Down in class Neebras looks good value at around 3/1
The going was changed to include good to firm in the description during racing yesterday but the resultant track record from Meeznah gave rise to the notion that the taps would be turned on post-racing.
On form, Neebras boasts huge claims in this afternoon’s Listed RSA Thoroughbred Stakes and if the track rides the same as yesterday that would only serve to enhance his claims. Frankie Dettori’s mount finished only two and a half lengths behind Frankel in the St James’ Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot and, while it would be completely wrong to suggest he possesses anything relating to the winner’s ability, those horses that finished around him would stand heads and shoulders above today’s rivals. Needless to say, this race represents a huge drop in class.
Last time out at Chantilly, the race didn’t pan out in his favour and he finished sixth of seven, beaten a shade more than four lengths behind Mutual Trust. That run can be forgiven.
At Ascot, three runs back, he finished behind one of today’s rivals, Tazahum, but the ground was on the soft side that day and would likely have played more to the winner’s strengths. That was a listed race, for which the winner carries a four-pound penalty and, with the prospect of fast ground, Neebras should have no trouble reversing the form.
Tazahum tends to travel very strongly in his races but then takes his time to go by. Whether or not he’ll be suited to the going and this track is up for debate, and he will find it hard to concede weight to all his rivals.
The runner with most untapped potential is the Jeremy Noseda-trained Western Aristocrat, who finished quite strongly to take second place behind Strong Suit in the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot. The winner has twice franked the form, most recently when winning the Lennox Stakes here on Tuesday.
Western Aristocrat has had just three career outings and one would expect that he can find further improvement but I have enough reservations to dissuade me from taking a relatively short price about him.
The step up to a mile should suit but he was noticeably outpaced mid-race at Ascot and this might not be the ideal track for him. The lack of a guaranteed pacemaker is also of concern and he does look a shade short at just 7-4.
Questioning, trained by John Gosden, drops back to a mile for the first this year and he seems rather uncomplicated. He has a bit to prove in terms of class but I suspect he is better than he has shown so far and is capable of getting amongst the places.
Andrew Balding’s Chef is another one stepping back in trip and, while also capable of better, he doesn’t race like a horse who wants only a mile. He, too, might have to settle for a minor role.
Vanguard Dream, who was unbeaten in three runs as a two-year-old, has not looked like adding to that tally this term but he is the possible pace angle in this race. He has often made the running but he has been restrained on occasion this year. Unless he can improve on what he’s done this term, he won’t figure at the end.
Even if he does decide to make the pace, he could tee the race up for Neebras. The latter, trained by Mahmood Al Zarooni, has the best form in the book and, even allowing for the potential of Western Aristocrat, he looks overpriced at around 3-1. This huge drop in grade is too much to ignore and he can stamp his class on proceedings for his in-form connections.
