Palace Pier should have the edge over Mohaather in the QEII
Mohaather (130) did well to win the Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood, quickening up well to scorch past his rivals after being stopped in his run and losing momentum at a vital stage. That effort identified him as a top-class miler, but he will have his work cut out to deal with Palace Pier (132 from 131) in the QEII under conditions which are likely to play to the three-year-old’s strengths.
Palace Pier fully backed up the impression he created in the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot when winning Sunday’s Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville, the style of the success highlighting that he is a stronger stayer at the trip, which is likely to prove a huge asset over Ascot’s stiff straight mile.
The Jacques le Marois was run at a strong gallop on soft ground which put the emphasis firmly on stamina, and the test proved too much for most of the field who were left floundering when Palace Pier surged into the lead over a furlong out.
Alpine Star, an impressive winner of the Coronation Stakes on the same day Palace Pier won the St James’s Palace, attempted to go with him but was always being readily held. She got to within three-quarters of a length but Palace Pier was eased close home and was essentially well on top, extending his unbeaten record with a bit in hand.
Revolver could be aimed at Cesarewitch
Sir Mark Prescott is famed for his ability to stay a step ahead of the handicapper with an improving three-year-old, and Revolver (106p) has certainly done just that, taking his winning sequence to six at Pontefract on Friday.
Revolver was tackling a trip in excess of a mile and three-quarters for the first time on Friday, but he relished the step up to two miles and a furlong, proving strong at the line and winning by three lengths.
He is a most progressive three-year-old and, given his reserves of stamina, looks an ideal candidate for the Cesarewitch, which is a surprising omission from his trainer’s CV. The Doncaster Cup could also be on the agenda given his rate of progress this season.
Impressive Hukum on Group 1 journey
Saturday’s Geoffrey Freer Stakes was an up-to-scratch edition, featuring a few promising three-year-olds and some older horses who had already proved themselves at the grade.
The race may have had a competitive look to it, but the winner, Hukum (121p from 106p), was in a league of his own and it would be no surprise were he to make an impact at Group 1 level.
Hukum had sustained an injury when winning the King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot – always a race full of well-handicapped horses – but he was clearly ready to roll on Saturday, scoring on his return after eight weeks off in most impressive fashion.
Hukum was always travelling powerfully and made eye-catching headway over two furlongs out before drawing clear inside the final furlong, winning by two and a half lengths with plenty in hand. He has not yet reached the ceiling of his ability.
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