Commemorative to stand alone against a serious 'overseas' challenge at Sandown today when Charles Hills' charge contests the five-runner group three, �65000 Classic Trial over ten furlongs of 'good' ground; for one of them it could be the Epsom Derby next!Snoano and Master Apprentice need to improve considerably but Aidan O'Brien 'tests the water' by journeying Cape Clear Island and from France the unbeaten, Andre Fabre-trained Grey Lion has to be respected.
Fabre is reckoned a master of his trade and his record bears close inspection, worldwide; we fear Grey Lion becaused Andre isn't given to 'guessing' but Commemorate has been impressive on 'Faringdon' gallops under the watchful eye of Hills and his legendary 78-year-old father, Barry.Commemorate won twice last season and then finished a somewhat unluckyseventh in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf over a mile, won by Hootenanny ridden by Frankie Dettori!
Guess who rides 103-rated Commemorative this afternoon!That's right and we're hoping victory will be sealed with a 'flying dismount!'Running in tandem will be another seven-race programme at Doncaster where Magical Daze comes out clear 'best-in' on the time-handicap for a thirteen-runner Maiden Stakes over six furlongs.
Twice-race Magical Daze hasn't been out for 187 days but portents for success are excellent given the encouraging reports from Sylvester Kirk's home gallops; we like the booking of Liam Keniry, aboard this well-bred Showcasing filly at Bath last time out.Bimbo is on a handy mark for the 3-y-o handicap over six furlongs and seems to go best for George Chaloner.For updates keep clicking on to www.dailyearner.co.uk