Denford Stud Stakes [formerly known as the Washington Singer]

                                                              Denford Stakes Listed


Listed race for the two year old's in which seven go to post. It is a race that is usually won by a decent sort with two classic winners on its recent roll of honour. However this years field looks weak by comparison and such a superstar looks highly unlikely to emerge. However interest is added by the presence of crack jockeys Johnny Murtagh and Gerald Mosse and Godolphins decision to pitch in their representative to this level on debut

Expert- From the all conquering Richard Hannon stable but by no means one of their top juveniles. He finished behind useful sorts on his first two starts before claiming his maiden on his third outing. Stepped up to group two company last time at Goodwood he unsurprisingly found the waters a bit deep finishing fifth to his exciting stablemate Toormore beaten 5.5 lengths. This is easier and not without a chance in what looks a weak race for the grade

Lone Warrior- Likeable son of Oratorio from the David Evans team. Took advantage of a poor ride on the second, winner since, when winning on debut at Salisbury before going to Ascot for the Chesham. Ran very well to finish fifth and that race is one of the hottest juvenile contests of the year. Finished third, beaten two lengths, in a stronger looking listed contest last time. Likely to be overpriced for unfashionable connections and should run well without being good enough to win

Noble Metal- surprise winner on debut at odds of 16/1 in a decent Leicester maiden so was entitled to step up in class on his next start. He did this in the group two superlative stakes at Newmarket, cutting little ice and finishing seventh of eighth. Seems an unlikely winner here

Somewhat- The form horse who having impressed on debut was fourth when well fancied in the Chesham. He did well to finish fourth that day given that he was off the bridle a fair way from home. Was made favourite for the Superlative on the back of that display and went down narrowly to the recent Hong Kong purchase Good Old Boy Lukey. Again proving there is nothing wrong with his attitude battling all the way to the line to be beaten a head. Gets the assistance of the world class Gerard Mosse here but i just have enough doubts to make him a swerve at short odds

Speedy Approach- Well bred son of New Approach who was sent off a very well backed 6/1 shot on debut over course and distance. Travelled nicely that day but tired late on having raced with no cover throughout. Made no mistake in a weak maiden on second start when dotting up by 5 lengths at Doncaster. Trainers juveniles have picked up of late after a slow start and he has booked jockey of the moment Johnny Murtagh for the ride. Still unexposed and could go very well at a decent price

Be Ready- Godolphin debutant who has been pitched in at the deep end on debut. Not particularly well bred or expensive, cost  E43,000 and a half bother to the modest sprinter Trending, but has been subject to quite bullish quotes from his trainer. He was priced up at 6/1 when the market first opened which has been filled in to all rates down to 2/1 so must have been going well at home. Can't advice a bet on him now at current odds and despite it not looking a vintage Washington, he would still have to be a lot better than average to take it first time up

Grevillea- Filly from the first crop of Admiralofthefleet who belied her odds of 50/1 when running third in a maiden over course and distance on debut. Was then slightly disappointing next time when dropped to six furlongs when well beaten behind the useful Qawaasem. Won a tin pot maiden at Epsom last time, favourite ill at ease on the track, and is only rated 78 at present. Looks out of her depth

Verdict- Weak enough race for the grade but still an interesting contest. The big talking point is Godolphins decision to pitch Be Ready into listed class on debut and the money that has subsequently come for him in the market. The form horse is Somewhat who is coming here on the back of a narrow group two last time, and whilst he has solid credentials he does seem to lack a touch of class. Therefore a chance is taken on Speedy Approach whose trainer Michael Bell has his juveniles in good form of late. He impressed, albeit in a weak race, last time and looks to be heading the right way and at around 13/2 looks a touch of value to take this for Johnny Murtagh

1 Speedy Approach
2 Somewhat
3 Expert