Rejuvenated Henry Cecil�has found�an excellent opportunity for Out Of Eden to get off the mark, in division one of�the Maiden Stakes over twelve furlongs of Lingfield polytrack. This ideal surface suits�the majority of�thoroughbreds, especially easy-actioned types. Thrice-raced, Out Of Eden fits the bill, is best-in on my time-handicap and has progressed each time. No cert by any means, with arch-enemy, Sir Michael Stoute opposing with fancied, Sir Walter Raleigh but others need to improve and so, each-way looks a safe bet at generous odds. Stable-companion, Plato is no forlorn hope in division two.
Only Stoute-trained, Longliner stands in the way of victory at the seventh attempt for this Bago colt, second in a handicap last time out. This looks the definitive dual-forecast bet. My play will be a place double, Out Of Eden and Plato. Ryan Moore rides both Stoute's runners but can he really win the jockeys' championship again? I just have the feeling it's becoming a physical impossibly to peg back youthful, talented and extremely dedicated Paul Hanagan, without the fire-power of Stoute and Richard Hannon, who is keen to promote the prospects of his son-in-law, Richard Hughes. The last-named can't be ruled out and it's most intriguing!
