The Cesarewitch has proved a lucky race for me, so lets hope that this holds up for this year’s race. I like the look of Peter Bowen’s grand servant Mr Ed. He is very consistent, very honest although he needs to be produced late on the scene. He usually has to carry very large weights, but in this better race he has no weight to speak of.
The trip and ground should be no problem so all things considered he should be hard to beat. He might be vulnerable to something with a progressive profile but apart from No Refuge and Tungsten Strike I don’t see too many dangers lurking there. One who could prove troublesome though might be Astyanax.
The main feature is of course the Champion Stakes itself. Azamour, winner of the St James Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Irish Champion stakes is favourite over Doyen, the King George and Hardwicke Stakes winner.
However, I am prepared to forgive Doyen his dismal run in Ireland behind Azamour and believe that he has shown the best form in the race. I hope he is back to his best and expect him to win. I think that Mister Monet can run well but this is his first attempt at the highest level. Salselon is a total rogue who through away a winning advantage last time, but he has definite talent and can run into a place.
The Dewhurst at 4.00 is the other group 1 on the card and appears to lye between the unbeaten pair Etlaala and Shamardal. Etlaala was most impressive last time but I expect Shamardal to be too strong today.
One other to consider on an excellent card is Alkaadhem in the 5.10. He has been improving all year and can take this at the main expense of Sights on Gold and the O’Brien trained Mingun.
SELECTIONS
NEWM 2.45 MR ED
NEWM 3.25 DOYEN
NEWM 4.00 SHAMARDAL
NEWM 5.10 ALKAADHAM