Last 10 Winners:
• 10/10 were male
• 10/10 had run earlier that year
• 8/10 were aged four (the other two were aged five)
• 8/10 were trained by Saeed Bin Suroor or Sir Michael Stoute
• 8/10 had won over 1m
Contenders (best prices):
After the withdrawal of Godolphin’s Creachadoir due to injury, the race has a very open look to it with seven horses trading at 6/1 and under with some bookies. Sageburg (5/1 William Hill) was an impressive winner of the Prix d’Ispahan last month, beating stablemate Darjina (7/1 Paddy Power) by two-and-half lengths. Connections have stumped up £25k to supplement him and he must not be underestimated. Aidan O’Brien’s Haradasun (5/1 VCbet) has entries elsewhere, but this is his likely target and is surely capable of better than he showed in the Lockinge. Peter Chapple-Hyam’s Tariq (11/2 Ladbrokes) and Ascot specialist Cesare (11/2 sportingbet), third and fourth in the Lockinge, must enter calculations, although neither have won at this level. Finsceal Beo (8/1 totesport) could be back to the form of her dual 1000 Guineas triumphs last year, judging on her excellent second to Duke Of Marmalade in the Tattersalls Gold Cup last time out. Linngari (8/1 VCbet), a dual Group 1winner in Italy at this trip, has recently joined Michael Stoute and could be anything.
Verdict:
A tricky opener to the meeting, but one that jumps off the page as far as an ante post punt is concerned is Finsceal Beo. It looked as if she was faltering over the last furlong or so of the 1m2f trip last time and this strongly run 1m will suit her strong-travelling style better. Her trainer Jim Bolger reports her in fine form at home. The danger is Haradasun, and he’s worth a saver on the day of the race, providing he handles the preliminaries. He sweated up badly prior to the Lockinge, so keep an eye on the betting and watch how he goes down to the start before parting with your readies.
Recommended Bets:
Finsceal Beo 1pt each way @ 8/1 totesport
Haradasun 1pt prior to race (providing he handles the build-up)