Paul Ferguson has three tips for us today; Midday (2.00, York), Lyric Street (7.25, Newmarket) and Azores (8.35, Gowran Park).
A fascinating renewal of the Dante takes centre stage at York this afternoon, after which there is sure to be a shake-up in the ante-post Derby market.
Carlton House and World Domination fall in to the ‘could be anything’ category, whilst Seville has proven Group 1 form in the book. With that in mind, I can understand why the latter has been steadily backed but, as all three featured in my Flat Ten To Follow feature last weekend, I’m happy to watch and enjoy the contest.
Earlier on the card Midday (2:00) is fancied to land the Group 2 Middleton Stakes for Henry Cecil, despite the fact she has to concede 5lbs to all seven rivals.
The high-class mare, who won the Yorkshire Oaks at the track last August, failed to give Sariska 5lbs in last year’s renewal, but there is nothing of her class in opposition today and, at odds against, the daughter of Oasis Dream should be backed to make a winning seasonal debut.
Most of the jockeys will be hopping in to the car and heading down to Newmarket for the evening meeting, where Lyric Street (7:25) can make the journey worthwhile for Kieren Fallon.
Luca Cumani’s Hurricane Run colt made an eye-catching racecourse debut at the track in October, when he finished just behind Malanos, who re-opposes tonight.
With experience under his belt, the Derby entrant is fancied to reverse form and get off the mark on his first start at three.
Over in Ireland Azores (8:35) is another fancied to shed her maiden tag in the concluding contest at Gowran Park.
The Danehill Dancer filly travelled like the best horse in the race during her maiden last month and only got mugged late on by a bigger priced stable-mate, who has since finished runner-up in the Group 3 1,000 Guineas Trial.
David Wachman has his chestnut entered in plenty of top races, including both the Epsom and Irish Oaks as well as the Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot, so she is clearly held in some regard.
Thursday’s selections:
2:00 York – Midday (11/10)
7:25 Newmarket – Lyric Street
8:35 Gowran Park – Azores
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