Desmond Stakes 2010

7.30 Leopardstown
Desmond Stakes (Group 3) (Class 1) (3YO plus)
Winner €39,000

Pick: Beethoven (win)

Beethoven: Grew with every run last year, eventually winning the Dewhurst and was unlucky when shafted in Breeder’s Cup at first turn; Actually ran pretty well in St James’s Palace behind Canford Cliffs and again behind Canford Cliffs in Sussex, so should go well dropped in grade.

Dandy Boy: Foiled the heavily backed Mabait in Victoria Cup earlier this season before disappointing in Royal Hunt Cup; Back to form when third behind Air Chief Marshal last time out and this similar contest, so should be there or thereabouts.

King Jock: Ran best race this season when pushing Famous Name to a short head getting 3lbs; Hasn’t gone on at all form that, finishing a drab fourth before a near last finish in the Hunt Cup last time.

Akdarena: Performed at auseful level last year but step up in trip/visor have beenmaking of her this season, leading all the way to hold off 99 rated Unity before routing good field of high class older fillies in Blue Wind Stakes, galloping field into the ground; Unable to do same in Epsom Oaks, fading into sixth, & may have been benefitted by overly generous lead when third last in Pretty Polly Stakes; Soft ground put stamina through wire in Irish Oaks last time but may well simply get away from them over a mile.

Emulous: Won sole start at 2 yrs (introduced into Oaks market afterwards) and shown improved form when runner-up both starts this year, coming second in a listed race at the Curragh last time; Drop back to 1 mile could help her too and should be there or thereabouts.

VERDICT: A quality race for the Grade. Emulous isn’t done improving yet, while Adakerna will have no stamina tests at this distance, but BEETHOVEN sets a pretty good standard on his Dewhurst Stakes win, St James’ Palace Sixth and Sussex fourth and should make a bold bid here under a penalty.