Lonsdale Cup 2013

2.30 York

Weatherbys Hamilton Insurance Lonsdale Cup (British Champions Series) (Group 2) (Class 1)  (3YO plus)

Winner £85,065

Advice: 1 pt win Simenon (15/8 Bet Victor)

Azeemah: Rapid progression at middle distance trips in Dubai through early part of this year and followed up that form with seconds in Group 2’s the last twice here, best of the rest in Goodwood Cup after second in Princess of Wales’s; Can go well here.

 

Askar Tau: Won this in 2009 when he was going to the top of the staying tree but nowhere near as good since and just can’t be backed in current form.

Caucus: Troubles meant he raced just once in 2011 but made amends and showed considerable promise when closing out last season with good 2m Listed win, and second in Sagaro obviously looks great now; Desperately disappointing latest after listed win but still potentially has more to offer.

Colour Vision: Class act at his best, but upto him when he shows it, fourth to Estimate at Royal Ascot after two stinkers and then poor when seventh in Goodwood Cup; If at best, can obviously take big hand but hard to trust him.

Glen’s Diamond: Nosed out Top Trip to land Yorkshire Cup over a furlong shorter here, form which looked immeasurably better in light of Ascot Gold Cup, but since ran like a drain the past twice and harder to recommend although he’s a big price if he gets back to his best.

Simenon: Looked a group stayer when winning two staying races at Royal Ascot and while he didn’t quite make it last year – only fifth in this behind reopposing Times Up – he has since been unlucky not to land Chester Cup and then been second in the Ascot Gold Cup, the form effort here; This trip may not suit as much but set to take the beating here.

Times Up: Had Simenon in fifth when winning this last year and then taking Doncaster Cup, but like so many in this division, couldn’t quite keep that form and not really at best in two runs this season; Should be ready to show something like best and can’t discount a big effort to retain title.

VERDICT: If this is run at a reasonable pace then SIMENON can take the beating if able to show his best form. Times Up and Colour Vision have run stinkers of late, but are good enough to be considered serious threats.