MAKE IT YOUR FINAL VENTURE
Final Venture can defy top weight to claim another Listed victory in the Pepsi Max Scarbrough Stakes on the first day of the St Leger meeting at Doncaster tomorrow.
Paul Midgley’s stable stalwart must shoulder a penalty for his win in the Achilles Stakes at Haydock back in June, but given his excellent form so far this term, the five-year-old looks up to the task.
He has hardly been disgraced in Group One starts at both Royal Ascot and York’s Ebor meeting, but while the top level is clearly a bit beyond him, he remains a major player in this kind of race.
He only narrowly failed to hit the target at Beverley last time, being beaten just a length by Take Cover after giving a bit of trouble at the start which could hardly have been conducive to a maximal performance.
This actually looks a weaker event than the Beverley Bullet with just a handful of runners and Final Venture is still the best in on official numbers.
Mirage Dancer’s case is probably less clear cut in the Sports ID - Strength In Sport Conditions Stakes after being thoroughly outclassed by Cracksman in the Voltigeur last time.
Sir Michael Stoute’s charge caught the eye when making a winning debut at this meeting 12 months ago and he certainly has the pedigree as a son of Frankel out of multiple Group One winner Heat Haze.
Following decent efforts in Listed and Group Three company, Mirage Dancer was hammered by Cracksman at York, being beaten 12 lengths in third after trying to make a run from the rear of the field.
The competition is clearly not quite so hot and while Best Of Days is an intriguing rival, Mirage Dancer seems to be a horse of potential who could really come into his own next term.
Soldier Blue can shed his maiden tag in the Clipper Logistics Leger Legends Classified Stakes.
Now with Brian Ellison after starting life with Godolphin, the three-yearold showed a glimpse of promise when third at Pontefract back in July and he has a handy little pull in the weights with some more obvious candidates here.
Lethal Impact has been a bit of a damp squib so far but can finally come good in the 32Red Handicap at Kempton.
This Japanese-bred son of Deep Impact possibly needed the run when third over two miles last time and should be a bit sharper for that outing.
Roger Fell took home a nice prize with Burnt Sugar in Ireland over the weekend and Zodiakos can keep up the yard’s good work, albeit at a lower level, in the Andersons Handicap at Carlisle.
Cup Final is clearly not the force of old but can prove good enough in the Betfred TV Novices’ Chase at Uttoxeter.
Dream Today, who made a big impression when winning on his debut at York, is among 12 five-day confirmations for the Howcroft Industrial Supplies Champagne Stakes at Doncaster on Saturday.
The Mark Johnstontrained colt could step straight into Group Two company after a convincing performance in the Convivial Stakes, Britain’s richest maiden.
Johnston has won the Champagne twice, with Lucky Story in 2003 and McCartney in 2007. That is one more than Aidan O’Brien whose sole success so far came with Westphalia.
The Ballydoyle trainer has three possibles in Mendelssohn, Seahenge and US Navy Flag, a six-length winner of the Group Round Tower Stakes, while his son Joseph has left in Medal Of Honour.