Investec Woodcote Stakes 2011

2.10 Epsom

Investec Woodcote Stakes (Listed) (Class 1)  (2YO only)

Winner £14,192

Pick: Caspar Nestcher (win)

Caspar Nestcher: Well backed on debut and did the job in fine style when running out a ready winner on debut at Beverley, overcoming a poor run to win going away (Fulbright back in third); Not so good when beaten last time in Pontefract conditions stakes, unable to give 4lbs, ground and a beating to a previous winner; That effort still a good one and can go close here, with booking of Johnny Murtagh notable.

Evervescent: Came on well from promising debut run (a strong race which has thrown up plenty of winners) when outbattling rivals in Haydock maiden; Can do well from good draw, although this harder and lots of competition on for the lead if he races prominently again.

Fulbright: Made a promising debut behind Caspar Nestcher when not getting the best of runs and put that right when winning 5f maiden at Musselburgh last month, going clear of newcomer late on (benefited from his previous experience); Can go well for a yard with a good record in this race and promises to be suited by step up in trip.

He’s So Cool: Shaped as in need of the experience badly when a well beaten third behind Redair on debut, but came on massively when game winner over that rival in Brocklesby; Not so good when fifth in Chester Conditions event, ill at ease around bends; Won by four lengths last time out when making all (step up to today’s trip helped) but Epsom presents different test.

Norse Gold: Made a taking debut when landing AW maiden over this trip with more than fair bit in hand (made up ground with ease) and likely to improve from that; Booking of Fallon speaks volumes and market support would do even more, although this a much tougher ask (no idea how he’ll handle track too).

Miss Muga: Took couple of runs for the penny to drop but found her level in plating company for Mick Channon, winning seller at Ripon and claimer at Folkestone on last 2 outings; Switched to new yard but this looks too tough.

On The Dark Side: Managed to win on debut when well backed, sticking her head out to get better of three way tie; That a weakish race, but yard have strong juvenile team and clearly well thought off, so can do better.

Princess Banu: Showed benefit of debut when winning Newmarket fillies maiden (must be noted she was the only one with previous experience) & unable to hold early speed in York Listed race; Probably bumped into a decent one last time out but still beaten and this harder.

VERDICT: With three confirmed pacesetters/ pace chasers they’re likely to go a good gallop, so stamina wouldn’t be amiss, while a good draw would be helpful too. CASPAR NETSCHER was caught unawares at Pontefract last time but it was a decent effort nevertheless and he can confirm the form of her maiden with Fulbright under the assistance of Johnny Murtagh. The two unexposed sorts, On The Dark Side and most notably Norse Gold, are the ones to fear.