E.B.F. Joan Westbrook Pinnacle Stakes

3.00 Haydock
E.B.F. Joan Westbrook Pinnacle Stakes (Fillies' Listed) (Class 1) (4YO plus)
Winner £22,708

Picks: Barshiba (win), Polly’s Mark (e/w)

Barshiba: Consistent mare who’s run series of cracking races and last season no exception, especially when upped back to 1m4f for her last 2 starts, which include a Yorkshire Oaks among an impressive rout of the Plantation Stud Stakes field under a hefty penalty; Although she was given race by Duncan’s consistent hanging last month she will strip fitter and all looks in palace for another bold show.

Lez Fazzani: Had an excellent 2009 and came back in good form when second to Debussy in Huxley Stakes last time; That form gives her chance but no easy task here and may get competition for the lead.

All Annalena: Runner-up twice in 1¼m listed races last summer but really well held on first start in Britain for new yard 4 weeks ago and easy to oppose in this company.

Becqu Adoree: Made up in a very good performer last year and stepped up to another level when excellent sixth in Prix Vermille at Longchamp, beaten only 2 lengths; Huge chance on that from for new yard here.

Cassique Lady: Best 2009 efforts do not threaten the pick in this line-up, despite being a listed winner.

Flame Of Gibraltar: Generally acquitted herself with credit in decent company since getting off the mark in 10f Lingfield maiden in June, but form falls short of what will be required.

Polly’s Mark: Greatly improved last year, winning a listed event in good style, doing it well in the Shergar Cup and also only just getting nabbed on the line in listed company when last seen in 2009; Brilliant effort first time out to be fourth behind Harbinger in strong renewal of John Porter and improvement can be expected for fitness, so big player.

Rosika: Won 3 times last year prior to good second in listed race at Lingfield final outing (poorly placed); Will have more to come and worth a stab at this level but tricky opposition today.

Three Moons: 2-y-o form was solid but made it to the track just twice last season, winning maiden at Folkestone before coming runner-up in a decent listed contest; Off the track for a year, so is entitled to improvement on her good run last time out, although she will need to find a little bit more in this field.

Victoria Montoya: Nice mare who runs her race more often than not but up against it even if back to form in first-time visor.

VERDICT: A tough race where any one of 6 could win, so I’m going to split stakes. BARSHIBA ran away with the Lancashire Oaks over C&D last summer and is likely to make a bold bid, having proved her well-being when winning at Ascot 3 weeks ago. POLLY’S MARK is too big at 6/1 for e/w value.