Goffs National Stakes 2011

3.15 Leopardstown

Goffs National Stakes (Group 1) (2yo) Winner €116,000

Advice: 1 pt Power (11/4 general)

David Livingston: Outpaced on debut but that in decent maiden at Leopardstown and much more like it when he bolted up in good time considering ground conditions over C&D; Disappointingly one paced behind Dragon Pulse last time out and no reason for that form to be overturned suddenly, unless soft ground does bring out best in him.

Dragon Pulse: Just got beaten by reopposing Vault (winner since) on debut and plenty of promise when winning at Leopardstown next time out, which he followed up with stylish win in Futurity Stakes here; Should go very well.

Furner’s Green: Made a most impressive debut when coming home clear of Listed placed stablemates with ease at Tipperary, made more notable by rider carrying overweight; Awful run at York although never in good place and foolish to assume that his true running; Needs to show true form so passed over here until he does so despite inflated price.

Power: Showed a strong and professional attitude when coming home two lengths clear of fellow debutant (landed gamble) at the Curragh & same qualities again in attendance when landing Marble Hill Stakes last time, showing speed dropped in trip; Overhauled Roman Solider late on in Coventry Stakes when shaping as if further would suit so surprise that he was collared late on in Phoenix Stakes; Soft ground and unknown but seems like best horse in race based on last two runs and should go well.

Straight Of Zanibar: Made a pleasing debut when fading on late into third at Naas, and followed up promising run in Tryos Stakes with listed win of his own; Form has taken a real battering since though, and others preferred.

Talwar: Impressive when winning maiden and followed that with gutsy Listed win at Ascot; Deeply impressive win at Sandown over 4 useful rivals in these conditions but has to be a worry about whether he will get an easy lead again; Still a horse of major potential.

Tough As Nails: Winner of the first juvenile race of the season here but lost the race through greenness (form worked out) and held his form admirably since, with a career best third in Phoenix Stakes last time; Soft ground no problem.

Vault: Eighth foal; half-brother to 7f winner Top Class; Looked useful prospect when beating Dragon Pulse in maiden here on debut and made amends for Group disappointment when winning competitive Nursery at Galway under topweight (had decent draw) and exposed when seventh in Futurity last time out; More needed.

VERDICT: Soft ground saw a devastating performance by Talwar at Sandown but none of his rivals handled it and it’s debateable whether he gets an easy lead here. Dragon Pulse makes appeal uped to 7 furlongs but a chance is taken on POWER handling the soft ground and reaffirming his 2,000 Guineas credentials. The form of the Coventry and Phoenix Stakes is good for the time of year and he’s always shaped as if this test would suit.