At The Races Champagne Stakes

                                                Champagne Stakes Group Two


Seven furlong group two for the juveniles which has an impressive roll of honour with the likes of Lucky Story, Poets Voice and Toronado being recent winners of the race.

Anjaal- The only penalised runner in the race having won the Group Two July Stakes at Newmarket. That race is tricky to assess form wise with a couple of notable disappointments offsetting the subsequent group wins of the sixth and tenth. Needs respecting but likely that his 3lb penalty will prove too heavy a burden

Cable Bay- Charlie Hills colt who brings in a level of form which has garnished an official rating of 108. Second in the Richmond and Fourth in the Gimcrack he is likely to suffer the same fate here. Unlikely to be good enough for win purposes

Outstrip- One of the seemingly endless amount of group class juveniles in the Godolphin barn this year. Narrowly beaten by the potentially top class Toormore last time in the vintage stakes. Possibly got the run of the race that day but even if flattered, that is the strongest form in the field by some way. Every chance he could take another good prize for his all conquering team

Picks Pinta- Well punted winner of a rancid Brighton maiden last time, rated 69 and has stones to find to be competitive. Will pick up £1200 for finishing sixth though

The Grey Gatsby- £120,000 2yo who ran a race full of promise when besting the useful Brazos on debut at York. Was very green that day so it was a touch disappointing he didn't find enough improvement to take the Acomb on his second outing. Still looked a work in progress that day and likely we have yet to see the best of him. A big player if putting it all together

Treaty of Paris- Henry Candy colt who put his experience to good use when benefiting from a crafty front running ride when holding the strongly finishing The Grey Gatsby by a neck to take the Acomb last time. Seemed to have his limitations exposed the time before that when slammed by six lengths in a Newmarket Conditions race and will likely have his hands full attempting to confirm the form with the runner up today

Verdict- Yet another two year old group race this year which lacks a stand out candidate. Anjaal arrives as the only horse to have won at this level before but he is likely to have to improve on his July Stakes win in order to defy the 3lb penalty here. Godolphin have an insanely strong set of juveniles this year and Outstrip was only nabbed close home by Toormore last time and that form needs respecting. However a chance is taken on The Grey Gatsby who has shown an abundance of talent on his two runs to date but has also showed traits of greenness. He hit a flat spot before rallying last time when beaten a head by Treaty of Paris and gives the impression there is plenty more to come. If he unlocks the key to that talent today he will be mighty hard to beat

1 The Grey Gatsby
2 Outstrip
3 Treaty of Paris