Auto to stay in top gear
TODAY’S Shergar Cup isn’t going to grab our attention from today’s Rose of Lancaster Stakes (2.30) at Haydock.
RnB legend Craig David tops the bill after racing on the royal heath — and it’s a fair bet that his fans will outnumber those interested in the equine action at Ascot.
We’re into no-frills racing here and this afternoon’s mile-and-aquarter contest has attracted a doublefigure field for the first time in years.
It’s also strong on trends — which are:
Winners are either three, four or five.
Ran at Listed or Group level last time out.
Between two and four appearances this season.
Using those statistics we have three perfect fits — Autocratic, Arthenus and Larchmont Lad.
Arthenus doesn’t seem to be improving and even his best recent effort — behind What About Carlo at Newbury last month — gives him plenty to find.
Larchmount Lad hasn’t run over further than a mile and is no certainty to improve for today’s longer trip.
That leaves Brigadier Gerard Stakes winner AUTOCRATIC, who looks a typical Sir Michael Stoute improver.
He stays the trip well and, although the postSandown form hasn’t worked out brilliantly, the four-year-old is still worth a punt.
Have 2pts win at 13-2 with Coral.