_edited.png)
15:05 Nottingham
Dark Mystery struggled on debut against some good types, possibly over an inadequate distance but he improved to place second behind a smart horse of Richard Hannon’s, who races later on
the card. He’s open to improvement again but he’d probably prefer conditions to be a tad firmer. Moreover, his relations excelled over longer distances so he may follow suit. He is an intriguing candidate but he might find this hard.
Mark Johnson’s two year old runners are always worth noting and he’s in flying form of late. Approachability was an eye-catching winner at Pontefract, on his debut, were he made all and kept on strongly to win. He could improve again and he warrants strong contention. However, due to the nature of his Pontefract success, he has been handed a six pound penalty, which personally, is the differentiator between him and the selection.
William Haggas’s barn is enjoying quite the run of form lately and Grenoble looks set to carry that on. He bumped into a smart performer, who has form behind Group One horses, last time out at Yarmouth. Moreover, the distance wasn’t suited to Grenoble’s strength, so he’ll benefit from the step up to the mile. Additionally, he holds an entry into the Group One, Futurity Stakes, at the end of the year, which suggests that connections think a lot of him. He definitely seems the one to beat in this race.
GRENOBLE (WIN)
19:00 Kempton
Tabdeed commands respect in this race and is well in on the weights. He’s been placed behind some nice horses, which gives him a form boost. However, he’s not got form over course and surface and he’s winless this year. It doesn’t seem like he’s back to his best form just yet and could be an opposable favourite.
Stylish Performer is the outsider of the field but doesn’t really deserve to be. He’s in very good form, at the moment, and could well go gate to wire, as he’s dropping down a furlong. As well as this, he has All-Weather form and has a good draw. Conversely, that could go against him as he could find this a little fast. Moreover, he doesn’t have the greatest weight but he definitely doesn’t deserve to be a large price.
Soldier’s Minute is a three time course and distance winner and comes off the back of a narrow, but impressive, defeat in the Ayr Silver Cup. He should be suited by the return to the Polytrack and the booking of jockey, Ryan Moore, is definitely a standout and edges the vote.
SOLDIER’S MINUTE (WIN)
written by Kieran McHugh