Expert Eye Form Boosted Again As Garfield Goes In
Another week and yet another pointer to suggest that Sir Michael Stoute’s Expert Eye may well be something very special indeed. Hugely impressive on the eye, the demolition job produced by this Acclamation colt in this year’s Vinatge Stakes is now beginning to look equally as exceptional on the form book.
With the third and fifth from that event having already gone in at Listed and Group 2 level, this week it was the turn of the fourth placed finisher James Garfield to further solidify the form. He produced a power packed late surge to land the Group 2 Mill Reef Stakes at Newbury in good style. Given these consistent boosts to his credentials, it is a little surprising to see Expert Eye still available at 4/1 for the first Classic of 2018.
No Cover For Rivals as Griffiths Star Goes In Again
10 years old now, and with 40 races under rules to his name, you would think those jockeys in opposition would know better than to allow David Griffiths’ Take Cover to have his own way in front in a 5f Sprint contest. That lesson certainly hasn’t been learned quite yet though, as the evergreen star produced yet another scintillating front running display to see them all off in the Dubai International Airport World Trophy Stakes. Punters and racing fans love these old boys who just keep on coming back for more and this speedster is rapidly becoming one of the most popular sprinters in training. We wouldn’t be surprised to see him notch further success before hanging up his boots.
Cracksman Out But Enable Remains On Course
Looking ahead to the coming weekend, Sunday afternoon sees one of the very best middle distance contests run anywhere in the world take place in France on Sunday. Once again taking place at Chantilly in the north, as the traditional venue of Longchamp continues its renovation, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe has, as ever, attracted the crème de la crème from Europe and beyond. The big news in the build-up this week was the confirmation that John Gosden’s star three year old colt Cracksman will not take his place in the line-up as the son of Frankel looks set to be put away for next year.
Cracksman’s absence only weakens Gosden’s hand slightly though, as the Newmarket handler will still be represented by the filly who is for many the best horse of either sex running anywhere in the world. Seeking a fifth consecutive Group 1 triumph, the simply sensational Enable bids to rubber stamp her place in racing folklore with a victory on the biggest stage of all. It will take a good one to stop her and Coral make her their 8/11 favourite for the contest. The daughter of Nathaniel will have to be right on her game though, facing live threats from England, Ireland, France, Germany, Japan and Argentina.
As usual, whatever you’re betting on this week, take a look at our racing free bets to help you make a profit.
