Suit must rise to Challenge to earn BC place
I’m not all that keen on tipping up short priced runners but I really feel that the three-year-old will outclass his rivals here.
Hannon has the Breeders’ Cup as the horse’s ultimate target for the season but he really has no business sending the colt across the Atlantic if he cannot beat today’s opposition.
The bookmakers make Chachamaidee his primary danger after a fine effort in which she finished just a length behind French filly Sahpresa in the Group 1 Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket just a couple of weeks ago but I’m not entirely convinced by her.
Henry Cecil’s filly was an easy winner of the Group 3 Oak Tree Stakes - confined to fillies and mares - at Goodwood back in July but I’ve often picked up the impression that she was a difficult lady to win with. She tends to travel very well in her races but I haven’t always been impressed by her finishing effort. When the option is to back her at 5-2 or Strong Suit at 6-4, I will plump for the latter every time - even when he must concede five pounds to the filly.
The remainder of the runners have something to prove at this level.
Everything about today’s race appears to be in Strong Suit’s favour and, even allowing him to come on for the run, it’ll be surprising if he does not win with something to spare. The 6-4 on offer seems more than fair and, if money is to come for anything it’ll surely be him.
Should Chachamaidee shorten up from early offers of 5-2, she would quickly jump into the lay category.
How great it was to see First Lieutenant make a successful start over fences last weekend. His victory signalled the start of the NH season for me, although I used always consider today’s meeting at Chepstow my unofficial time to switch to jumps mode. The clash of Silviniaco Conti, Cue Card and Micheal Flips is a real treat, although there are also a couple of smart bumper horses going head to head at Fairyhouse today.
The race in question is the maiden hurdle in which John Kiely’s Reizovic clashes with Dylan Ross, amongst others.
I was particularly taken with Reizovic’s last race - back in April - when he raced strongly to win his second bumper.
He must concede hurdling experience to Dylan Ross, who would not be eligible for this race but for falling at the last when having a similar race at his mercy at Down Royal back in December.
He should have no trouble winning races but Reizovic looks a very nice prospect and should get his hurdling career off to a perfect start.
