Jockey Club Stakes

2.35 Newmarket
StanJames.com Jockey Club Stakes (Group 2) (Class 1) (4YO plus)
Winner £56,770

Pick: Jukebox Jury (win)

Jukebox Jury: Made giant strides last season when winning the Grand Prix De Deauville and the Preis Von Europa, before finishing a very close second in the Canadian International; Those efforts put him miles ahead of the field and although he ran badly in Meydan and visor is on, he should still hold a very big chance, stripping much fitter for that run.

Halicarnassus: Tough as nuts horse who got yet another win in Dubai with a valiant all-the-way success over 1½m at Meydan in February; Something amiss next time but well ebaten when last seen.

Claremont: Interesting that Halicarnassus had him held at one time but he looks much the better of the pair; 2 respectable efforts in Group company give him a major chance here; Didn’t look easiest of rides when second in John Porter last time though.

Drill Sergeant; Although consistent last year, he came up short at group / listed level and has been below that form this year, so hard to see a win here.

Nanton: A remarkably consistent horse who has improved for coming off a strong pace in a big field handicaps, and shouldn’t be discounted here.

VERDICT: Not really a strong Group 2 by any means and it looks a good opportunity for JUKEBOX JURY to put a disappointing effort in the Sheema Classic behind him.