Investec Coronation Cup 2011

2.45 Epsom

Investec Coronation Cup (Group 1) (Class 1) (4yo+)

Pick: St Nicholas Abbey (win)

Dandino: Took major handicap double at this meeting and Royal before close Group 3 third in Gordon Stakes (form worked out); Flop in St Ledger but noteworthy run in Japan Cup, coming only eight lengths behind top class opposition; Impressive return followed up by courageous win in Jockey Club Stakes, and should make a bold bid again.

Indian Days: Unable to make mark in pair of Group 1 events (albeit well – contested ones) after winning a Group 2 in Turkey last year but continued progression when landing Group 3 under penalty at Newbury, and better form when behind Dandino (carried penalty) in Jockey Club Stakes latest; Not without hope of reversing that form but that unlikely.

St Nicholas Abbey: Looked set for big things at two, having shown great turn of foot to land Racing Post Trophy; Only sixth as evens favourite in 2,000 Guineas but many things against him that day and top class form in any case; Beaten as far as two furlongs out on return but back to something like best when he smashed opposition in Ormonde Stakes last time; This Is a far tougher test but likely to prove equal.

Clowance: Classy and lightly raced filly; Unable to build on excellent from of previous seasons in three starts last year, disappointing on her seasonal debut  and the Premio Roma (10f); This trip should suit but does like cut in ground and this tall ask.

Midday: Took her own performances to a new level when completing a hat-trick in Group 1s last summer (Nassau, Yorkshire Oaks, Prix Vermille) & would have made it four but for awful trip in Breeders Cup F&M Turf; Ran as well as ever when taking Middleton Stakes from progressive performer and the one to beat here in belated debut against colts.

VERDICT: A very small field but not one that should be sniffed at. Much of Midday’s top class form makes her the one to beat and a bold bid is expected but ST NICHOLAS ABBEY had similar pretentions before injury intervened and his Group 3 demolition job shows he’s worth another chance at this level. The progressive Dandino is feared most.