Pinnacle Stakes 2011

3.05 Haydock

E.B.F. New Approach Grosvenor Casinos Pinnacle Stakes (Fillies' Listed) (Class 1)  (4YO plus)

Winner £17,031

Pick: Meezenah (each/way)

Crystal Capella: A Group 1 filly in all but name, with 7 wins from 12 (notable for this assignment that she has won first time out for the last three years running) & proved as good as ever when slamming her field in the Pride Stakes last season; Too free when well behind Mastery in the Hong Kong Vase but that forgiven and class act of the field.

Myplacelater: Improved out of all recognition last year, beating top class Wigamore Hall at Doncaster before finishing with an excellent second in a Group 2 at Newmarket in October (well behind Crystal Capella); Reappearance run forgiven over a trip too short (needed it badly) and contender.

Ferdoos: Rapidly progressive filly who was given too much to do in hat – trick bid when just a nose behind Polly’s Mark in Ascot Listed race; Likely to go forward again for an extra winter on her back and can make a bold bid.

Meezenah: Behind 2 pattern winners on her two juvenile starts and improved no end for step up to 12 furlongs when trashing maiden field by 9 lengths & steady improvement for the rest of the year, when making frame in 3 consecutive Oaks; Well beaten on final start but must have been tired after long season (ground no help) and can go well here.

Never Forget: Vastly improved with racing last year, winning Prix Du Malleret for Elle Lellouche (other runs best forgiven; wants sound surface) & would hold solid chance on that form for Newmarket debut.

Pink Symphony: Proved herself useful last year when second in Newbury listed race (form worked out reasonably) but not really near that form for rest of year; Ran to solid mark first time out this season and again latest but vulnerable.

Pipette: Highly useful form as a two year old, impressing on debut before Listed third; Impressive listed win and second to multiple Group 1 winner Snow Fairy give her huge chance but likely to need the run.

Shimmering Surf: Lost her way badly as year went on after winning maiden/Listed second last year.

Vita Nova: Unbeaten in three, progressive and Created deep impression when making a mockery of 87 in well contested Newmarket handicap last time; Likely to improve again for that and clearly worth her place here.

VERDICT: A Listed race on paper but in reality more like a well contested Group 3. Crystal Capella is the best horse in the field, goes well fresh & makes considerable appeal despite her 7lbs penalty, while Vita Nova is well worth her place here, but at a much better price MEZZENAH is given a chance on her seasonal reappearance. She was running with the best last season and could be seen to be effect today.