Middle Park Stakes 2011

2.35 Newmarket

Emaar Middle Park Stakes (Group 1) (Class 1)  (2YO only)
Winner £92,721

Advice: 1 pt win Family One (11/2 Boylesports)

Arnold Lane: Beaten in three good races since winning on debut, running into good horses each time, but this a level above that and should be easily held.

Balty Boys: Good efforts over C&D after poor effort in Acomb Stakes the last twice in valuable sales races, but nothing in this class so avoided.

Bapak Chinta: Backed like defeat was out of question in Hamilton maiden and that was indeed case, never headed and going clear in the final furlong, beating subsequent Listed winner Federick Engles; Overcame doubts about softening ground when winning Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot and while he’s had his troubles since, he should go well here.

B Fifty Two: Close second to Dabirsim three starts back but has since been held easily by Caspar Nestcher on last two starts and hard to see him upsetting odds here.

Burwaaz: Held his head high all season, possibly unlucky on wrong side of track when fourth to Bapak Chinta, and since been held by Harbour Watch, Requinto, Caspar Netscher, and Requinto 

again; Could find one too good again.

Caspar Netscher: Developed into  a very smart early season two year old and Group 2 double in Gimcrack and Mill Reef stakes gives him highest BHA rating here; No reason he can’t go close in conditions that should suit.

Crusade: Benefited from experience gained in York maiden when winning Curragh maiden over this trip; Faded late on after looking like he could play a part in the finish when fourth in Tattersall Stakes but others should be too quick.

Family One: Not out of first 2 in 6 starts this year and easy winner of the Prix Du Bois and the Prix Robert Papin, before finding only Dabirsim (subsequent Group 1 winner)  too good in Prix Morny; That form been boosted and should take some catching.

Justineo: Not quite reached potential that yard felt he had judged on stable comments/prices earlier this season, although unlucky to bump into Dewhurst contender Bronterre last time out; Booking of Fallon interesting but others preferred.

Lilbourne Lad: Impressive in two Irish wins, when running out wide margin winner of Listed race before then grinding out Group 2 win and creditable fourth in Phoenix Stake probably the best form in the field; Creditable efforts in Group 2’s since and step back up to 6f might see him in better light, so considered.

Rebellious Guest: Managed to overcome greenness when winning 16 runner maiden by 3 lengths from Red Aggressor (not won since); Coventry Stakes came too soon for him but impressive win again latest makes him a possibility.

Reply: Looked sure to win Group races when bolting home in his maiden but not lived upto that the next twice when fifth in Phoenix and disappointing in Gimcrack; Back to best when winning sales race under top weight and not hard to see him running big race from front if he can get lead.

Saigon: Upset 4-9 chance (with pair well clear in the closing stages) after sluggish start and even better when overhauling good types at Newbury in style of a progressive sort; Not done so well since but without doing herself disservice but hard to see her winning.

Samminder: Made taking winning debut in ordinary Yarmouth maiden in May and open to improvement following belated return at Leicester; Needs more despite that though and passed over.

Tough As Nails: Been one of finest early season two year olds with prominent finishes in Phoenix and Railway Stakes, but below form (probably long season) the last twice and others preferred.

West Leake Diman: Impressed when taking his maiden at Haydock but even better when winning minor event at Newmarket; Disappointed at York and Doncaster in sales race and might not be upto group standard.

VERDICT: A pretty strong renewal. Bapak Chinta would be hard to catch if at his peak after an enforced absence, but FAMILY ONE’S Prix Morny form looks immaculate after Arc Day and he should make a bold bid to gain his first Group 1. Capsar Netscher and Lilbourne Lad will both run well, and those looking for an outsider could do no worse than Reply.