STICK WITH POGO
Hills’ star can hit new high
POGO (3.35, nap, ITV4), runnerup in last year’s Dubai Joel Stakes, can go one better in this season’s Group 2 contest at Newmarket this afternoon.
Throughout the season the Charlie Hills-trained six-year-old has been punching with the best.
He won the Criterion Stakes over seven furlongs on Newmarket’s July course, and followed that with a narrow third at Goodwood behind Sandrine and a close fifth at Newbury behind Jumby.
Last time out, my selection went down fighting when runnerup to the smart Kinross in the Group 2 City Of York Stakes on
the Knavesmire. Tempus, winner of his last three races, is the obvious danger, but his success has been achieved against more moderate rivals.
Roger Varian’s remarkable run of success, after seven winners last Saturday, is expected to continue with ZANBAQ (1.50, ITV4).
The filly did not get the clearest of runs last time out but had earlier run a blinder when chasing home Heredia at Royal Ascot July.
SEA SILK ROAD (2.25, ITV4), who has beaten two of today’s rivals Eternal Road and Queen Of The Skies in the past, can confirm that form by taking the Princess Royal Dubai Stakes.
Irish raider OLIVIA MARALDA (3.00, ITV4) is the pick in the Rockfel Stakes. The filly was second to Meditate, the winner of her previous four races, at the Curragh last month.
At Haydock, AL DASIM (1.30, ITV4) will appreciate this considerable drop in grade after finishing sixth behind Ocean Vision in a Listed contest
The consistent MOON WATCH (2.05, ITV4) has been given an excellent chance by the handicapper after some solid efforts in defeat, while a repeat of
POST IMPRESSIONIST’S (2.40, ITV4) second behind the St Leger winner Eldar Edarov at Newcastle in May could see him take the Haldane Handicap.