Brigadier Gerard Stakes 2011

7.40 Sandown

Piper Heidsieck Champagne Brigadier Gerard Stakes (Group 3) (Class 1)  (4YO plus)

Winner £28,385 - 9 run

Pick: Elusive Pimpernel (win)

Workforce:  Realized immense promise when breaking track record to win Derby by seven lengths, following up with tenacious Arc success, using speed to avoid carnage in behind; Almost frightening to think what he could do this year if he’s wintered well (trainer reports so) given yard’s record with older horses, being giving away 7lbs on his seasonal debut at a trip that isn’t his best will be no easy task.

Afsare: 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 when he neat subsequent Group 2 winner Wigmore Hall on two occasions); Showed nothing on seasonal comeback but that clearly not his best form and does represent some value for those looking to recoup.

Black Spirit: Showed plenty of ability when in the frame in Group races overseas (namely France) last year and carrer best when second (well ahead of Afsare) in Group 3 on return (Over C&D); Much more needed.

Calvaryman: Enjoyed a progressive 2009, winning three times (including the Prix Niel and Grand Prix De Paris) before coming third Arc; Not reached that form since for Goldolphin and needs to show his best form again.

Distant Memories: Tough and consistent performer who's sure to run his race, and gained deserved win in Winter Hill Stakes last season; Bettered that still when third in Group 2 at Longchamp and deserves respect, although flattered to get as close as he did to Await The Dawn (winner was carrying penalty.

Elusive Pimpernel: Two from three as a juvenile (second in Racing Post Trophy) and so impressive when winning Craven on 3yo debut; Fifth in 2,000 Guineas but no pace on that day so excellent performance to get as close as he did to principals and promises to do well this year, a view not at all dampened by his comeback run.

Jan Vermeer: Never quite realized the potential that his easy Group 1 juvenile / 3yo debut wins suggested, but not at all disgraced in top classic events, performing with credit behind top class French 3 year olds Bekhabad & Planteur when third in Grand Prix De Paris; Can do much better this year and entitle to considerable respect on these terms.

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; Generally needs further than this t0 show his best.

Sri Putra: Very talented and fairly very lightly raced colt who has an excellent level of form/consistency; Excelled himself when a fast closing second in the Eclipse, but bare for of that effort flattered him based on his next 2 seconds and this may be too much for him.

VERDICT: A Group 1 in all but name. The star is Workforce and recent rain should help the Derby and Arc winner’s cause, but 12 furlongs is his trip, he’ll need the run, and in any case, giving away 7lbs might be beyond him (9 out of the last 10 winners were unpenalized). Jan Vermeer has a big chance at these terms but he may need the run so the selection is equally promising ELUSIVE PIMPERNEL.