Dubai Duty Free Finest Surprise Stakes (Registered As The John Porter Stakes) 2011

2.05 Newbury

Dubai Duty Free Finest Surprise Stakes (Registered As The John Porter Stakes) (Group 3) (Class 1)  (4YO plus)

Winner £28,385

Pick: Verdant (win)

Indian Days: Unable to make mark in pair of Group 1 events (albeit well – contested ones) after winning a Group 2 in Turkey; Proven he goes on all ground with those successes though, so respected even under a penalty.

Allied Powers: Won the Prix H’edouville &  Grand Prix De Paris after disappointing in this and not up to Group 1 company this last thrice; Hard to fancy on seasonal reappearance without the cut in the ground.

Bridge Of Gold: Didn’t built on successful return last season, apart from when third in the Ebor; Leading on seasonal reappearance but he got tired in the closing stages to finish sixth, a little more than three lengths behind winner that; Better than that but not fancied.

Clowance: Classy and lightly raced filly; Unable to build on excellent from of previous seasons in three starts last year, disappointing in last year’s renewal of this and the Premio Roma (10f); Did win Group 3 here with ease in ground and has class to go well but does want cut.

Halicarnassus: Has a cracking record in Dubai and improved on that with two seconds and a fourth this year, all over 1m3f; Not as good here though and this tougher than all of those starts, so others preferred.

Poet: Thrived for Aidan O'Brien in 2009, winning 3 times including Group 3 Kilternan Stakes and now starting to build on that form for current yard, winning Rose Of Lancaster Stakes before running good second to Clowance on latest start.

Cumlus Nimbus: Struggled when stepped up to ten furlongs last season in handicaps, not shaping as if he’d stay further; Well beaten in Listed race on return and not fancied here.

Verdant: Won three out of 6 last year in handicap company, unlucky on two other occasions here and at Epsom before winning off top - weight at Goodwood; Looks the type to make up into a Group class performer this season.

VERDICT: Clowance would be the pick but she disappointed in this last year and would prefer more ease, so the vote goes to VERDANT, who looked like he’d make up into a Group class colt last season.