Rose Of Lancaster Stakes 2011

2.45 Haydock

Betfred Rose Of Lancaster Stakes (Group 3) (Class 1) (3yo+) Winner £28,355

Pick: Class Is Class (win)

Class Is Class: Has had his problems in the past but well upto Group company now, as he proven when drawing right away form solid yardstick Tazeez (reopposes) in strong Sandown Listed event and not disgraced in Group 2 company last time out; Can cope with the ease in ground here and go well.

Critical Moment: Found steady improvement last year, winning listed event (made most, found plenty) in good style at Goodwood; Decent return when well beaten third in Ascot listed event (mile) and fair effort when  fourth in Huxley Stakes but this is far harder.

Elusive Pimpernel: Two from three as a juvenile (second in Racing Post Trophy) and so impressive when winning Craven on 3yo debut; Fifth in 2,000 Guineas is good form too but not matched that since; Should he find his best, leading chance but does look out of form and best watched.

Fallen Idol: Looked like a horse with a future when taking opening three races with something to spare and held himself with credit when assigned tougher tasks in Group company, coming fourth in this race last year; Good return (hampered) confirms that he retains ability but cut in the ground may not suit.

Hot Prospect: looked as good as ever when second in listed race at Newbury on return last month (will improve) while rain helps his chances, so has to be high on shortlist. 

Simon De Montfort: Won first 2 races in great style as 2yo before running well below best in Gran Criterium; Even more impressive in listed/group company last year, coming with late runs each time, and Dubai handicap win was deeply impressive but blowout last time not so promising and this first run in a while.

Myplacelater: Improved out of all recognition last year, beating top class Wigamore Hall at Doncaster before excellent second in a Group 2 at Newmarket in October; Not reached same form since before coming a well beaten second behind Sajhaa

Sajjhaa: Romped home in 10f Sandown maiden and although she didn’t live up to that hype on next two starts, really began going the right way when gaining Group 3 success over 1m in Italy in October; Already improved this season with second to Midday and then when fourth in Windsor Forest/Easy winner of Listed event last time; Should go well.

VERDICT: Easy ground should be no problem for the resurgent CLASS IS CLASS, who did well in a slowly run but classy Group 2 last time and should go well in a bid to go one better than last year. Shajahaa and Hot Prospect should give him most to do.