18th-Aug-2018

This is a tricky renewal of the Hungerford Stakes.  Firstly, it is difficult to know what to do with Gustav Klimt, dropping in class and dropping in trip.  And secondly, it appears that there may not be a lot of pace on.  Most of the protagonists like to be held up. 

I am happy to be against the favourite at the prices.  This is a big opportunity for him, and seven furlongs might suit him well, but he hasn’t won since he won the Guineas Trial in April, and he is taking on good older horses today. 

Sir Dancealot has to concede a 3lb penalty, but he is progressive over seven furlongs this year, and he probably put up the best performance of his life last time in winning the Group 2 Lennox Stakes.  He only beat Breton Rock by a neck that day, and he is 3lb worse off, but he had more in hand than the bare winning margin.

He is a seven-furlong specialist, but he still had the pace to finish fourth in the July Cup this year, so he should be able to cope fine if they don’t go a fast pace, as long as he settles.  He will be fine with a speed test.

He is only four, he is still progressing, and he gets on very well with Gerald Mosse.  His runs in his last three races have been up there with the best of his career, and they are the three races in which Mosse has ridden him.  He was only fifth in this race last year, but he was ridden aggressively that day, he is a much better horse when he is held up and delivered, and Mosse can do that to perfection.

The ground may not be soft enough for Librisa Breeze or Breton Rock, and this trip may be further than Dream Of Dreams’ ideal.   Yafta is interesting, he may be allowed sit handily off a sedate pace.  He is a danger, but I prefer Sir Dancealot.

SIR DANCEALOT WON (SP 4/1)