Mission Central
Mission Central
I think that Mission Central has not been afforded due credit by the market here.
Obviously, Words Of Truth could be very good, and Division was impressive in winning at York last week, but I think that Mission Central should be closer to the two of them in the market than he is.
Gelded after he was beaten on his debut at Dundalk in April, Aidan O’Brien’s horse was seriously impressive in winning his maiden by eight lengths from Chicago Pope, who won his own maiden at Naas last Sunday.
Mission Central then stepped forward from that next time when he won the Group 3 Round Tower Stakes, back at The Curragh. He only won by three parts of a length in the end from The Publican’s Son, but he can be marked up on the bare form of that run. He led from flagfall, into a headwind, at a fast pace. His finishing speed was just under 100% of his overall speed, and the three horses who chased him home were all held up.
The Publican’s Son was well beaten in the Middle Park next time, he didn’t uphold the form on the face of it, but that can’t have been his true running. He was fancied to run a big race there, he is surely better than he showed there.
You have to forgive Mission Central his run in the Flying Childers Stakes at Doncaster last time, but you easily can. That was over five furlongs for starters. Also, he raced towards the centre, away from the favoured stands rail, and he faded late on.
He should be happier back over six furlongs today, and it is significant that Christophe Soumillon had chosen to ride him in front of Kansas, who finished in front of him at Doncaster, before his stable companion was scratched.
MISSION CENTRAL WON (ADV 8/1, SP 5/1)
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