POET CAN CORNER HIS RIVALS
1.55 SKY BET AND SYMPHONY GROUP H’CAP
The early pace appears spread evenly across the track with Watchable (17) and el Astronaute (18) drawn high, while Gracious John (4) and harome (5) look likely to tow those drawn low. Any of that quartet could win given this is a track where brazen speed is difficult to overhaul.
however, FINAL VENTURE has posted a couple of excellent recent efforts and, with the handicapper giving him respite, could be the answer to a tricky event.
The selection was only beaten by four lengths in a haydock Listed contest after racing a shade too handily and previously ran a blinder at today’s venue behind Mr Lupton.
he gets on well with Oisin Murphy and enjoys a handy middle draw, so can race where the pace is strongest. Tis Marvellous impressed on Shergar Cup day and boasts a strong chance if translating his Ascot form to this rather different track, while Culturati found seven furlongs on soft ground beyond him on comeback, and may appreciate today’s conditions a little more.
3.00 SKY BET GREAT VOLTIGEUR STAKES
ThiS looks a terrific renewal with Aidan O’Brien saddling four runners, the pick of which is the progressive Kew Gardens.
he was tremendously game in winning a French Group One last time, a victory which came hot on the heels of an authoritative success in the Queen’s Vase at royal Ascot. however, the Ballydoyle handler has saddled 17 runners in the past decade with only idaho successful two years ago, so CROSS
COUNTER could be a live alternative, even if the form of his Gordon Stakes win at Goodwood has been queried by some.
it would be foolish to go overboard about the performance, which saw him beat three rivals including dee ex Bee. however, the clock suggested it was a marked step up from the colt’s Ascot success in a handicap on his last start.
Wells Farhh Go put himself in the St Leger picture with a terrific showing in the Bahrain Trophy. More is required here, but as a winner of the Acomb Stakes 12 months ago, he has valuable track knowledge.
2.25 TATTERSALLS ACOMB STAKES
COnSiderinG he was rather green and displayed signs of inexperience, Watan impressed on debut at Goodwood when winning with plenty in hand.
The runner-up and fifth home have admittedly been beaten since, but the manner of the victory suggested there is plenty more to come from the son of Toronado and he may prove difficult to beat.
That said, both Broome and PERSIAN MOON are a little further along in their education and could make their valuable experience tell. The latter has already won at York, which is a huge positive, and looks an uncomplicated colt, happy to bowl along at the head of affairs.
Persian Moon displayed a terrific will to win when headed at today’s venue last time and that form has been enhanced by the runner-up scoring since.
Broome was slowly away on debut and became agitated in the stalls at Gowran before running out a ready winner. he may not be allowed the luxury of a sluggish start in this company.
3.35 JUDDMONTE INTERNATIONAL
POET’S WORD possesses the speed for a mile and a quarter, the stamina to win over further and the attitude to join the impressive roll call of past winners of this event.
Brilliantly nurtured, the five-year-old overcame an uncompromising track position to overhaul his talented stablemate Crystal Ocean in the King George last time, producing a terrific turn of foot from the home bend to reel in a horse which had poached a vital advantage.
That victory required ability and tenacity and, with a raft of useful three-year-olds in opposition today, more of the same will be required to complete a hat-trick of Group One wins this season.
Poet’s Word has rarely disappointed his fans, though, with consistency proving his watchword in a 16-race career and he boasts all the attributes to follow in the hoofprints of last year’s winner Ulysses.
eclipse winner roaring Lion and runner-up Saxon Warrior will demand Poet’s Word is at his best, however, and the former could be especially dangerous.