Bahamian Pirate can sail past his rivals
David Nicholls’ seven-year-old does not win that often but he runs in the best sprint company and was successful in this event two years ago, as well as third last season.
He has only won once since that victory here but in fact he has proved to be as good, if not better, than ever this term.
He was the bridesmaid in a famous one-two for his trainer in the Darley July Cup, beaten just half a length behind Continent in a thrilling finish.
He then got short-headed by One Won One in the Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh and has run really well without reward subsequently, most recently when fourth to his old rival Continent in a blanket finish in the Prix de l’Abbaye.
He is at his very best with some cut in the ground and must be a threat to all in this Listed company.
Kieren Fallon renews his successful partnership with Foodbroker Founder and the pair are fancied to come home in front in the NGK Spark Plugs Handicap.
David Elsworth’s juvenile had been running well without winning when she came good at the fourth time of asking when staying on strongly to land a Salisbury maiden.
He responded well to Fallon’s urgings there and it easy to picture him finding plenty for the champion jockey up the hill at Headquarters.
Johnny Murtagh is a positive booking by Ralph Beckett for Nashaab who is surely going to pop up in a good race sooner rather than later. He has been running well throughout the season without enjoying much luck and was beaten just a head by a rejuvenated Londoner at York on his latest start. He enjoys an end-to-end gallop and that is virtually assured with 26 runners in the Roy Prince Lifetime Stakes today.
Audience had the option of the Darley Dewhurst Stakes or Heathavon Stud Houghton Conditions Stakes.
Connections have not surprisingly opted for the latter and the William Haggas-trained youngster can build on the good impression he made when winning at Salisbury on his debut.
Timber Ice must be noted in the market before division one of the Federation Of Bloodstock Agents Maiden Stakes.
Henry Cecil’s youngster is a full-sister to the smart Way Of Light, winner of the Grand Criterium at two for Pascal Bary.
