Canford Cliffs

There was no living with the favourite, Canford Cliffs, in the Coventry Stakes. He clocked a big time on his only previous run in a Newbury maiden, a race that is working out really well, and it was interesting that Richard Hughes said before racing on Tuesday that it was his best ride of the meeting. Even after he won the opener on Paco Boy, he still said that Canford Cliffs was his best. He was even more animated afterwards. “I’ve never known a horse to run away with me and win a race,” he said. “I was out over his tail for four furlongs. He is the best horse I’ve ever ridden by far. He’s a freak.” They have put him in as the 8/1 favourite for next year’s Guineas. He has so much speed that it is difficult to see him staying a mile, he is by Tagula, and his dam’s side suggests more speed than anything else. Although Henrythenavigator went on to win the Guineas last year after landing the 2007 Coventry, it is usually a poor race for the following season’s Guineas. I wouldn’t be backing him for the Guineas, but I certainly wouldn’t be opposing him this season, even if he steps up to seven furlongs.

16th June 2009