14th-Sept-2019

Current Option could run a big race here.  A winner over seven furlongs for William Haggas in June, the Camelot gelding put up a good performance on his debut for Ado McGuinness, when he finished second behind shock winner Bopedro in a seven-furlong handicap at Cork last month off a mark of 85.  He just held on for the runner-up spot that day from Massa Lubrense, who won a competitive handicap at The Curragh next time.

Current Option then stepped up in trip to a mile for the Irish Cambridgeshire next time, and he ran another big race there.  He travelled well just behind the pace, a little too well if anything, and he picked up well to hit the front two furlongs out.  That was far enough out and, while he kept on, he was run down late on by Jassaar, who finished well down the centre of the track. 

He has three parts of a length to find with Jassaar on that run, but he was raised by just 1lb for that run, whereas Dermot Weld’s horse was raised by 7lb.  Also, the drop back down to seven furlongs should suit Current Option well. 

His draw in stall 11 is wide enough at first glance, but nine of the last 10 winners of this race were drawn nine or higher. 

Jassaar is obviously a player, he continues to progress, and last year’s runner-up Silverkode is potentially well-handicapped, and Bopedro could bounce back again after his defeat at Listowel, as could Viadera after her defeat in the Snow Fairy Stakes.  The biggest danger in my book, however, is Ice Cold In Alex, who should also be well suited by the drop back down to seven furlongs, and who could be finishing off his race best of all. 

It is a fascinating handicap but Current Option was having just his second run for Ado McGuinness last time, he could step forward again now, and this is probably his perfect trip.  He has lots in his favour.

CURRENT OPTION WON (ADV 11/2)