21-Nov-2009

I am backing Shining Gale here at 9/2. We had Charlie Mann’s gelding on side when he was a staying-on third behind The Last Derby in the United House Gold Cup at Ascot three weeks ago. A 1lb hike for that performance is not harsh and the softer ground will suit. Three miles on good ground at Ascot was not a sufficient stamina test.

It is not ideal that he has to carry 11st 12lb in the ground, but the two winners of this race to date carried 11st 12lb and 11st 4lb respectively, and Shining Gale is still progressive. He was a high class novice last year, he was just a much classier type than most of his rivals today, he goes on the ground, and his last run should have brought him on, just like his debut last season brought him on.

SHINING GALE WON (ADV 9/2, SP 7/2)