Investec Surrey Stakes

4.50 Epsom
Investec Surrey Stakes (Listed) (Class 1) (3YO only)
Winner £22,708

Picks: Kaptain Kirkup (win), Yaa Wayl (each/way at tissue prices)

Shakesperian: Tough reliable sort who gained big Goffs Million Mile win last season, holding off Marfach all the way to the line and was a respectable sixth to St Nicholas Abbey in Racing Post Trophy on last start for Mark Johnston; Has a good chance at this level although penalty could get in the way of things.

Lalyla’s Hero: Went on a real roll last year winning 4 races (including 2 listed events over seven furlongs); Switched yard after fourth at Chantilly on debut but ran poorly last time and has to give away a lot of weight.

Kaptin Kirkup: Looked ready for a step up to this level when comfortably winning 7f handicap at York last time, travelling well and asserting quickly; No reason why he cannot make serious impression at this level, and form of his latest win working out very well indeed.

Lucky General: Improved with racing last year (was good enough when breaking his maiden to be sent into Group company), landing Sales race on his last start; Very useful horse but last 2 runs have not been what he’s capable of and ran poorly last time.

Mon Cadeux: Won twice as 2 year old and made a decent debut on seasonal reappearance when third behind Society Rock in 6f listed contest; French Guineas was a step too much and sure to go well for all that he would probably like 6 furlongs more (should stay 7f nevertheless).

Yaa Wayl: Largely progressive horse who improved again to win handicap at Chester, for all that he was lucky to win that day considering wide draw of runner up (since been fourth in better event); Would need to find more but that seasonal debut and can be expected to go well for in – form yard.

Clairvoyance: Only beaten a length by Oaks favourite Avaite last year and hasn’t done much wrong since; Sent for home too soon considering that she was up with a strong gallop in competitive event last time; Drop to 7f will suit but needs to find more.

Curtains: Form does stand up to close scrutiny, as she was fifth in the Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot last season and bumped into some decent types more than once; Landed 6f Brighton maiden as she was entitled to but needs to improve as she does look fairly exposed.

VERDICT: With the top 2 in Shakespearian and Layla’s Hero both having negative factors to overcome (Layla’s hero ran badly last time, Shakespearian will need the run and his yard is in poor form) this could be the perfect race for an unexposed horse to strike up. 2 of the most likely types to do are Yaa Wayl and KAPTIN KIRKUP, the former preferred because I fell that he achieved more when winning at York. The latter is suggested as a possible e/w bet.