Today’s Jackpot effort was a bit of a mixed affair, with a non-runner, a couple of winners, a second, a third and the disappointing Tazahum. We definitely didn’t see the best of Sir Michael Stoute’s colt, and I hope they tuck him away now for what should be a promising four-year old campaign. I thought Lyric of Light was really impressive in the Fillies’ mile, travelling strongly and responding to pressure whilst still appearing green. She looks very classy and is a live contender for Classic glory next season. Firdaws also showed plenty of promise in third, and I have a feeling she will continue to improve with time.
The ladies continue to take centre stage tomorrow, with the Group One Cheveley Park Stakes at 2:35 and the Group One Sun Chariot Stakes just over half an hour later. The latter sees the classy Saphresa bid for her third victory in the race, but with no obvious pace angle to the contest it could turn into a trappy affair and one which I want to stay well clear of. There should be no hanging about in the Cheveley Park, however, as the front running Best Terms goes in search of her fifth victory of the term. She was mightily impressive at York, breaking smartly and quickening the tempo at the two pole to leave the rest trailing in her wake. She deserves her place at the head of the market tomorrow, but the rattling fast ground and the stiff six of the Rowley Mile makes me want to take her on. And ANGELS WILL FALL is my weapon of choice. Charlie Hills’s filly made an impressive Windsor debut before seeing off Regal Realm at Ascot next time out. That form ties in closely with today’s Group Three second Questing, as well as Group One winning Lyric of Light and has strong look to it. Although Angels has run seventh on her last two outing, she pulled ferociously hard on both accounts and left nothing in the tank for a finishing kick. She may not settle tomorrow, and could face a similar fate, but the form of her sire Acclamation, who was best on fast ground over six furlongs, suggests she may just have conditions to suit. And at 20/1, she represents meaty each way value.
The Betfred Cambridgeshire, the highlight of tomorrow’s card and one the most intriguing handicaps of the season, falls into a similar category as last week’s Ayr Gold Cup in terms of being a complete cavalry charge that often buries punters under the rattle of hooves. The race is often won by a pattern performer lurking in a handicap, and I have a feeling QUESTIONING could be just that. John Gosden’s colt ran a really promising race behind King Torus last time out over a mile, staying on with real purpose and leaving the impression that nine furlongs (tomorrow’s trip) would be ideal. That race had today’s winner Dark Promise back in third, and was run on the quick ground that will be experienced at HQ tomorrow. The shrewd Gosden has replaced the cheekpieces worn that day with a visor, a tool that the trainer has an exceptional record with first time out. I have a feeling the son of Elusive Quality has been laid out for this, and could be at least ten pounds well in racing off 99. The in form Circumvent and Albaqaa should be bang on the premises, whilst I would be surprised if Dare to Dance lines up with the ground as quick as it is. So get on William Buick’s mount at a tasty 11/1.
Absolutely agree with Questioning in the Cambridgeshire. He has shown useful form on quick ground and the 9f trip looks sure to suit. The pace should be generous which will be in his favour and he looks to have a decent draw to boot. I also agree that the use of a visor for the first time by John Gosden is significant. He knows how to use the headgear and i would expect improvement as a result. One that springs to mind is Arctic Cosmos taking the Leger last year in first time blinkers. He was tried in cheekpieces last time and that officially brought about an improvement of 10lbs. He runs off his old mark here of 99 and with the prospect of yet more to come he could be even better treated than his new mark of 109 would suggest. There is 12/1 still available and that looks a price worth taking.
ReplyDeleteThe selection possibly has most to fear from Roger Charlton's Cry Fury. The trainer seems unusually upbeat about this one's chances. He won well at Goodwood before finishing 8th behind Man Of Action last time. However that was a muddling race and he was never able to get a run as the pace quickened. The stronger pace here will be in his favour and he rates the main danger at 10/1.