Intelligence Cross is awarded our vote for the group one Middle Park Stakes over six furlongs of good ground at Newmarket this afternoon. Earlier stable-companion Roly Poly could initiate a tremendous juvenile double for Irish trainer, Aidan O'Brien.
Both are by prolific USA sire, War Front!
During the last few days we've been going through the daily motions but, in the back of my mind, was the aforementioned duo, which certainly tick enough boxes. Both are strongly-fancied by the irrepressible Coolmore team comprising owners, Tabor, Magnier and Smith, who have invested millions and been rewarded for their courage and confidence in the indefatigable Irish maestro.
Four weeks ago, Intelligent Cross was favourite for a group three race on yielding ground at the Curragh. Without warning he improved considerably under Seamus Heffernan and bolted in by four lengths from previous, well-regarded winner, Holy Cat.
Remarkably Intelligence Cross clocked a slightly faster time than 82-rated handicapper Sors did an hour later.
Admittedly, the latter carried a stone more but it still represented tremendous form, given weight-for-age.
Blue Point will be favourite judged on his scintillating, unchallenged, success in the Gimcrack at York last month but official ratings suggest Saeed bin Suroor's charge and Richard Hannon-trained Mehmas are only 5lbs superior to Intelligence Cross. Our time-handicap has them much closer!
As ever we'll be targeting one of three places with a good-priced selection. Roly Poly, winner of the group two Newmarket Duchess Of Cambridge in July, split the Frankel sired pair, Queen Kindly, and Fair Eva when penalised 3lbs in a pulsating Lowther at York six weeks later. Distances were three-quarters of a length, and the same.
Queen Kindly is second favourite today, obviously 3lbs worse off than Roly Poly in the six-runner, group one Cheveley Park Stakes, also over six furlongs. Lady Aurelia is odds-on!
What a race, fantastic expectations, and it will be no surprise if Roly Poly, a much bigger price earlier this week, causes one. Hold on to your seats!
On an eight-race programme first four are for two-year-olds, including the group two Royal Lodge Stakes down the famous Rowley Mile. We have a sneaking TH fancy for the ultra-progressive Mark Johnston runner, Montataire, magnificent at Salisbury last time, earning a 100 rating!