In current betting order:
VITA NOVA: Unbeaten, and a 6l winner last time out. That was only a Class 3 event, with Shallow Bay 3rd. Personally I cannot see that being favourite here, even with a 10l start? This is a much stronger race, on paper at least as several have questions to answer, so a big improvement is needed. Possible, but the odds are far too short to reflect it real chance.
FERDOOS: 2nd behind Polly's Mark in a Listed race on final start last season, and from a trainer who's horses are going very well. If the latter was running today, then it would have been well up there in the top four. So providing this one can carry on in the same form as it did in the aforementioned race, it has a good chance. Any improvement on that will probably win it. It is a tough ask first time out though.
CRYSTAL CAPELLA: Lightly raced for a 6yo, but very capable. Started last season with a win, a Group 2 in name, but Listed in quality. MYPLACELATER was 2nd and I cannot see a reversal of those positions here. Only other run was in Japan, well beaten by Mastery. It remains to be seen whether she retains her ability of three years ago, but certainly she has run very well first time out.
MEEZNAH: Had three good runs, all producing much the same rating; behind Snow Fairy int the Oaks; behind Midday(and Snow Fairy); behind Eastern Aria over 15f. Ten out of ten for consistency but did not really progress, especially from the promise of her win before the Oaks. The trainer is hoping for better things this season, but my feeling that she just falls short of this level.
NEVER FORGET: Given the doubts expressed in the above, this could easily step in for a place, and on very best form, win. Well beaten by Midday on final start, but for interference would have been closer. Which puts her on a par with MEEZNAH, and that was not her best run. Would prefer it to rain, but with Cumani's horses running well and this flat track is the nearest thing to racing in France, she has an each way squeak.
MYPLACELATER: Good, consistent filly who will run her race. Seems to find it tough at this level to get her head in front. Will try her best, and given those around may fail to give theirs, she has a chance.
PIPETTE: Last race was behind Snow Fairy in the race prior to that one's Oaks success, so has a long lay-off and stern opposition to overcome. Her turn will come later in the year.
PINK SYMPHONY: Talented horse but does not like to be in front, a major flaw for any racehorse. However, on a ratings front, at her best she pretty much tops the list. Has an ideal jockey to coax her to the front on the line ... if she puts her best foot forward and keeps the other three close behind. If there is to be a major upset, she is the most likely to bring it about.
SHIMMERING SURF: Nice name, but out of her depth here unless she has improved dramatically over the winter.
And there you have it, a puzzle to ponder over right up to the photo finish.
Have a good day.
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