Captain Cullen looks poised to shrug off top weight
Last week, the seven-year-old was noted staying on quite nicely into seventh place behind Russian Soul, despite not enjoying the clearest of runs in the homestraight.
As that was his first run since November he is likely to be better for it. The step up to seven furlongs should suit and, with the cobwebs blown away, the experienced campaigner can be expected to travel strongly and go very close in a competitive race.
Ruby Gates can take the Big Bad Bob Filllies’ Maiden for Aidan O’Brien. She made her debut at this track, late last month, and left herself with an awful lot to do by walking from the gates. She was under pressure throughout but stayed on quite nicely to finish within four lengths of the winner, Russet.
Although two of tonight’s rivals, Touch Of Gold and Verus Cass, were in front of her then, it’s reasonable to deduce she would have gone very close had she left the stalls on terms. With the experience under her belt and a favourable draw, a much more polished display can be expected. She is preferred to Verus Cass, who was also noted staying on well in that race.
The 11 furlong maiden which opens the card looks a modest affair, from which Sir Raston may be able to make the breakthrough. Dermot Weld’s horse was a beaten favourite in a mile-and-a-half handicap at this track last time, but his best form to date has come over shorter. Down in trip and back into maiden company, he can make his experience count.
