Royal Whip Stakes 2010

2.45 Curragh
Keeneland Royal Whip Stakes (group 2) (Class 1) (3YO plus)
Winner €60,000

Fame And Glory: Continuing where he left off at end of his 3 year old season (ran very well against Sea The Stars in last year’s Derby and Irish Champion Stakes, denied a clear run in Arc and over the top when sixth in Champion Stakes) with seamless wins over 10f in the Moorsbridge and Tattersalls Gold Cup; Same story again when winning Coronation Cup from top class Sariska and hard to envisage defeat.

Dixie Music: Lightly raced sort who has performed admirably despite being used as pacemaker on his last 4 starts; Looks set for same role here.

Grand Admiral: Won minor event at Dundalk in May and placed in Group company at this track (behind Precious Gem) since; Looks likely to be used as pacemaker.

Choose Me: Building up a solid record in listed company, winning at Tipperary last September and in the frame on 3 occasions this year; This much harder.

Precious Gem: Made quick progress from handicap company to Group level in a relatively short space of time, landing C&D Group 3 on latest start; Benefitted by blowout of Recharge in that race though, but while this is much harder, should still take second.

VERDICT: A nice springboard for FAME AND GLORY, who should take the beating in the Irish Champion Stakes and Arc having had a sensible mid season break to ensure he’s not over the top. Precious Gem should come second.