Torcello is again journeyed a ‘million miles’ from his Kingsclere base for an ‘aged’ Maiden Stakes over nine furlongs of ‘good to soft’ Hamilton today; last month Andrew Balding’s charge impressed on debut at Carlisle!
Only Godolphin-owned Pilgrim’s Treasure prevented this Born At Sea colt from springing a first-up surprise under Liam Keniry; winning distance was two and a half lengths with the rest six lengths and upwards in arrears, often a sign of solid form.
Trainer Keith Dalgleish will have been vexed to note the declaration of Torcello!
Keith has been campaigning consistent, hitherto luckless Somnambulist in similar races and only last week hit the crossbar in similar circumstances.
Somnabulist rates an obvious each-way alternative but Torcello and Keeniry come out several pounds superior on the time-handicap which also pinpoints David Simcock-trained Another Eclipse in a five-runner 3-y-o Maiden Stakes over ten furlongs of ‘good’ ground Brighton which dries up quickly, especially at this time of year, usually the hottest!
Another Eclipse has a relatively simple task unless once-raced Frosting from the in-form yard of William Haggas ‘finds time’ which is unlikely according to reports of recent home-work.
Charles Hills is confident Expecting will make it third time lucky in a shallow-looking 2-y-o Novice Stakes over six furlongs of ‘good to soft’ Chepstow tonight, it will be extremely disappointing if that isn’t the outcome.
Expecting has been working well in strings containing plenty of winners and improved on debut sixteen days ago when a close fourth in a bunch finish to well-backed Gotti over the minimum trip.
South African jockey Gavin Lerena was aboard Expecting; he’s now gone back home, having failed to ‘cut the mustard’ so to speak, and we’re delighted to see 2015 computer champ, Richard Kingscote, on our side. He’s ‘special!’
Jockeyship is a major factor when punting seriously, certainly you should never back thoroughbreds ridden by second-graders!
Expect this combination to be firmly ‘on the premises’ on a fast-ish track which should be ideal!
Cliffs Of Moher, Barney
Cliffs Of Moher and Barney Roy feature among 16 entries for the Group One Coral-Eclipse at Sandown Park on Saturday.
Aidan O’Brien earmarked the 10 furlong contest for his beaten Investec Derby favourite Cliffs Of Moher after Epsom but the three-year-old is only one of five entries from Ballydoyle.
The year older pair of Deauville and Johannes Vermeer could also line-up with Orderofthegarter and Taj Mahal other possible representatives from the Classic generation.
Eminent, a close fourth in the Epsom Classic, could join Cliffs Of Moher in dropping back in distance while Barney Roy could be putting his stamina to the test after winning the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Richard Hannon’s colt had previously finished over two lengths in front of Eminent when second in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket.
The trip is no problem for the progressive and tough Permian, the winner of the Dante and King Edward VII Stakes already this season, and could prove to be the optimum for Salouen who was behind Mark Johnston’s runner at Royal Ascot.
Ulysses could represent Sir Michael Stoute while smart miler Lightning Spear is a fascinating entry for David Simcock following his below par run in the Queen Anne Stakes.
Simcock has also engaged Algometer and Desert Encounter while Blond Me, Decorated Knight and Jack Hobbs complete the possibles.
Hamilton, 3.00 Torcello (e.w)
Brighton, 3.15 Another Eclipse
Chepstow, 6.40 Expecting (nap-e.w)
