totesport.com Greenham Stakes 2011

3.10 Newbury

totesport.com Greenham Stakes (Group 3) (Str) (Class 1)  (3YO only)

Winner £28,385

Excelebration: Fancied to make a winning debut and while he didn’t bring home money, promising enough run; Has recouped on next two occasions, coming clear of only fair fields at Doncaster and Newmarket; Must be well liked to run here although this much harder than usual for him.

Frankel: Very highly regarded colt who made serious impression when earning quotes of when winning better-than-average maiden in style at Newmarket on debut ; Easy demolition of 2 rivals in Doncaster conditions event was somehow surpassed by a contemptuously easy win in the Royal Lodge Stakes; Two main rivals didn’t show up but still cemented his claims as a Champion two – year old in Dewhurst, having subsequent Group 1 winner Roderic O’Connor well behind & expected to take this on way to 2,000 Guineas.

Picture Editor: Shaped every inch a Derby prospect, beating smart Nathaniel at Doncaster first before running out easy winner of a conditions contest at Leicester when defeating two rivals by 30 lengths; Below form last start but should be forgiven and might have big season ahead; Pacemaker for Frankel.

Shropshire: Excellent pedigree and fetched 70,000 Euros at sales; Created excellent impression when cruising home in 6f maiden at Haydock, easing to front and going away for a cosily victory; Should not be underestimated that he was sent off as short as 4/1 for Gimcrack and plenty of potential.

Strong Suit: Built on highly impressive debut success (made smooth progressive before drawing  away nicely from Neebras; Railway Stakes winner 6l back in third) before winning Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot, doing very well to overcome serious interference; Disappointing when only third in Phoenix but possibly not helped by being infront to be shot at and ground to blame when beaten so far behind Strong Suit in Middle Park Stakes when last seen; Faster ground should help and the yardstick for the race; There to take advantage should fav disappoint.

Vanguard Dream: Three from three (maiden, novice and nursery) and looked to be going places as a juvenile to disappointing to see him brushed aside so easily in AW Listed race; Better for that but this too hard.

VERDICT: An excellent renewal of a race that may well have a classic winner in it this season courtesy of FRANKEL, so impressive in his four wins last year. What this year will bring we can only wonder but it’s he’s too short to back and too good to safely oppose. Strong Suit will provide a good level to the form, and if you must be playing on the race, Shropshire & Picture Editor are huge prices for the place.