2.40 Newmarket
Etihad Airways Falmouth Stakes (British Champions Series)
(Fillies' Group 1) (Class 1) (3YO plus)
Winner £102,078
Advice: 1 pt win Elusive Kate (11/4 general)
Elusive Kate: Second on comeback in this last year (soft
ground, Giofra had the advantage of a run) and then model of consistency at the
top table of female milling last year, winning the Rotschild with canny front
running ride before second in Sun Chariot stakes and third in QE11 on
Champion’s Day; Fourth in Queen Anne on return was a bold effort and should be
spot on for this.
Giofra: Looked as if she could be truly special when landing
Prix D’Harcourt by 10 lengths but well beaten second to Cirrus Des Aigles on
second start; Landed this last year on soft ground (had advantage of run over
runner up) and performed well in top company since then, although nothing over
a mile; Return in UAE was good but looked tapped for toe on second run since;
Still a leading form chance. 
Purr Along: Looked a potential class act when getting as
close to Certify as anything last season when second in Group 2 May Hill (1m,
good) in September and can forgive next two runs (heavy ground in France and
can’t have been straight for return behind Sky Lantern); But even then, would
be a special performance to land this and got something to prove even on May
Hill form. 
Sky Lantern: Clear cut winner of Moyglare for whom things
didn’t work out at the Breeders’ Cup, but improved once again to land 1,000
Guineas and then storm away with Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot, destroying
opposition in one of the most impressive performances of the meeting; This a
step up in terms of pure form and this going to be very tactical affair but no doubting her
talent.
VERDICT: A disappointing field only in number, with a clash
of the generations between deeply impressive Coronation Stakes winner Sky
Lantern and last year’s 1-2 Giofra and ELUSIVE KATE, who might be best suited
by the tactical affair that is likely to prevail with only four runners today.
Purr Along is a smart horse but has a lot to prove even on her best form.
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