The Albany looks one of the stronger renewals we have had in recent years and I think there could be some smart fillies coming out of it. At the time of writing I thought EVE LODGE was overpriced given she is completely unexposed and open to any amount of improvement. Her debut third here was eye-catching and her facile success at Lingfield didn’t go unnoticed either. She should appreciate the fast pace that they are likely to go here and Jamie Spencer is just the man you want on board.
TASMAN BAY has been shaping like a really good horse this season and I think he can deservedly get his head in front today. Sir Mark Todd’s stable star has some rock solid form in the book and arguably that form can be marked up as I think he will appreciate a really good gallop which I would hope he would get there. He is a big strong horse who stays well so this step up in trip should bring about the best in him.
I was mightily impressed with DRAGON SYMBOL at Haydock last time despite him tasting defeat for the first time. He was forced to make his own running for the first half of the race and even after he tacked across to the main group he still saw plenty of daylight which wouldn’t have been ideal. He was coming back at the winner at the line however and it was that attitude along with the ability to handle any ground that stood out to me. Oisin Murphy interestingly jumps ship to ride this horse and I think that is testament to his chances today. Having said that, I wouldn’t put anyone off having a saver on the ride Murphy passed up to ride the selection which is THE LIR JET. He won the Norfolk here last year and I’ve long been saying he is a fast ground sprinter so he should get his conditions today and I wouldn’t be surprised if he runs very well.
The Coronation Stakes looks a deep edition and I can’t have Guineas third FEV ROVER at 25/1. Richard Fahey’s filly was a high class two year old and proved she trained on by finishing third in the Newmarket classic. A below par run at the Curragh since means she has been overlooked here but I think that is rather remiss of the punters. She probably wants 10f but if able to sit close to the pace here I think she could outstay them up the straight or at least plug on for a place.
The Sandringham isn’t my sort of race but I thought LUCID DREAMER was an interesting runner at 20/1. Highly rated last year, she was clearly below par on her first run back this season and must now rate a player on handicap debut with Oisin Murphy booked to ride. Her pedigree suggests she should be a lot better than a mark of 90 and her first two runs would back that idea up so keep an eye on her here.
The 5.35 is full of old favourites but I’m hoping RAYMOND TUSK is the most reliable one. A once high class three year old, he has found a new lease of life since moving to Alan King‘s yard and must surely win one of these races soon. I was mightily impressed with him at York when he was second to a progressive type who had plenty in hand. I don’t think there is anything lurking down to the bottom as well in as Ilaraab was the last day so I’m more than hopeful the selection can go close.
SIGNIFICANTLY has been called many a name in the past after finishing second a few too many times for me to remember but his form this season means he warrants respect here. He probably doesn’t find much off the bridle so the big field here where he can travel into the race and be delivered late should really suit him here.
