Coral Marathon 2011

3.40 Sandown

Coral Marathon (Registered As The Esher Stakes) (Listed Race) (Class 1) (4yo+) Winner £17,013

Pick: Flying Cross (win)

Aaim To Prosper: Did well when repelling all comers to win the Cesarewitch off mark of 87 on final start last season; Ran respectably in Group 3 at Ascot on seasonal return and fair efforts the last twice, so respected.

Ajaan: Has his quirks but posted as good an effort as he’s produced for sometime when third (seasonal debut) in the Queen Alexandra Stakes at Royal Ascot (soft ground); Can go well here although it would be nice to see him ridden prominently; One for in – running.

Akmal: Won Group 2 here last year to resume remarkable progression although he does need a fair bit of rope; Will give it a good go from the front again and this weaker than most of his starts, so respected.

Chiberta King: Seemingly lost his way a little bit but back in form the last twice when fourth in fiercely contested long – distance handicap before winning easily latest; This requires yet more.

Desert Sea: Has an abundances of credible runs to his name last season, running big races in middle distance / staying handicaps; Woefully below par last time and passed over.

Electrolysis: Won 2m listed race at Ascot in 2009 and further improvement when third to Illustrious Blue in Sagaro Stakes there in April; Ran series of good races in decent staying events all last summer, and while effort on comeback really poor, should strip fitter for that and give good account here.

Flying Cross: Progressive for Ballydoyle last season, winning in clear cut style before staying on third in Irish St Ledger; Flop for new connections when well beaten in Prix Royal Oak but that forgiven and should make a bold bid.

Sentury Duty:  Patchy hurdles strike rate (won 4 from 10) but very classy and good enough when the cards fall right; Not shown good form on the flat for a long while and this too hard following near last finish in Chester Cup.

Dayia: Recaptured best form when running out ready enough winner of a Listed race at Saint Cloud and creditable effort on his recent return in the Queen Alexandra, but behind Ajaan on that occasion and seems best with cut in the ground.

Shimmering Surf: Made good progress at the beginning of last season but didn’t go on after that and pretty opposable until she finds form again.

Ship’s Biscuit: Didn’t quite make it in Group company last year after breaking her maiden but showing progress towards backend of last season; This trip should suit but not has questions to answer.

VERDICT: A mixed up bunch. Electrolyser is sure to go well if on his best form but the class in the field could be FLYING CROSS is he’s able to reduce his Irish form for John Gosden. Ajaan is another who can make a bold bid.