There is a full programme of racing this weekend for a change with good quality action on the flat and over jumps. Kempton and Newcastle take centre stage but the Winter Derby Trial at Lingfied is also worth a second look.
Jeremy Noseda’s Grandeur leaps out of the page as being in a different class to tomorrow’s rivals. His nine rivals have some decent all-weather form between them but Grandeur has shown himself more than capable in Grade 2 events worldwide and I’ll be disappointed if he is beaten tomorrow.
The son of Verglas was a very decent handicapper as a three-year-old, winning twice at Goodwood and progressing right through the summer. Noseda felt that he would prove ideally suited by racing in America and took him over to the States in the Autumn.
It proved to be an inspired move with victory at Santa Anita in the Grade 2 Twilight Stakes at the first time of asking. He went on from there to finish second in the Hollywood Derby behind Unbridled Comment and rounded off a very profitable stay in America by winning the Grade 2 Hollywood Cup.
Noseda was in no particular rush with him last summer but he showed that he was as good as ever when finishing strongly in second place behind Mukhadram in the Group 2 York Stakes in July. The winner had just come from a fine run in the Eclipse so that was top notch form. The Arlington Million was his next target but he could never get competitive from his wide draw and ran on into seventh place.
He then won easily at Goodwood in Listed company before being sent over to contest the Hong Kong Cup in December. Ryan Moore did not enjoy the best of runs that day but he was not beaten that far behind Akeed Mofeed.
I can’t see any form of that quality in the opposition on Saturday. Robin Hoods Bay was tried at this level after winning a Haydock handicap but struggled. He beat Captain Cat by a head when returning to handicap company while Modernstone has done well for William Knight. I thought she was unlucky to beaten by Castilo Del Diablo in a handicap before reversing the form in a conditions race last time.
Chookie Royale is tough and consistent but the Wolverhampton race he won by seven lengths was a long way short of anything Grandeur has contested. Hajras did finish second to Mull Of Killough at Newmarket two seasons ago but has obviously had problems since.
Grandeur at 9-4 Coral
Betfair:
Bet on Henrik Stenson to become the BMW PGA Championship Winner.
Paddypower:
Back Australia to take the Ashes home with them.
Betway:
Back Rafael Nadal to become the Mens French Open Winner.
Coral:
Back One For Arthur to win the Grand National.
Bet365:
Back Mexico to win the Confederations Cup.
