George will prove the true master
1.50 QATAR STEWARDS’ SPRINT HANDICAP
THERE looks a fair amount of pace drawn high with the frontrunning Shepherd’s Purse situated on the stands’ rail and Monday’s impressive Ayr scorer Militia in close proximity. Their presence and run style could hand BOY IN THE BAR a nice tow into the race. The booking of Ryan Moore catches the eye for the course and distance winner who couldn’t get involved at York last week from a high draw, but he should be more at home at today’s venue on a straight course which suits prominent racers. Shepherd’s Purse is not one to discount given a fine effort in a tough Curragh handicap last time as this is a slightly easier level of opponent, while Militia recorded a smart time in Scotland and should go well under a penalty.
2.25 QATAR SUMMER HANDICAP
THE decision to equip MELTING
DEW with the cheekpieces again looks a smart move given he was sluggish and slovenly in his early paces before rallying gamely to score at Sandown in a fast time. The form of his latest victory took a nice boost on Tuesday when runner-up Alfarris landed a competitive handicap and, although today’s trip is a slight question mark, Melting Dew wasn’t stopping at the end of a 12-furlong Ascot handicap last autumn. Walton Street looks a huge danger on the evidence of his Ascot display behind Dash Of Spice, while Sir Chauvelin could be over-priced as he was runner-up in that event despite meeting trouble in running. He has run better in his last two starts than the finishing positions suggest.
3.00 QATAR GORDON STAKES
THERE is a perception DEE EX
BEE (best price 6-4) has been somewhat of a failure this summer following a fine run in the Derby but that line of thinking could be a touch harsh when the facts are examined. Some used a four-length defeat in a French Group One last time as a stick with which to beat Dee Ex Be, but it is worth recalling the same rival beat him more than three lengths in the Zetland Stakes at Newmarket last autumn so the run may not have been as ‘abysmal’ as first thought. The selection’s trip to the Curragh for the Irish Derby was a little lacklustre but there could have been many reasons with the travelling, track and fast ground all viable causes. Today’s race offers a perfect chance for a confidence booster prior to heading to Doncaster for the Leger.
3.35 UNIBET STEWARDS’ CUP HANDICAP
GEORGE BOWEN may have done all his winning for the season, but the manner of his success in the Scottish Stewards’ Cup suggests he is worth persevering with and could have a major say here. The slight reservation is the mid-race flat spot which can occasionally hinder his chance, but he has struck up a good association with his rider who was on board at Hamilton when the duo spread-eagled a decent field. He routed York rivals by six lengths earlier in the season and run-of-the-mill handicappers rarely achieve that level of performance. There is the likelihood of a strong gallop towards the stands’ side with Watchable and Reputation both on the rail and Gifted Master housed in stall 25. The latter was an honourable third in a Lennox Stakes two years ago and he could make a bold bid from the front.