EDDYSTONE’S READY TO ROCK
VICTORIES have been few and far between for EDDYSTONE ROCK (Doncaster, 3.15) and his trainer in recent times, but the combination could enjoy a welcome change of fortune in today’s November Handicap.
John Best (right) has endured a miserable season, sending out just a handful of winners, however his sixyear-old performed with great credit in this race when third 12 months ago and his effort in Ireland last week contesting a warm handicap hinted he could be poised to peak again.
The selection, who is traditionally ridden with great patience, was one of the last off the bridle in last year’s renewal before charging past a number of his rivals in the Town Moor straight to claim third, a couple of lengths behind winner Saunter.
Eddystone Rock didn’t enjoy the clearest of passages under Rab Havlin, but swept past the likes of today’s likely market leader Royal Line to register one of the best performances of his 44-race career.
Conditions look perfect for Best’s gelding to post another threatening display and he looks good at the morning prices along with his old adversary Royal Line, who appears to have been targeted at this race all season.
John Gosden’s lightly-raced son of Dubawi drifted markedly left when hitting the front in today’s feature last year when his immaturity cost dearly.
He looked a more rounded individual at Epsom in the spring when quickening clear of a good field to score readily and rates a major danger along with the improving Buzz, who may give connections a bold shout at compensation following their narrow reverse in Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup.
DONJUAN TRIUMPHANT would be a poignant winner of the Marathonbet Official Global Partner Of Manchester City Wentworth Stakes.
The Andrew Balding-trained fiveyear-old carries the King Power Racing colours of the late Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, who died in a helicopter crash less than a fortnight ago.
Donjuan Triumphant is one of three Balding-trained horses for the owners at Town Moor this weekend as the King Power Racing silks return to the track. ‘As far as far as priorities go, I’m sure the horses are fairly low down at the moment,’ said the Kingsclere trainer. ‘We’re just carrying on as normal.’