The drop back in trip will not be any disadvantage, however, and could actually be benefit to him as he has an impressive turn of foot. Another factor going into this race is Motivator's freshness. The horse was rested for the York and Irish Derby meetings, and so will be eager to get going. His trainer, Michael Bell, is confident that the horse can handle the fast ground (likely to be well-watered).
His main rival is of course, Motivator, who is dropping down in distance from 12 to 10 furlongs, will be reeling him in the closing stages.
If we look down the field at the older horses, it's difficult to
get excited about their chances, having to concede 11lb to
the three-year-olds, who have an excellent record in the
race, and so the tip has to be Motivator today.
There's another big match up this weekend and there is plenty of optimism in the Shamardal camp ahead of his big encounter with Epsom Derby winner Motivator in Saturday's Coral Eclipse Sakes at Sandown (3.15).
After destroying an impressive field in the St James' Palace Stakes at York, which was the highlight of the meeting, and this came in addition to winning the French Derby at Chantilly. However, he does have to cope with Sandown's uphill finish, and this may not be the most productive trip for him.
|
