Piper Heidsieck Champagne National Stakes 2011

6.30 Sandown

Piper Heidsieck Champagne National Stakes (Listed) (Class 1)  (2YO only)

Winner £12,205

Pick: Magic City (win)

Bannock: Made no mistake on second start when coasting home in Redcar maiden & then able to win race in one go when turning over odds-on Magic City in Windsor conditions event; That a promising performance and can make a bold bid, although he’s 3lbs worse off with runner up.

Foxtrot India: Recovered from very poor start to win Goodwood maiden (beating a subsequent winner in process), but still made same mistakes again when well behind Bannock & Magic City on last start and more needed to turn around the placings.

Magic City: Made favourite for Coventry Stakes after demolition of strong field at Newbury (5 subsequent winners emerged from that contest) but not run to that form since, sore shins blamed when unsuccessfully giving weight to subsequent Listed winner Miss Work Of Art, and probably given a lot to do when beaten again by Bannock at Windsor 10 days ago; Running out of excuses but worth one more chance on 3lbs better terms tonight.

Powerful Wind: Showed early speed when well trashed behind Magic City on debut and again on AW; Probably lucky to win on last start (placed horses hampered at start) and this much harder.

Sixx: Made all to upset 2-5 stablemate and two others in cosy fashion (distance unflattering to style of win) at Salisbury and looks potentially useful on that, as he should improve (decent time) from that; Stable number two on jockey bookings but can take hand.

Miss Lahar: Hung badly left when third in Windsor fillies maiden in which the form was done no favours when the winner raced to freely to do herself justice in a conditions event next time out; Will improve and jockey booking notable but this too hard in all likely.

Pyman’s Theory: Obviously well regarded (sent off at 5/4 for debut, when not getting best of runs) & made no mistake at Leicester 10 days later; Disappointing when fifth in Listed race last time out and this better company.

VERDICT: One last chance is given to MAGIC CITY, who gets the benefit of a 3lbs turnaround with Bannock from their last meeting, is held in high regard, and comes from a yard which has won three of the last four runnings. Sixx makes plenty of appeal too on that score.