Acomb Stakes 2012

2.30 York

Pinsent Masons LLP Acomb Stakes (Group 3) (Class 1)  (2YO only)

Winner £31,190

Alfonso De Sousa: Impressively bred imposing colt who struggled to cope with deep surface on first two starts, making laboured ground into third on debut at Curragh and then fading after going off touch too quickly when fourth in strong July Course maiden (just behind Dundonnell, who was making his debut) First start on decent ground saw a total romp in Leoaprdstown maiden (and third has since won since) and likely that he can do yet better still once again on sound surface.

American Impact: Built on fair debut when landing Musselburgh maiden in cosy if not totally convicting style, racing fairly lazily in recording an RPR of just 69; Expected to do better over this trip but surely outclassed today.

Dundonnell: Third (one place ahead of Alfonso De Sousa) in July Course maiden on debut where he raced way from favoured stands rail on ground that may not have suited; Easy task but that didn’t make his Lingfield win any less impressive, where he won by 12 lengths over an extended 7 furlongs, breaking long standing course record that had stood since 1970’s; Big chance here.

Ebn Arab: Nominated for this after winning C&D race on debut (5/2 favourite, drew away for steady 5 length win, clearly much better this time around) and form of that boosted when runner up and dead heat fourth since won; Should go well.

Steeler: Lost race through greenness on his debut at Haydock and still green when he was off the mark at Goodwood over 7 furlongs, coming through late to win well in the end; Trainer twice won this from eight runners in last decade so demands respect for all he might be better over a mile for a stiff test.

VERDICT: A small but very select field for this contest. Anyone of 4 has a realistic chance on form (as nice a horse as American Impact is, he looks out of his depth) but slight preference is for DUNDONELL, who looked superb when breaking the course record for 2yos at Lingfield last time and had previously caught the eye when third ahead of Alfonso De Sousa in a soft ground Newmarket maiden which looked strong at the time. He can step forward again, confirm the form, and beat Ebn Arab and Steeler – both of whom have promising futures – to take this.