bet365 Gordon Richards Stakes 2011

4.20 Sandown

bet365 Gordon Richards Stakes (Group 3) (Class 1)  (4YO plus)

Winner £28,385

Pick: Viscount Nelson (win)

Asfare: Unlucky not to win on AW debut last season, but made up for that by going unbeaten, for the rest of the year, including a hard fought win at Royal Ascot; Beat subsequent Group 2 winner Wigmore Hall on both occasions, and top notch prospect.

Black Spirit: Showed plenty of ability when finished in the frame in Group races overseas (namely France) but struggled towards ends of season and has a tough task on comeback (didn’t run well when fresh last year).

Kings Gambit: Really progressive through middle part of last season, coming second at Royal Ascot then big handicap/Group 3; Not found a win since, and while not for lack of trying, does seem vulnerable to more progressive sort.

Shamali: Beginning to deliver on promise of two seasons ago, winning listed contest on AW in game fashion; As pleasing as that must have been (will improve) this a far tougher race back on turf.

Viscount Nelson: Improved with time last year, finishing close up in the Irish Guineas and Prix Ju Jcokey Club before almost catching Twice Over in the Eclipse Stakes over this C&D; Could progress more this season and more than suitable race for him here.

Nouriya: Was in some fine form last year, deifying a penalty to bring up her hat-trick and record a Listed double in the John Musker Fillies' Stakes; Only seventh in Prix L’Opera at back end of last year but better can be expected in four year old season.

VERDICT: A good race and one that may turn into a match between Asfare, Nourya and VISCOUNT NELSON, who came so close to catching Twice Over in the Coral Eclipse when last seen.