Percival was extremely well-backed, which came as a surprise.
I expected Percival to remain steady at the odds he was tipped up at, but he saw support throughout the day and was as short as 2/1. Based on how the race unfolded, you've got to say the front runner and Percival were going too quickly. The pair of them finished last and second last, whilst the closers cruised past them.
Sea Cookie was kept down the middle of the track by David Egan, with only one other runner employing the same tactic. He didn't come off the bridle the quickest, but the winner, who came on the near side, was full of running, and did it easily. Was the tactic of running down the middle the smartest? Who knows. The winner was impressive, but I don't think you can rely on that form.
Nahraan 7/2 – Sandown 3.30
If you're backing Cerro Blanco at 5/4 for today's Listed race, you're going off potential, rather than solid form. He was second to Saber Strike earlier in the season, but it turns out that Saber Strike isn't as good as what everyone in Newmarket thought he was. On the back of that, I have to take him on.
Nahraan hasn't kicked on this year after having a solid three-year-old campaign, but maybe the drop to a mile will help him get back to the standards of old. The main problem for Nahraan is the way he pulls through his races; he gives himself no chance of seeing out the final furlongs, so the drop in trip should allow him to have the extra petrol in the tank.
Nahraan's form is the best on offer. He was third in a Group 3 at Longchamp behind Daryz and the smart Japanese raider. Even though he wasn't keen in that race, he started to wilt towards the end of that ten-furlong race.
7/2 seems more than fair.
Prince Kameo 2/1 – Beverley 2.43
To my eye, Prince Kameo has the best pedigree in this race, and that is usually one of the things to look for in juvenile races.
Prince Kameo will likely be better next year when he is racing over a longer distance, but for the time being, he is getting wins under his belt over a mile. He didn't win by much at Thirsk last time out, but was given a very good ride by Kevin Stott, and I don't think you can read too much into the distance of his victory.
It looks like he doesn't do too much when he's in front, and keeps finding more when another challenger pops up. These are the types of horses that owners and trainers love, as their handicap mark doesn't fly up, and they get many wins in the bank before the handicapper catches up.
I don't think there are a lot of challengers in this race, and Sir Mark Prescott's horse should be too good for this Class 5 Beverley field.
GambleAware