3 minute read
HORSES WEIGHT
STAR OF LADY M made a big impression when beating Brocklesby runner-up Primrose Ridge on her debut at Redcar and she took a step forward when readily justify skinny odds at Ripon three weeks ago. The daughter of Havana Grey should have the speed for this test, is well drawn in stall two and could take some stopping in her bid to complete the hat-trick. Ocean Cloud also remains unbeaten after two starts and warrants respect, while the locally-trained Glorious Angel isn’t out of it either
WIN: STAR OF LADY M DANGER: OCEAN CLOUD
LIVE IN THE DREAM was hugely impressive when making all over a similar trip at Sandown recently and the speedy demands of this race should suit him down to the ground. From stall two and with Ryan Moore aboard, he could take some pegging back. Hellomydarlin steps down from Pattern company and, despite the widest draw of all, will likely make her presence felt, while Shamlaan certainly deserves a mention having won four of his last five starts.
WIN: LIVE IN THE DREAM DANGER: HELLOMYDARLIN
Joseph O’Brien has his string in fine form at present and the County Kilkenny handler looks to have a cracking chance in this contest with ABOVE THE CURVE. The American Pharoah filly stepped up on a promising debut performance when readily beating the reopposing Thoughts Of June over 1m2f at Leopardstown four weeks ago, despite running green and hanging left, and there looks to be plenty more to come from her. Hello Jumeirah and Night Battle, who both made winning debuts on the all-weather, are feared most.
WIN: ABOVE THE CURVE DANGER: HELLO JUMEIRAH
NEW LONDON shot to prominence in the betting for the Derby when running out a comfortable winner at Newmarket under a penalty last month, having won at the same track on debut in October. The son of Dubawi is bred to stay well and the manner of his recent victory suggested the extra couple of furlongs may bring about further improvement. Changingoftheguard returned with success at Dundalk and has to enter the reckoning going up in trip, while Berkshire Rebel might prove best of the remaining pair.
WIN: NEW LONDON DANGER: CHANGINGOFTHEGUARD
EVER GIVEN enjoyed a productive juvenile campaign, winning four of his eight starts which included a valuable sales race at York, and he has the ideal draw on his return to action. Auditor ran with credit when no match for an easy winner at Sandown and the step back up 6f is likely to be in his favour, while better is expected from Pocket The Profit, who may have found his latest effort at Newmarket a quick turnaround having won well at Pontefract the week before.
WIN: EVER GIVEN DANGER: AUDITOR
This has the potential to turn into a head-to-head between the Godolphin-owned pair Honiton and SECRET STATE, with preference for the latter who only found one too good in the Wood Ditton last month. Charlie Appleby’s charge is bred to improve over further and he gets the vote ahead of Asean Legend, who is of interest on his first run for William Haggas, and Berkshire Breeze, who ran well at Newbury last time out.
WIN: SECRET STATE DANGER: ASEAN LEGEND
It usually pays to be handy around here and with a good draw in stall four, SMEATON’S LIGHT may be able to dictate this race from the front as he did at Leicester before being worn down late on. Gabrial The Wire loves it around here and must enter calculations along with the consistent yet frustrating Ffion, who placed on five of his eight outings on turf last season. Completing the shortlist are Big Narstie, Freedom And Wheat and Roman Dynasty.
