Fave will Cheka-mate opposition in Solario
The Marcus Tregoning trained Shabiba looks the filly to beat at Sandown tomorrow in the Iveco Atalanta Stakes live on Channel 4 at 2.05pm.
She is stepping back up to a mile after a promising third to Visit over an inadequate seven furlongs at Goodwood last time out.
The daughter of Misterah didn’t get going until the race was over, but she ran on well in the final furlong and was finishing best of all. That was a much hotter contest and even though she will have to beat another Sir Michael Stoute trained hotpot, she is definitely the one to beat.
The additional furlong, plus the infamous Sandown hill, should play right to her strengths and with her stable in good nick, this well regarded filly could start us off with a bang.
The feature race of the day is next on the card when eleven runners go to post for the Group 3 Betinternet.com Solario Stakes. Eve Johnson Houghton’s The Cheka will be bidding to emulate Raven’s Pass who obliterated a quality field in this race last year. This son of Xaar is reportedly the best his trainer has ever had and the form of his Ascot win is standing up well.
The Mark Johnston trained Pegasus Lad, who was beaten ten lengths by The Cheka, has since won a maiden race at Sandown Park and holds an entry for the Group 1 Racing Post Trophy in October. Third placed Sixties Swinger has not run since Ascot, however he also holds Group entries, for the Juddmonte Royal Lodge Stakes and the 2009 Derby, so is clearly held in very high regard by his trainer.
Our old friend Proponent runs in the 3.10pm at the Esher track and it may be worth taking another chance on this Roger Charlton trained fast-ground specialist.
He was well backed at Goodwood last time, but I wouldn’t read too much into that run, as the course may not have suited and he chased a strong early pace. He is a high class handicapper on his day and in this weaker contest against some exposed types, he must have a great each-way chance and looks worth backing in Betdaq’s place market.
For those of you looking for a bet today then John Gosden’s Doctor Crane stands out in the 6.05pm listed race at Salisbury.
He was mightily impressive two starts back when disposing of the well regarded Oratory and Awinnersgame at Newbury and even earned a quote for next year’s 2000 Guineas.
He re-appeared seven days later at Ascot and was a major disappointment when the race turned into a messy sprint.
However, that race probably came too quickly for him and with the additional furlong, plus an inform stable, he looks to have a good chance of securing his third win. Interestingly, Gosden ran him in the same race at Ascot that he had targeted with Raven’s Pass twelve months ago, which must show how well regarded he is at home.