Tate’s fine Army looks Invincible
INVINCIBLE ARMY (Haydock, 3.25) can continue his advance on racing’s premier sprinting prizes with success in a vintage Sandy Lane Stakes today.
The James Tate- trained speedster looked to lay down a marker at Ascot on his seasonal return with a smooth victory in the Pavilion Stakes, a success achieved without Ryan Moore using his whip.
The manner of that display, and the speed figure recorded, endorsed connections’ view that Invincible Army is much more the finished article this year following an industrious two-year- old career which only yielded two wins.
In truth, two should have been three as the son of Invincible Spirit was unlucky not to land the Mill Reef Stakes at Newbury on his final start as a juvenile when he was stuck in traffic as the pace quickened, allowing James Garfield to poach a winning advantage.
There were no such issues at Ascot earlier this month with a defeat of Eqtidaar, who could well have given the form a boost last Saturday at Newbury but for delivering his challenge on the wrong side of the track.
Today’s prestigious Group Two would not look out of place at Ascot with Queen Mary Stakes winner Heartache, Gimcrack winner Sands Of Mali and the aforementioned James Garfield, an honourable seventh in the 2,000 Guineas, all in opposition.
Richmond Stakes winner Barraquero is another respected on his first start for nigh on 300 days, but the professionalism and resilience displayed by Invincible Army on his seasonal bow allied with his speed should make him tough to beat today. Connections of ELARQAM (Curragh, 4.10) sent their colt to the English 2,000 Guineas worried a lack of experience may prove his undoing — and their fears were vindicated to a degree as he could only manage fourth.
In hindsight, a two-length defeat to Saxon Warrior at HQ was a highly honourable display and that outing should have served to improve the son of Frankel mentally and physically ahead of today’s Irish 2,000 Guineas.
It goes without saying that Aidan O’Brien’s leading duo, US Navy Flag and Gustav Klimt are likely to prove tough adversaries in their own back yard, but Mark Johnston’s English raider Elarqam boasts the qualities required to give the Brits a first win in the race since Kingman in 2014.