Fine Form
A cracking card at Sandown sees a top-notch field for the BetMGM Atalanta Stakes. Any number of them can be given a chance, but perhaps
Calendar Girl SN – 2.50
is the most exciting one at this stage in her career.
Beaten just once last year – at Epsom, which can always be excused – she ended her juvenile career as a Group Three winner in the Oh So Sharp at Newmarket, having bagged a big sales race at Doncaster.
Unfortunately the Advertise filly suffered a minor hiccup in the spring, which put paid to any Classic aspirations.
But any doubts about whether her ability remains intact were quickly dismissed on her return in Listed company at Haydock, where she was a stylish winner from Pacific Mission, with multiple Group One scorer Fallen Angel third.
Another box ticked was the first try at a mile proved no problem and while this is her biggest test yet, it is highly likely she has more improvement in her.
Also of intrigue is the BetMGM Solario Stakes, a race that has thrown up some very good horses over the years.
This year’s renewal of the seven-furlong Group Three might at this stage possibly lack something of the quality of a Field Of Gold, but William Muir is incredibly high on the potential of
Breacher SN – 3.30
Muir, who trains the Cracksman colt alongside Chris Grassick, could scarcely contain his enthusiasm after a winning debut at Salisbury, where he did all his best work towards the finish, with the front two clear of the third.
The two horses immediately behind him have not run since, but the fourth has won and while Muir had to miss a recent engagement back at Salisbury that might have been a blessing as the Sandown hill should be right up his street.
It will be interesting to see if the market speaks in favour of
Crown Of Oaks SN – 2.15
in the Zyn Frontrunner Finish Handicap.
He ended last season with victory in the Balmoral Handicap on Champions Day and William Haggas elected to start him off in a Group Three at the Curragh this term. He ran no sort of race there, finishing last of seven, and missed a planned outing at Goodwood when a late withdrawal. Back in handicap company, he is only 5lb higher than his Ascot win.
Goodwood’s Virgin Bet Celebration Mile might represent last-chance saloon territory for
Zavateri GO – 3.10
It is such a shame connections have had to wait for most of the season after he was sidelined following his return in the Greenham. His comeback came in the Sussex Stakes over this course and distance, where he ran with a good deal of credit in fifth.
With that in mind he might have been expected to do a little better than he did dropped to seven furlongs for the City of York last weekend. Back at a mile and with the track seemingly to his liking, there would be a good few cheers if Eve Johnson Houghton’s really likeable performer can get his head in front.
Leave a Reply