3.00 York
Duke Of York Blue Square Stakes (Group 2) (Class 1) (3YO plus)
Winner £56,770
Pick: Regal Parade (win)
Markab: Career best after career best last season, winning
the Sprint Cup (smashing track record in process) after several Group placed/
winning efforts; That form entitles him to serious respect but record fresh
doesn’t enthuse and big penalty may just stop him.
Dalghar: Found plenty of success dropping back to 6/7f last
year after fifth in strong renewal of Queen Anne last year, albeit without
winning; Probably had more to offer at this trip than he showed last year, as
he may have been over the top when last seen (previously an excellent second to
Lady Of The Desert); Can go well.
Delegator: Not long ago since he was taking big hand in High
class mile races, and shaped as if ablity was there last season before injury
(bruised foot) intervened; Always looked like he could do well at shorter trips
and should make bold bid here.
Genki: Smart handicapper/group horse who held himself up
with namely when third in Betfair Sprint Cup and also winning his group in
Wokingham; Successful reappearance in Abernant Stakes was solid form for the
level and another who holds strong claims, albeit needs to be at best to win
better race.
Hamish McGonagall: Formerly useful/high-class handicapper who
made jump into conditions/pattern company last season with useful efforts in
Ireland; added another Musselburgh win to his tally in conditions event last
month but seems like he is best at 5 furlongs.
Hitchens: Made transition from top-end handicaps to listed
company late last year, winning 6f event on AW; Efforts the last thrice have
not backed up that form and others preferred.
Inler: Gambled on and duly delivered on debut here when
making all to win by four lengths here October 2009; Not reached same form
since but did get first win since at last backend and can improve on fifth to
Genki last time; Even then, asking a lot to reverse form and still not
confiredm promise of maiden win.
Prime Defender: Good form when fifth in Maurice De Gheest,
before even better effort in Nunthorpe (fourth) last year; Disappointing
comeback and usually shown his best form by now, so left out of calculations
with degree of caution.
Rain Delayed: Looked like he was on his best form when
second to a highly regarded horse at Newbury and was catching Tangerine Trees
at end of Palace House, so this trip should suit; This tougher race to make
mark in, so passed over.
Regal Parade: Confirmed himself top class in winning Maurice
De Gheest and Hackwood last year, although bettered both those efforts when fourth
in Prix De La Foret; Things didn’t work out for him on seasonal reappearance but
circumstances against him and massive chance at best here.
Tiddliwinks: Success in big handicap proved beyond him last
season, always looking as if drop in trip would suit; Struggled again last time
at Newmarket latest.
Triple Aspect: Had extremely progressive profile before
series of major of disappointments last year, notably at 5 furlongs; Shaped as
if he was on way back when staying on powerfully in Dubai so one to consider.
Rose Blossom: Always had the talent to put together big performances
and showed flashes of that when fifth in Nunthorpe; Didn’t fire on seasonal reappearance
last year though and needs to dominate to show her best side.
Laides Are Forever: Might just have been tapped for a toe a
little behind Maqaasid in the Queen Mary, taking advantage of being well
treated when landing big listed prize at Beverley; Was fifth in Nell Gwyn on
seasonal reappearance but hat form has been boosted majorly since and drop back
will help; Competitive chance.
VERDICT: Delegator has always shaped as if worth a try at
this trip and while he must be feared today, the lack of a run this season could
cost him dear, while a penalty makes Markab hard to recommend. The recent rain
will suit REGEAL PARADE down to the ground, and he’s taken to improve from his
seasonal debut to land a competitive renewal. Genki, Dalghar and Ladies Are
Forever are most feared.
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