Solario stage is set for best Akta
WEIGHING up the proven against the potential is a tricky equation for any backer, especially when the conundrum concerns lightly-raced juveniles on easy ground.
Today’s Solario Stakes is a case in point with the Group race form of AKTABANTAY (Sandown, 2.40) offering a solid proposition against the undiscovered capabilities of the likes of Future Empire who arrives on the back of an impressive maiden victory.
In this instance, Aktabantay narrowly gains the nod, even with connections reaching for the first-time cheekpieces, presumably because they feel their colt needs assistance in focusing.
There is every chance the selection was swept aside last time in the Superlative Stakes by a colt of huge potential in Estidhkaar who appears an unfussy and talented sort, capable of making an impression on a Group One before the season’s end.
Aktabantay boxed on gamely that day to take second, running the seven furlongs better than one of this afternoon’s rivals, Cock Of The North, who was two lengths in arrears in third.
The nagging concern supporting Hugo Palmer’s son of Oasis Dream is the lack of brilliance in his performances to date. But he ran to a high level last time and may prove too streetwise for Future Empire.
The form of the latter’s maiden win at Newmarket has worked out with the second, third and fourth all winning since and he is bred to improve over middle distances in time.
His close relatives have acted well on easy ground so it is impossible to discount his chance, but on this occasion the proven form in the book narrowly outweighs the potential.
Sandown’s stiff five furlongs and some cut in the ground often bring out the best in AJJAADD (Sandown, nap, 2.05) and Ted Powell’s speedster is a sporting nap to land the opener at the Esher venue.
The eight-year-old was successful in today’s well-contested sprint three years ago and ran very creditably over course and distance on his penultimate start when runner-up to Milly’s Gift in a similar event.
William Twiston-Davies boasts a good record aboard the selection, who could be some value to bounce back under his favoured conditions.
Having won a Newmarket seller last time for William Haggas, there could be a chance HONEY REQUIRED (Sandown, nb, 4.25) is underestimated in the seven-furlong nursery on her first start for Alan Bailey.