Chicago School to teach eight rivals a lesson in the Maiden Stakes over an extended mile of Wolverhampton Tapeta today, when in doubt, side with experience.
Eight efforts yielded four placings as a juvenile, significantly his last run, 151 days ago, represented a 'career-best' over seven furlongs of this unique surface; previously Chicago School had been campaigned over sprint distances by in-form trainer, Mark Johnston.
This Approve gelding wore blinkers, when beaten a neck by heavily-backed favourite, Ice Royal, but 'Johnnno' hasn't declared them.
On official BHA ratings thrice-raced Pushaq is 78; Marco Botti's charge is therefore 6lbs superior to Chicago School, on the back of a promising course and distance seasonal debut second to Tawakkol earlier this month, beaten five lengths.
Obviously we take issue of that assessment and actually fear once-raced Knights Table moreso.Knights Table, under champion jockey, Luke Morris, was heavily-backed at this venue a fortnight back when fourth to Vivre Pour Vivre. That was promising, we fancied the third home, Frenchman, and expect the form to work out with future winners.
Coincidentally Knights Table and Luke are again drawn one, has he got sufficient experience to take advantage?
Berthed alongside are Joe Fanning and Chicago School; with three places available, Johnston's yard in tremendous form and odds of at least 5/1, according to forecasts, we're playing a 'professional special' each-way bet.
Morris will also partner once-raced Hong Kong Adventure, one of five 'decs' for the Maiden Stakes over 12 furlongs; David Simcock's runner, Ragner, placed in all three starts, and rated 75, is an obvious danger and likely winner.
Gambit had a 'quiet' debut as a two-year-old and could be anything but, again, experience might prove key.No need to look for something that isn't there, eh?
Oisin Murphy will be there, to ride Elland Aly in an 'aged' ten-runner handicap sprint over five furlongs; he's a proper jockey, my long-range tip for the shortened version of our jockeys' championship; backed by Qatar Racing and so many other 'fashionable' trainers.
Elland Aly needs to hit the gate from stall nine; if he does nowt will get near this in-form eight-year-old.
SELECTIONS
10.40 Chicago School
11.15 Elland Aly
11.50 Ranger