3.40 York
Juddmonte International Stakes (British Champions' Series)
(Group 1) (Class 1) (3YO plus)
Winner £396,970
Pick: Await The Dawn (win)
Await The Dawn: Shaped with potential at two & again
bettered that at three, signing off last year with a 9 length Group 3 rout at
Leopardstown & same story when storming clear at Chester under penalty on
seasonal debut; Simply more impressive when blasting his way through heavy
ground in the Hardwicke and will take the beating here.
Twice Over: Has had a few poor runs this season, although
excuses for all but one and looked ready to run at Group 1 level when running
out a ready winner of the York Stakes (strong renewal) under a penalty; Should
go well, although less cut in the ground the better and seems to be the stable
second string. 
Windsor Palace: Pacemaker for Ballydoyle.
Zafisio: Would have chance on his 2 year old form, which
remains his best (Winner of Criterium International, 5th behind Fame And Glory
next time out) and upheld it for most of his three year old career but only
eight on last start (330 days ago) and can’t be backed. 
Midday: Remains as good as ever in her 5th
season, and showed her class when retaining Nassau Stakes for the third year
running after two defeats (had excuses both times); Has an excellent chance here,
although would want ground as quick as possible.
Roderic O’Connor: Seemed to have refound the form that saw
him come second in the Dewhurst when winning the Irish 1,000 Guineas under a
canny ride but not without excuses the last twice; Not sure he properly says
10f and in any case looks outclassed.
VERDICT: Only the very brave would think that AWAIT THE DAWN
is a certainty to beat Midday here but the
progression he’s shown is irresistible and any cut that’s still going to
be in the ground will suit him far more. Twice Over is just of much as a threat
as ever now he’s back to his best and the others should be well behind.
No comments:
Post a Comment