Greenlands Stakes 2011

3.10 Curragh

Weatherbys Ireland Greenlands Stakes (Group 3) (Class 1)  (3YO plus)

Winner €40,626 - Draw Advantage: Low

Pick: Sing Softly (win)

Snaefell: Second in this last year and upheld himself well throughout last season, winning 6f Group 3 events; Weakened badly late on both times this season and hard to fancy on those runs here.

Artic: Abundant promise when he won first three juvenile races in 2009, and proved that he retained all that ability when fifth in the L’Abbaye (although well beaten in Group 3 at end of season); Needs much more.

Croisultan: Good at his best, and ran a solid race when fourth behind Lolly For Dolly latest on seasonal reappearance; Usually at best with dig in the ground and vulnerable if they go fast over 6f.

Hitchens: Made transition from top-end handicaps to listed company late last year, winning 6f event on AW; Efforts the last thrice not backed up that form, so fourth in York Group 2 sprint must be treated with caution; That said, holds a major form shout.

Partner: Looks likely to struggle at these weights based on this season’s form.

Santo Padre: Shaped well when ahead of Snaefell on reappearance and that promising effort; better than even when placed in listed/Group 3 races (not had much luck in running) and likelier sort if things go right.

Tiddliwinks: Success in big handicap proved beyond him last season, always looking as if drop in trip would suit; Outrun his odds big time when third behind two classy sorts in Duke Of York Stakes last time and has big chance if repeating that form, although doubts if that’s such a reliable run.

Sing Softly: Seventh on only run as a juvenile but came with withering late run to land maiden in impressive style and built on that when winning listed event against males here; Ran a great race despite hanging in Nell Gywn Stakes and that form been boosted majorly since, so major player.

Tell The Wind: Held on course form by Sing Softly and outsider here.

VERDICT: SING SOFTLY may be able to improve the dire record of three year olds in this event. She looked quick enough for the trip when second in the Nell Gwyn last time and many three year olds have made the frame here, notably for Aidan O’Brien. Tiddliwinks & Hitchens are the main form threats and can both make bold bids.