Princess Elizabeth Stakes (Sponsored By Investec) 2011

1.40 Epsom

Princess Elizabeth Stakes (Sponsored By Investec) (Fillies' Group 3) (Class 1)  (3YO plus)

Winner £28,385

Pick: Antara (win)

Antara: Made perfect start for Godolphin when winning last year’s renewal of this and went on to run with credit in better company (twice runner up in Group 1 company) afterwards; Has a big chance here and probably one to beat.

Crystal Gal: Ran with some credit in face of tough tasks last year but thoroughly exposed now following two poor efforts.

First City: Would have a squeak on her best form, which includes a Group 3 second to progressive sort at Goodwood; Doesn’t seem to find her gear all that often though, and held on her ninth in last year’s running.

Mountain Rose: Holds some interesting form but well beaten on her only listed foray into Group 1 company in Germany; Likely to fall short.

Saddlers Bend: Must be respected on basis of serious improvement this season, a career best effort when denying 90 rated Nabah & classy Jacqueline Quest despite hanging (making her win all the more notable); Brought out of retirement to race here.

Silver Grey: Twice placed in Group 3’s in France last year, although she didn’t go on from that and has run no better than fourth since (latest at Ripon); Others preffered.

Skyway: Had a progressive season in 2010, winning twice and never finishing outside the three (improved a lot for handicaps); Just a little below her best when beaten off 85 latest and while she should improve for that, lot more demanded of her here.

Timepiece: Had difficulty proving her reputation at the beginning of last season but really came good as year went on, winning the Sandringham Handicap & and Newmarket listed event (all – aged against males) in good style; Creditable/Promising return when third to Midday at York latest gives her a leading chance, although this trip not her best; Should be suited by a strong test of stamina.

Clinical: 7/4 favourite when making highly promising debut in 7f maiden at Doncaster, cruising up to challenge before knuckling down well to get better of Dubawi Gulf (form upheld); Unable to make impact in Sweet Solera Stakes but must be well thought of to make her 3yo debut here.

Nabah: Made giant step forward for debut when coming fourth behind Cape Dollar, Cochabamba and I Love Me in Rockfel Stakes on only second start, so bitterly disappointing she’s clearly not really progressed since.

VERDICT: The ground’s been fairly watered this week and should ride exactly as good. The market needs close watching for this race especially. On form, this contest would seem to reside between Timepiece and ANTARA. The latter is clearly growing up fast but may be best suited to 10 furlongs and still has her quirks, while Antara won this on her seasonal debut last season and went onto better things since.