2010 Nell Gwyn Stakes
Please find my selection at the bottom of the racecard.
| No/Drw | Silk | Form | Horse | Age / Weight | Jockey / Trainer | Odds |
|---|
| 1 (11) |  | 1101- | Music Show (IRE) 179 CD
b f Noverre - Dreamboat | 3 9 - 1 | | 5/1 |
Smart performer at 2 yrs when winning 3 of her 4 starts, notably Group 2 Rockfel Stakes over this C&D. May be capable of better again, and has to be respected despite a 3 lb penalty.
|
| 2 (6) |  | 105122- | Atasari (IRE) 179
b f Whipper - Azra | 3 8 - 12 | | 5/1 |
Won twice in Ireland in 2009 but best form in defeat last 2 starts, when runner-up in listed event at the Curragh and Group 2 (neck behind Music Show) here. Has the scope to train on well.
|
| 3 (8) |  | 2125- | Blue Maiden 194 BF
b f Medicean - Bluebelle | 3 8 - 12 | | 20/1 |
| Maiden winner who upped her game markedly when second in 7f Group 3 Sweet Solera on July course last summer. Suffered from foot problem before disappointing favourite final start in 2009. |
| 4 (10) |  | 3117- | Distinctive 179
b f Tobougg - Blue Azure | 3 8 - 12 | | 20/1 |
| Easily best effort at 2 yrs when landing Group 3 Firth of Clyde Stakes at Ayr in September, well on top on favoured side. Ran poorly when tried at 7f subsequently but bred to stay this far. |
| 5 (7) |  | 3215- | Dyna Waltz 200
b f Dynaformer - Valentine Waltz | 3 8 - 12 | - William Buick
- J H M Gosden
| 10/1 |
| Took 3 attempts to get off the mark, making all at Kempton in August, but much improved when fifth in Group 1 Fillies' Mile at Ascot next time. Drop back to 7f a slight concern on return, however. |
| 6 (3) |  | 121- | Hafawa (IRE) 183 D
b f Intikhab - Banaadir | 3 8 - 12 | | 12/1 |
| Inches away from a perfect record at 2 yrs, winning maiden at Pontefract and minor event (in good style by 4 lengths) at Leicester either side of near-miss at Ripon. Up in grade here. |
| 7 (5) |  | 217- | Jacqueline Quest (IRE) 172 D
b f Rock Of Gibraltar - Coquette Rouge | 3 8 - 12 | | 25/1 |
| Attractive filly who confirmed debut promise when landing the odds by wide margin at Chester in September. Pulled too hard on heavy going final start but too soon to write off. |
| 8 (4) |  | 1- | Principal Role (USA) 176
b f Empire Maker - Interim | 3 8 - 12 | | 9/2 |
| Timeform says: Looks the part on pedigree and made a big impression when landing 1m maiden at Yarmouth on debut, blowing the start but recovering in fine style. Smart prospect, but drop to 7f a concern. |
| 9 (1) |  | 8131- | Queen's Grace 166 C
ch f Bahamian Bounty - Palace Affair | 3 8 - 12 | | 10/1 |
| Useful and progressive over 6f as a 2-y-o, making all in a listed race here in October. Form entitles her to take a hand but has to be a doubt whether she'll last this longer trip. |
| 10 (2) |  | 3- | Safina 165 BF
ch f Pivotal - Russian Rhythm | 3 8 - 12 | - R L Moore
- Sir Michael Stoute
| 9/2 |
| Beautifully-bred filly (out of 1000 Guineas winner Russian Rhythm) and much to like about debut third over C&D last autumn. This a big step up, but has been supported for Guineas in recent days. |
| 11 (9) |  | 11 | Srda (USA) 23
b f Kingmambo - Marisa | 3 8 - 12 | | 16/1 |
Race Conclusion/Selection
Safina would not be in this race today if not primed and expected to go well, well bred and needed debut run here last autumn and could be something quite special, trip/ground hold no issues and this looks an ideal prep for the 1000 guineas.
So my selection is Safina at 9/2
Darren Hudson-Wood