Criterion Stakes 2011

3.20 Newmarket

John Sunley Memorial Criterion Stakes (Group 3) (Class 1)  (3YO plus)

Winner £28,385

Pick: Pausanias (each/way)

The Cheka: Had immense potential at end of 2009 and failed to fully realize that potential last year (ran below form on a number of occasions); Seems as good as ever based on this year’s form, when a winner of the Timeform Jury Stakes latest; Incurs a penalty for that though so hard to recommend strongly.

Awazaan: Was 4 – 4 as a 2 year old and maintained unbeaten record in good style when winning the Middle Park; has not lived up to that high promise over further since, although he still retains some ability; Didn’t get a good trip when third in Conditions event at York but poor effort latest.

Beacon Lodge: Only made it to track three times last season but performed admirably in good races & at best when winning C&D listed event with something to spare on return; Solid effort both times since and can go well.

Field Of Dream: Sprung a 33-1 shock when taking the King Charles II Stakes but not come at all close to matching the form since, a well beaten second behind Flambeau on her seasonal debut (4^th in Italian Group 2 since) ; First -time blinkers an interesting move.

Inler: Gambled on and duly delivered on debut here when making all to win by four lengths here in October 2009; Not reached same form since but did get first win since last backend and excuses for showing in Jury Stakes (on better terms with winner) so has form claim.

Katakosi: Hit a hot streak last season when racking up 4-timer over 7f & proved well up to his mark of 103 when second to Beacon Lodge on seasonal comeback; Well beaten in second next time out and no better than eight latest, so safely held.

Palace Moon: Placed in top handicaps twice last season, third in Wokingham last year before runner-up in Bunbury Cup at Newmarket; Not reached same form since & readily outpointed on all starts since.

Redford: Showed massive improvement for big field handicaps when revitalised by David Nicholls in 2010, winning Ayr Gold Cup/ Challenge Cup at Ascot; Coming to the boil nicely this year, and can make good bid if in last season’s form.

Shakespearian: Tough reliable sort who won well on Godolphin debut at Epsom to start season but had been seemingly exposed since in better races; However, dangerous when allowed to go infront, and beat field rated much higher when allowed lead in Hungerford; Needs an easy lead to get caught.

Dever Dream: Won 6 of 6 starts last year, including a couple of listed contests at up to 7f (behind Seta on one start); Mullered at several points when getting no run on return and not dismissed lightly, for all that she must produce near career best.

Flambeau: Scorched clear of her field when making all and coming home unopposed in listed event on return but unable to repeat trick in Group 3 company, eventually coming home a well beaten second behind Perfect Tribute; Needs to do better here.

Libranno: Looked useful when winning what turned out to be an excellent maiden on the Newmarket July Course and went onto win July and Richmond Stakes, making all in gutsy fashion on both occasions; Just not hit same form since and passed over.

Pausanias: Made deep impression when winning at Glorious Goodwood on debut before showing determination to dead – heat with Coventry third on next start & got going too late when staying into second in the Autumn Stakes, giving impression soft ground didn’t help him; Impressive on reappearance in Free Handicap and while fairly well beaten in Listed contest latest, ground wasn’t in his favour (carried penalty) and form well represented since; Can go well.

VERDICT: Trappy and hard to know how they’ll bet. The best chance at the weights is Inler but more promise remains with PAUNASIAS, who has won all 3 starts at this trip. The Cheka, Redford and Beacon Lodge are most preferred.