Achilles Stakes

2.00 Haydock
sports360.co.uk Achilles Stakes (Listed) (Class 1) (3YO plus)
Winner £22,708
Pick: High Standing
Inxile: Looked back to best when landing Cammidge Trophy and ran great race in Duke Of York Stakes last time, blitzing away until fading in the final furlong; Big chance back at this level but penalty will get in way of things.

Elnawin: Lightly raced colt that still has plenty of ability, as shown by his 2 seconds this season; Was arguably the best handicapped horse in the race when second behind progressive Blue Jack2 starts ago; Conditions Stakes third given him chance but 5f might not suit as much as 6f.

High Standing: Switched to new yard and instantly made strong impression in relatively minor company both starts for new yard this year, at Doncaster and Goodwood; Stepped up miles on that when coming third in Sprint Cup and fourth in Didadem Stakes and must take all the beating although 6f suits him better.

Invincible Lad: Better than bare result on reappearance but, even so looks to have far too much on his plate here.

Judd Street: Reasonable chance if last run is behind him but even so would need to improve a fair bit; Fallon is positive jockey booking.

Impressible: Yet to find her form after a great 2009 with trail blazing tactics but even pick of those efforts leave him with a lot to find; Soft ground would give her a bigger chance though.

Nollaig Shona: Fair maiden second but looks outclassed here.

Rose Blossom: Impressive wins either side of her Queen Mary 7th, which is easily forgiven (raced impossible pace to keep that day) and ran respectably in Flying Childers at end of season; Blitzed rivals over 5f at York last time and would have to be a major player here.

VERDICT: HIGH STANDING wants 6f rather than 5f, but he was making up into a top level sprinter last season and he has won first time out in the last two seasons when asked. His 2 runs in Group 1 and 2 company make him the one top beat. Inxile is a threat dropping down from Group 2 company but his penalty will get in the way, and Rose Blossom should go close.