QIPCO British Champions Sprint Stakes 2011

2.25 Ascot

Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes (Group 2) (Class 1) (3yo+)

Advice: 2 pts win Moonlight Cloud (10/3 general), 1 pt each/way Wizz Kid (12/1 general)

Dafeef: Poor break possibly didn’t help him when second in Group 2 Park Stakes but that awful form for the grade despite promise shown beforehand in several runs; This a far tougher test.

Deacon Blues: Progressive throughout last year when third in the Portland and gained deserved big race success when gusty winner of the Wokingham at Royal Ascot (Reopposing Pastoral Player Back in third); Bettered that with easy Group 3 wins at Newbury (twice) and Curragh, making him the most progressive horse in the field; This most difficult task he’s faced all season but likely to prove at least equal to it.

Genki: Smart handicapper/group horse who held himself up with high credit, namely when third in Betfair Sprint Cup and also winning his group in Wokingham; Has confirmed himself solid horse at this level so decent place appeal.

Jimmy Styles: Only fourth lengths behind Deacon Blues a couple of starts back but never better than mid division when unplaced in Steward’s Cup and then poor efforts since.

Medican Man: Beaten off 94 last time he races at this trip but since made into a pattern class sprinter, finding things too quick (only just) in Shergar Cup and then at Doncaster; Poor effort last time tempers enthusiasm.

Prime Defender: Formerly a very useful sprinter (winner of the Duke Of York Stakes) but still no Group 1 win and this too deep for him.

Royal Rock: Looked like he could have a future when winning the Bengough Stakes 2 years ago but been largely poor before repeat win in this overt C&D last time; Not impossible to see bold show but hard to think he’s up with the best of them.

Silverside: Sprung surprise win in Germany’s top sprint, the Goldene Peitsche (‘Golden Whip') at Baden-Baden last time, although helped by favourite Amico Fritz failing to fire and Rose Blossom missing break; This calls for far more.

Society Rock: Impressive winner of 6f Ascot Listed event on reappearance last year; Beaten when travelling like much the best in Newbury Sprint, but career – best when second in Golden Jubilee (Seventh in July Cup afterwards); Went one better in that event this season but last two efforts, when well held behind Moonlight Cloud in Maurice De Gheest and sixth on ground which might have had too much sting in it for him last time at Haydock; Wouldn’t need much more to get involed but firmer ground a worry.

Libranno: Has refound his juvenile form at sprint trips lately, winning the Criterion Stakes well before an even better third in the July Cup; Lennox Stakes fourth was good and subsequent win at Course stands up fairly well but the two unplaced efforts inbetween at Group 2 and 1 level.

Hooray: Not impossible she could make bold bid to steal it from front but needs a good shot at the lead to do so and well held on last three starts, two behind Society Rock and Libranno; Passed over.

Ladies Are Forever: Not seen since getting back in the winners enclosure 101 days ago at York after hard battle with Dever Dream; That form good but others preferred here.

Moonlight Cloud: Only beaten in Prix Jean Luc as a juvenile and bettered that form this season when an easy winner of Prix Imprudence; Unable to do better than seventh in Guineas but hit front too soon in a strongly run race, and top class Saphresa too good for her; Would have been caught in a few more strides when back to form in Longchamp Group 3 but then nothing short of brilliant when winning Maurice De Gheest with Society Rock well held in second; Should take the beating if repeating that form again.

Night Carnation:  Looked a horse to follow when winning Sandown handicap in clear cut style and gone some way to confirming that impression in winning twice since, taking advantage of good draw when winning Coral Charge; Couldn’t get to the lead when fifth in Newbury Group 3 last time and owners might have better chance with Moonlight Cloud.

Perfect Tribute: Took form to a new level when she broke track records at Ascot and Lingfield this season but has run poorly the last twice, with no real reason for Goodwood flop; Others preferred.

Wizz Kid: Speedy as a juvenile and improved for drop back to 5f to win Prix du Gros-Chene (by a head from Prohibit) at Chantilly; Unlucky to be wrong side in Nunthorpe and then caught in traffic in L’Abbaye; Could go very well over an extra furlong.

VERDICT: A top class field. Deacon Blues should take some catching on his toughest task yet but it’s impossible not to be taken by MOONLIGHT CLOUD’S last win in the Maurice De Gheest, where she had Society Rock left for dead on ground that would have suited James Fanshawe’s charge. Another that makes appeal is Wizz Kid, who has been unlucky over 5f the last twice and could be overpriced here with an extra furlong over the straight course sure to suit.