Beverly D. Stakes 2011

10.33 Arlington

Beverly D. Stakes (Grade 1) (3yo+ Fillies & Mares) (Turf) (3yo+) Winner £274,038

Pick: Rever Jetez (win)

Stacelita: Developed into a top class 10f – middle distance filly in 2009, romping him in Prix Saint Alary and French Oaks before very respectable efforts in Vermille and Arc (1m4f not suiting); Not as good last year but still good enough to claim another Group1 before second in the L’Opera, and bumped into class act/progressive horse on reappearance (needed it); Probably a bit better than her last run suggests but still found little of bridle; The one to beat here on best form.

Check The Label:  Was actually quite taking when winning Grade 1 at Belmont last season but that a weak affair and found nowhere near that form since and this company is expected to be a bit too much.

Fantasia: Only 2 – 10 since coming over here although Grade 3 Modesty win (a race which has become a key trial of late for this) promises more to come; This a tougher heat though.

Upperline: Taking when winning over this trip (give or take 0.5 furlongs) on Poly last time out but that nowhere near quality of this event and others readily proffered.

Dubawi Heights: Trainer's breakthrough Grade 1 winner in the Gamely at Hollywood Park, now seeking to complete a four-timer; Needed every yard of the trip when grinding out that win last time and might be vulnerable if a strong pace is employed upfront.

River Jetez: Top globetrotting mare who arguably ran career best when going down by only half a length to Presvis in Dubai Duty Free and Gitano Hernando in Singapore Airlines International Cup; Fifth in Falmouth Stakes but had no chance being held up off a slow pace on first run back, and better expected today.

Cheetah: Looed well upto holding her own at Grade 1 level when running out a fairly wide margin winner of Grade 3 at Delaware Park; Would want a quick gallop, especially over this trip, but can play a big part for yard who have three wins in this and also train Gio Ponti.

Pachattack:  Useful filly for Gerard Butler but even better here, as shown by an easy 6 legnth win on Arlgitnon’s other surface here last time; Usually finds Grade one company too hard and others preferred.

Elcair De Lune:  Surprise winner of this event last term but no wins since and faces a better field  (behind a few of these lately); Makes little appeal.

Romin Robin: Was getting 4lbs from Fantastia in the Modesty Stakes last time out and unable to get closer than a length, so passed over in this field.

Never Retreat: Interesting in this field given that she’s won her last two at the trip, one giving 2lbs to Fantastia, and goes on all ground; The verdict is that this is still too tough but interesting nevertheless.

VERDICT: Stacelita is favourite but found little when asked in the United Nations Stakes last month. The feeling is that she can do better with a grounds saving trip but the value lies with RIVER JETEZ, who has ideal conditions today.