Dubai Dewhurst Stakes 2011

3.10 Newmarket

Dubai Dewhurst Stakes (Group 1) (Class 1)  (2YO only)

Winner £179,771

Advice: 1 pt win Power (3/1 general)

Bronterre: Followed cosy debut win with destruction of solid Listed field at Goodwood last time, with Gimcrack second Justineo left for dead (just behind was solid Nayarra) and well worth a chance in this grade; Contender.

Ektihaam: Confirmed impression made with impressive defeat of subsequent winner Havard N’Yale when coming right away from exposed if not solid yardstick of Goldophin’s at Doncaster; Has more to offer his yard although this is a big step up for him.

Factory Time: Made a good impression on his first two starts, winning with plenty in hand on both occasions before Listed third at Newbury (seemingly well held); Not gone on since.

Most Improved: Lived up to his name after being run out of things on debut when only asked to do what’s necessary in C&D maiden here latest; Not hard to think he can do better but lot on his plate here.

Parish Hall: Made a good impression when beating Requinto on debut at Leopardstown; Creditable second back there in Tryos Stakes and since redeemed bad run at Curragh (well behind Power) when close second to Dragon Pulse; Trainer has awesome record in this so can’t be ignored but his conqueror Dragon Pulse beaten by Power last time.

Power: Back on the winning trail after possibly unlucky defeat to La Collina in the Phoenix Stakes when grinding out National win on soft ground latest; Return to far quicker surface should do no harm given Coventry Stakes win and should have plenty in reserve for end, so big winning chance.

Red Duke: No improvement required on fairly strong debut when winning maiden at Redcar but impressive in Superlative Stakes and unlucky not to win again at Glorious Goodwood, when blocked for any sort of run; Likely that slow gallop/penalty undid his challenge when second behind Trumpet Major and can reverse that form; Not one to write off too quickly.

Spiritual Star: Contender for most impressive maiden win when romping home over C&D from the front, coming home unchallenged; This company should prove no barrier to him and another who could be anything.

Trumpet Major: Has shown himself to be better than his Royal Ascot form suggests with short head second to National Stakes favourite Talwar and well ridden to win twice since, including the Champagne Stakes last time; Had things fall right for him last day and despite booking of Johnny Murtagh, others preferred.

VERDICT: A good mix of quality and unexposed horses here, and all will have to be pretty decent to get past POWER, who’s been all but flawless all season and really impressed with his attitude when winning the National Stakes last time out. The change in ground should him no harm and he can get the better of a host of good types.