouring those towards the head of affairs. California Love on the far side may get an early lead, with Di Fede and Farzeen tucked in behind. Breathtaking Look a possible front runner towards the stands side they could initially split into two groups, with far side possibly ahead early on if Farzeen gets close up.

Pretty Baby is penalised 3lb for her win in a Group 3 last May. She has been disappointing in her 2 runs since at Royal Ascot over 1m and Glorious Goodwoodand, these look calmer waters but a return to form has to be taken on chance. Di Fede is yet to win at this level but has looked capable. She ran well to finish 4th in open company at Goodwood but never really looked like being in the mix. One that has looked a potential Group horse is Farzeen, she has won a couple of novice events so far and steps up markedly in class but also deserves her chance. Based on limited evidence she may prefer underfoot conditions a little less firm and has a tendency to be a little keen early on. John Gosden saddles Angel's Hideaway, a filly that hasn't won since her 2yo season, this season she has been 4th in the 1,000 Guineas and 3rd in the Jersey, she does look more suited to 6f.  Mot Juste is another with something to prove. Yet to win this summer and a below par run last time out at Goodwood makes her a risky selection.

Selection:

A tricky opener with a few looking capable but slight preference is for Di Fede who has run promisingly on last 2 outings in open company. This return to her own sex over 7f looks to be her best chance yet of winning at this level.

Mallard Handicap  Class 2 (1m 6f)

A disappointingly low turnout for this handicap but it still appears to be an honest gallop, Genetics has been known to set the pace over 1m 4f but may want to sit tight for a while upped in trip. Connections may want to use the proven stamina of Saroog and Charles Kingsley at the head of hte field. They have a long run to rose hill and the first bend so will have plenty of time to sort themselves out as to running order and may well go round in single file.

Sarrog attempts the hat trick in what looks a weaker renewal than normal. His stable is in excellent form as he tries to defy a 5lb rise for his latest win at Newmarket. This trip is ideal at the moment and he goes well on fast ground. One that has yet to feature at this level is Charles Kingsley. He ran his best yet in the Old Borough Cup at Haydock on soft, coming from the rear to go past beaten horses in what looked a tough race, this smaller field will help but this is a quick turnaround from a very competitive race. Theglasgowwarrior was 3rd in this last year, he has a lot of miles on the clock and looks more suited to 1m 4f.

Selection:

Saroog looks to have a lot in his favour regards form, ground and trip, is unexposed and the 5lb rise may not stop him.

Flying Childers Stakes Group 2 (5f)

This looks to be between A'Ali and Alligator Alley, both bring form from races that are often influential for this, the Prix Robert Papin and the Molecomb. A'Ali steps down a notch in class after his exertions in the Prix Morny over 6f. This trip will suit better, he certainly possesses all the class having won the Norfolk and Prix Robert Papin but this fast ground is an unknown. His sire Society Rock wasn't ground dependent so the conditions may well suit. Alligator Alley was a length behind the smart Liberty Beach in the Molecomb where he found trouble in running. He followed that with a listed win at York and looks an improving 2yo now he's being campaigned over 5f. He came from last to first at York in impressive fashion after being impeded coming out of the stalls.

Selection:

A tight one but preference just goes to Alligator Alley who looks one to keep on the right side of if he continues his improvement at this trip.