Rose Of Lancaster Stakes 2010

2.50 Haydock
totesport.com Rose Of Lancaster Stakes (Group 3) (Class 1) (3YO plus)
Winner £32,359
Picks: Lez Fazzani (win), Icon Dream (each/way)
Class Is Class: Expensive to follow in handicaps since promising number of runs at beginning of last year, worse effort when he went off far too quickly in first-time visor at York; Back to form in listed race last time at Goodwood but very unreliable.

Distant Memories: Tough and consistent performer who's sure to run his race, only just getting outstayed in final stages of race behind Red Badge in Newbury listed contest last time; That form not miles off this level but more needed.

Poet: Thrived for Aidan O'Brien in 2009, winning 3 times including Group 3 Kilternan Stakes: Lost form very quickly for new yards, coming unplaced on string of occasions in Dubai; Hint at a return to form on only second start for Cox yard last time but still behind Distant Memories.

Rio De La Plata: Looked like a potentially immense horse when landing National and Prix Jean Luc Stakes as a 2 year old, before injury curtailed plans; Has come back to form but still looks nowhere near his best and does look best at a mile now.

South Easter: Made giant strides last year, getting beat by high class sort on debut before winning Dee Stakes and getting injury when sixth in King Edwards Stakes; Won in easy style on AW in Magnolia Stakes but possibly a little disappointing when third behind Debussy and Lez Fazzani and has seemingly only regressed since.

Lez Fazzani: Tough, front running mare who had an excellent 2009 and came back in good form when second to Debussy in Huxley Stakes, possibly bettering that effort when winning listed race here 2 starts ago; Well below best last time, but faster ground an obvious excuse, so will go much better here.

Fallen Idol: Had looked seriously progressive before losing unbeaten record in Prix Paul De Moussac last time, not disgraced in a sprint finish; Will need to improve from that but longer trip should suit and looked classy when landing handicap/listed race double earlier on at Sandown.

Green Moon: Serial improver before lacklustre fifth in King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot last time (had won London Gold Cup and picked up listed race beforehand); This technically easier and drop back in trip could also help, making him major player.

Icon Dream: Has improved this season, showing himself to be a useful performer when second behind Ted Spread in Chester Vase and fourth behind Jan Vermeer in Gallinule Stakes; Didn’t stay 2m last time and worth chance in muddling race.

VERDICT: A muddling race for the level. Rio De La Plata looks a long way off his best and better at a mile, so is passed over at the price, Class Is Class won a weakish race last time and is unreliable, while Distant Memories needs to step up in a big way. Fallen Idol & Green Moon could run big races, but cut in the ground gives LEZ FAZZANI a huge chance and she’s worth backing at 4/1. At stupid prices, ICON DREAM could run a nice race back down in trip.