Investec Surrey Stakes 2011

4.50 Epsom

Investec Surrey Stakes (Listed) (Class 1)  (3YO only)

Winner £17,031

Pick: Hooray (win)

Hooray: One of best two year olds of last season, winning Lowther, Sirenia & Cheveley Park Stakes with ease from the front; Well beaten in 1,000 Guineas but chased strong pace and didn’t appear to stay a mile; With that under her belt (should improve), she can do better here.

Casual Glimpse: Won twice in promising but troubled two year old campaign, highlight when winning decent Newmarket conditions contest; Seemed to hate track when well behind High Award here as a juvenile and in any case, doesn’t seem to have trained on.

Chilworth Lad: Showed useful form on a number of occasions last year and proved he retains ability / trained on when a ready winner of Sailsbury handicap (mark of 94); Form of that race hasn’t worked out in big way but still worth place here.

Lord Of The Stars: Useful two year old who had decent time of things in UAE earlier this year, running out a clear cut winner of Classic Trial, although well beaten in Listed / Group 3 contest afterwards; Has enough ability to go close but won’t get an easy lead.

Utley: Bundles of talent, more than enough to make a mark at this level, when fifth and seventh in international juvenile events last season but not reached that form yet in 2011, delivering a tame effort last time; Talented enough if back to best but that taken on trust.

Vanguard Dream: Three from three (maiden, novice and nursery) and looked to be going places as a juvenile to disappointing to see him brushed aside so easily in AW Listed race on seasonal debut and while he took step forward when fourth in Greenham, harder to forgive handicap failure (although he had valid excuses).

VERDICT: HOORAY probably didn’t stay a mile in the 1,000 Guineas when chasing a very strong pace but she should improve for that first run of the season and holds an outstanding chance here against some rivals who have it all to prove on many terms.