FERGIE HAS FANCY FOR FOUNDATION
SIR ALEX FERGUSON loved an away win. Having enjoyed seeing his unbeaten colt FOUNDATION (Doncaster, 3.45) conquer Merseyside this summer, the former Manchester United manager hopes to leave Yorkshire with a result today. Fergie, part of the syndicate which owns the progressive son of Zoffany, watched Foundation canter to a couple of impressive victories at Haydock prior to his triumph in Newmarket’s Royal Lodge Stakes last month. That success suggested John Gosden’s charge could be the real deal and the selection has a chance to vindicate that view as he again faces Deauville, who chased him home last time and sports cheekpieces for the first time in a bid to reverse the placings. The presence of Nottingham winner Mengli Khan and Tony Curtis, who was so impressive in victory at Salisbury, add further depth to the contest. However, Foundation looked to have cured his habit of sluggish starts at Newmarket and bears the hallmarks of a top-class colt. There is a chance STEPS (Doncaster, 2.35) has finished his winning for the season, however he loves Town Moor and could make a bold bid to follow up his win in the Portland Handicap last month. A Group Three victory at Newbury and a good performance in the Group One Prix de l’Abbaye followed and those efforts indicate the seven-year-old remains in excellent heart. He tackles handicap company again today and the move to replace the blinkers with a visor could be a shrewd one by trainer Roger Varian as his gelding is unbeaten in two starts in that headgear. WHAT ABOUT CARLO (Newbury, nb, 3.00) must concede weight all-round, but is a potent force when the mud is flying. The selection was not disgraced at Salisbury last time and is worth supporting to repeat his course and distance win of last month. HARGAM (Cheltenham, 2.45) and PARLOUR GAMES (Cheltenham, 4.30) are two of the star names on show at Prestbury Park. The former disappointed at Aintree following a rigorous Triumph Hurdle but he is fancied to bounce back if there is no more rain. Challow Hurdle winner Parlour Games makes his chasing debut and, without having seen him tackle a fence, it is difficult to be dogmatic about his chances. But John Ferguson’s charge has an affinity for Cheltenham and this is not the stiffest test.