Brigadier Gerard Stakes 2012

7.55 Sandown

Betfair Brigadier Gerard Stakes (Group 3) (Class 1)  (4YO plus)

Winner £31,190

Advice: 1 pt win I’m A Dreamer (4/1 Sportingbet)

Colombian: Improved for step up in trip when a well backed and clear cut winner of Chester maiden, and has bettered that with two huge runs in major French races, fourth in the French Derby and then a luckless third in well contested Group 2 Guillame D’Orono; Held his own really well towards the end of the season and back in style when landing Gordon Richards Stakes on heavy ground last time; Penalty for that but well capable of landing this and interesting to see him drifting in the morning (possibly on account of fast ground).

Carlton House: Promising debut was blown out the of the water by demolition job in 1m maiden win at Newbury, marking him down as exciting prospect; Confirmed that impression when defying slowly run race and keen early start to come out well on top in Dante (also came through horses), cementing position as Derby favourite; Things didn’t quite go his way (previous injury scare on week) at Epsom, having been asked to make large amount of ground up from long way out, run flattening out in final furlong; Ran flat in Irish Derby but still not beaten far by top quality Irish colts and deserves respect here, although yard’s form a worry (3-29 with runners coming from a +100 day absence).

Hunter’s Light: Created Group class impression when slamming Dee Stakes 2nd in maiden at Newmarket & made quick amends for Royal Ascot disappointment (behind Slumber) when toughing it out having made smooth headway at Hamilton; Staying on third in the Gordon Stakes and then disappointed in the Voltiegur but shaped like group class horse when completing Listed double at end of last season; Best forgive his listed run, when he travelled like the winner all over before finding little on very sticky ground

Sagramor:  Bagged two valuable handicaps over a mile last season, getting the better of tight finish to the Brittannia Handicap after landing Silver Bowl; Disappointed twice afterwards and this a damn hard return for one who’s untried in group company.

I’m A Dreamer: Made into a very smart mare after wide margin Group 3 win last season, although she had a disappointing summer before putting things right before the end of the year; Excellent reappearance run behind Izzi Top and Sajhaa; That run a very solid effort and better surely expected so needs respecting here.

Sos Brilliante: Always out of her depth and same story again.

VERDICT: On form Carlton House should win and win well but he’s a short enough price anyway without Sir Michael Stoute having had just 3 winners of the 29 runners that have returned from a 100 day break or more this season. There are two strong options to take him on with, not least the filly I’M A DREAMER, who was behind two group class fillies at York when last seen and should come on for that and put up a bold show here. Colombian is also a big player on his best form despite a 3lbs penalty and Hunter’s Light could be the perfect back to lay option.