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Preview
30 September 2007
3.45 GROSVENOR CASINOS
CUMBERLAND LODGE STAKES (GROUP 3) (CLASS 1)
Honolulu was sent off favourite for the Ladbrokes St Leger
earlier in the month, when we opposed him due to the fast ground at
Doncaster. We thought it was too much to ask, to be only second in
the Ebor and then go on to win a Group One, three weeks later. Today
I'm siding with with Aidan O'Brien's lightly raced son of Montjeu.
Going on yesterday's conditions, the ground was riding on the soft
side. Honolulu has already proven he loves the mud, having won twice
over in Ireland on ground worse than good. Acapulco has been put in
the race to set a true end to end gallop for Honolulu and is the
mount of Darryl Holland. This morning, he can be backed at 15/8,
which is even bigger than he was in the St Leger. This isn't the
strongest Group Three in the world. As to the competition, Ask for
Sir Michael Stoute has to be respected, having beat Scorpion at
Chester way back in May. He has been off the track since then, due
to a leg infection. He will act on the soft ground, but having to
give weight away to an improving three year old, (Honolulu), is a
big ask. Especially as he may just need the run. Young Mick is
another coming back from a lengthy absence. He was one of my
favourite horses from last season and it is great to see him back.
The trainer has had his problems gettingYoung Mick to the racecourse
this season and he will have to put up a career best to win on his
first outing for over a year. His record as Ascot reads 4/4, so it
wouldn't be a surprise to see him get involved in the finish. The
Godolphin runner Laverock has the form in the book to take this
race, but something's been a miss with him on his last two starts,
since finishing 8 lengths behind Dylan Thomas in the King George.
This makes putting him forward with any confidence hard to do. As
for the other contenders, Strotsfold and Satulagi have become non
runners due to the ground, which leaves eight runners. Zaham, who
has been crying out for this extra trip this season, and with placed
efforts in Group races this season on soft ground. Mark Johnston's
three year old has also won here this season and receives a nice
weight allowance (same as Honolulu) and could be one to run into a
place.
Selection(s) –
2pts WIN Honolulu
@ 2.88 1pt PLACE Zaham @ 2.7
Betfair
Woody
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