Autumn Stakes 2011

5.00 Newmarket

Autumn Stakes (Group 3) (Class 1)  (2YO only)

Winner £19,281

Advice: 1 pt win Astrology (2/1 Ladbrokes)

Astrology: Relatively unfancied on debut but came with a late rattle to landing decent maiden at Leopardstown; Good form when dropped back in trip and third to Dragon Pulse and David Livingston, form which has worked out well since; Back at a mile he should be hard to beat.

Moon Pearl: Beat a pair of next-time-out winners at Ascot (6f) and notable that she did so for stable who don’t have too many first time out winners; Disappointed at York last time out but that forgiven in what was a strong race; Staying on well behind Reply when fourth in big sales race at Doncaster last time out and stamina test could bring out more improvement in him.

Perennial: Got better of really promising Godolphin colt Encke (deeply impressive winner himself since) from poor position himself after staying well late on at Doncaster and can do better here, so on shortlist.

Red Aggressor: Finally got deserved win on the board after several efforts in good races at group level when taking maiden at Wolverhampton, but then put in place by Bronterre at Goodwood and others here have more to offer.

Rockinante: Not gone on from extremely promising career start when fifth at Deauville (soft ground to blame) but pulled too hard when well beaten by three stablemates of Astrology in Royal Lodge so hard to fancy his chances in similar situation.

Swing Alone: Excellent start to season when fifth in Chesham Stakes (apart from winner, form not worked out) at Royal Ascot and didn’t go on as expected from that; Win over 9 furlongs at Wolverhampton suggests that

Validius: Pummelling of AW opposition has since been backed up by performances of second and third (this came after running into a very good sort on debut) and could have a lot more to offer 

still’ Big chance.

 

Whip Rule: Consistent type who’s impressed when winning his maiden last season but well beaten in National Stakes and despite shrewdness of trainer, not likely to be winning this.

VERDICT: A whole host of promising types, headed by Perennnial and Validius, but ASTROLGY sets a good standard based on his Group 2 third last time, which has been boosted since.