Postponed gets go-ahead in Hardwicke
Runner-up to Western Hymn in the Gordon Richards Stakes on his return this season, he was beaten just half a length behind Al Kazeem and Fascinating Rock in the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh on his next and most recent outing.
Both of those races were run over a trip a couple of furlongs shy of his optimum, and on ground which would not have been fast enough for the four-year-old.
The son of Dubawi produced his best performance of last season in the Great Voltigeur at York, on what was his first try at a mile and a half.
The improvement which came with the step up in trip suggested he could develop into a genuine Group 1 performer over that distance, and today’s race can prove another stepping stone towards that.
At odds of 7-2, he represents great value.
Last year’s winner, Telescope, is favourite to follow up and, on ratings, he should do so. However, he proved short of the mark on three runs at the very top level and looks as though he may never make that grade.
This is a Group 2 race and he has to be respected, but the less exposed Postponed can improve past him.
Willie Mullins has shown himself a force to be reckoned with in staying races at this meeting, and his Wicklow Brave will take a world of beating in the closing race.
Seeking a third win in the race in four years, following Simenon in 2012 and Pique Sous last term, the Closutton handler has brought this six-year-old back to form with a bang, following a disappointing 2014.
The gelding could hardly have been more impressive in winning the County Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, and then successfully switched to the flat to score on heavy ground at Gowran Park, before following up with a bloodless victory over Cardinal Palace at Listowel.
Although this race is over a trip just shy of two miles and six furlongs, he hasn’t looked short of stamina, and his half-brother, Brass Ring, finished third in this race last year. The ground isn’t a major concern, and he can prove too smart for his rivals.
The trip must be a concern for second favourite Marzocco. He was backed off the boards for last season’s Queen’s Vase, over two miles, at this meeting but was unable to raise his game in the closing stages.
His class might carry him into contention but he’s likely to find at least one too strong, and Wicklow Brave heads that list.
Ballydoyle was an eye-catcher on debut and, with good reason, will be a leading fancy for the opening Chesham Stakes, but the double-figure odds available about John Gosden’s Force are too much to resist.
The Raven’s Pass colt was a real eye-catcher on debut, at Goodwood, where he finished third behind Strong Challenge and subsequent winner Gutaifan.
He travelled noticeably well but didn’t enjoy the clearest of runs. Under a considerate ride, he looked to be getting the hang of things in the closing stages, and ran on nicely to be beaten three and a half lengths.
That was over six furlongs, and with the experience under his belt and another furlong to travel today, he should put up a very bold bid.
At odds of 12-1, he looks a value option against the obvious claims of Irish raiders Ballydoyle and Tonkinese.
There could be a good start to the day for Gosden, as he is responsible for Mahsoob in the second race.
The unbeaten four-year-old didn’t see a racecourse until the end of last season, but has progressed really nicely in three outings.
He looks a Group performer in the making, and should make a really bold bid to justify favouritism in what is a tough handicap.
Selections
2.30 Force
3.05 Mahsoob
3.40
4.20 Undrafted
5.00 Ninjago
5.35 Wicklow Brave (nb)
