Hyperfocus sets his sights on Doncaster prize
● Conditions on Town Moor should suit Palmer charge
Hyperfocus seems to relish cut in the ground so the autumnal conditions in the Racing Post/ SIS Betting Shop Manager Handicap at Doncaster should be right up his street. Hugo Palmer thought enough of his charge to pitch him into Group Two compa- ny as a juvenile last year, but he disappointed in the Superlative Stakes and that run signalled a premature end to his campaign.
It looked as though the son of Intense Focus would struggle to get his head in front after three starts this term, but a mid-season gelding operation seems to have worked the oracle, Hyperfocus scoring twice since his return.
Hyperfocus first scored at Haydock at the beginning of September before defying a 5lb rise to claim another win on heavy ground at the Merseyside venue at the end of the month. The handicapper took a dim view of that verdict and hiked him 8lb in the ratings and while conditions on town mo or will be nowhere near as deep as at Haydock, Hyperfocus has proved perfectly adept on good to soft ground in the past.
John Gosden and Frankie Dettori can make it a double at Newbury with Royal Line and First Eleven.
Royal Line steps up a notch in class for the British Stallion Studs EBF Conditions Stakes having absolutely hosed up at Haydock on his most recent start. While he won by just over two lengths that day, he was eased right down in the finish in the manner of a potentially smart horse.
First Eleven has fluffed the start on his two outings to date but if he can pull it together this time, the second division of the Join Hot To Trot For 2018 Novice Stakes looks eminently winnable.
First Eleven has just given himself too much to do with his tardy starts and Gosden will surely have him well drilled in that area now.