Guns of Leros to mow down eleven rivals in division two of the 2-y-o Maiden Stakes over a mile of 'good' ground Windsor where it might get softer due to forecast rain sweeping through from a westwards direction.
We've enjoyed an 'Indian summer' this past fortnight, thoroughbreds able to act on firm-ish surfaces have enjoyed success but it's now October and with heavy dews and natural Autumn weather it's likely to be all change; incidentally why did the Newmarket clerk of the course admit to putting "four milligrams of water on the (Rowley Mile) course last Thursday!"
That infuriated yours truly as we selected Receding Waves, despite a 4lbs penalty, believing conditions would be ideal; Richard Hannon's charge was beaten a neck and I'm totally convinced the cumulative effect must have tilted the balance and robbed this column of a good-priced winning nap.
When giving a forecast 'clerks' should state that watering is at issue; this particular chap leaves a lot to desired in the 'watering stakes!'
It was quite soft when unconsidered 20/1 Guns Of Leros made an auspiciuous debut over a similar distance at Goodwood just over five weeks ago; this Cape Blanco colt missed the break, got behind but ran on really well under Tom Queally to finish a creditable fourth, beaten about four lengths.
On the time-handicap Guns Of Leros has an obvious chance and we can expect improvement; significantly Queally is booked again, Tom is selective with his bookings!
We estimate TQ gets at least �500000 a year from two nominations to unbeaten Frankel, the wonder colt he rode to ALL fourteen victories; his two-year-olds run next year!
Queally, a laid-back character, is a 'class act' and, not surprisingly, experiences no pressure whatsoever!
John 'Golden Horn' Gosden runs Swiss Affair in the Maiden Stakes over six furlongs, look no further for the winner and be prepared to tolerate a flying dismount by 45-year-old Frankie Dettori!
Running in tandem with the Thames-side venue will be a seven-race at Pontefract which has been 'watered!'
We'll give that a miss and include Fingerontheswitch, one of six 'decs' for the Novices' Hurdle over two and a quarter miles at Market Rasen; time to get familiar with the impending jumping season, eh?