Chipchase Stakes 2011

2.00 Newcastle

totesport.com Chipchase Stakes (Group 3) (Class 1)  (3YO plus)

Winner £28,385

Pick: Regal Parade (win)

Doncaster Rover: Well behind Jimmy Styles when first run back from stint in Dubai, having been well beaten on both runs there; Well beaten in series of top races last season but more like it when fast closing third in Jury Stakes Latest; Enters calculations.

Eton Rifles: Only a length away from taking a Listed win last year and once again nosed out of it by Horseradish when attempting to gain big handicap success; Back in good form when fifth in Lincoln on seasonal debut, and while he’s in form, this drop in trip seems like an inconvenience.

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; Successful reappearance in Abernant Stakes was solid form for the level & big chance based on his run in Golden Jubilee, on ground no worse than today’s; Should go well.

Rain Delayed: Looked like he was on his best form when second to a highly regarded horse at Newbury and was catching Tangerine Trees at end of Palace House; Well beaten in Duke Of York and others preferred though.

Regal Parade: Confirmed himself top class in winning Maurice De Gheest and Hackwood last year, although bettered both those efforts when fourth in Prix De La Foret; Things didn’t work out for him on seasonal reappearance but back to best when beating all but Delegator in Duke Of York (slowly away); Slightly disappointing based on that when second to The Cheka last time, but winner go first run on him and return to this ground should see him at best; Major chance.

Secret Parade: Would holds a big chance on pick of his form (a third in the Bengough Stakes to Bewitched) but up against it on all other efforts and decant appeal as a Group class performer.

Waffle: Steadily progressive as a sprinter and best effort yet when beating all but Deacon Blues in the Wokingham last week, relishing the ground; Plenty of other form to his name that can see him go well here and has to be given a big chance.

Winker Watson: High class juvenile (winner of the Norfolk and July Stakes in 2007) & back from stud to run here; Impossible to know how much ability he retains and no real betting proposition having been off for so long.

VERDICT: A tightly contested renewal. The class in the race is REGAL PARADE and with the condtions he relishes, he can beat Waffle and Genki, both of whom have outstanding claims on Royal Ascot form.