Somerville Tattersalls Stakes Group Three

                                                 
                                                  Somerville Tattersalls Stakes

Seven furlong contest for the Colts which is often won by a useful sort, with top flight victors Havana Gold, Aussie Rules and Milk it Mick on the roll honour in recent times. This years renewal has lost some appeal with Berkshire instead taking in the Royal Lodge stakes on Saturday, but with a few unexposed talented juveniles it should still prove an informative contest

Brazos- Has a maiden win to his name after five starts and well beaten in stakes contests the last twice. Looks exposed and only rated 90 and has it all to do to win in this company, even allowing for in form connections

Cable Bay- The highest rated in the field having ran with credit on his last three runs all in group company. Was on the face of it slightly disappointing last time when well beaten by Outstrip, but only finished narrowly behind The Grey Gatsby and that form entitles him to be bang there in this field. Probably deserves to win a group race, but just leaves the impression that he isn't quite classy enough to get it done

Championship- The most intriguing runner in the field for the Hannon stable. Won the 'Coventry' maiden at Newbury and duly went to Ascot next time to tackle that race. Going off a strongly fancied 6/1 shot he was one of the first beaten, eventually beating only the 200/1 rag home. Obviously well thought of and obviously talented but it will take a leap of faith to fancy him here having not ran for 100 days

God Willing- Expensive juvenile who was a rare debutant winner for the Ed Dunlop team when triumphing at Newbury. The betting that day suggested he was forward enough to do himself justice, but it was still nonetheless a taking performance. Travelling comfortably throughout he was always doing enough to hold the runner up, who had the benefit of previous experience. The form of that race is solid enough for all that the Second has disappointed since. Worth this step up in class and although Spencer is on board today can't be ruled out

Mawfoor- Outran his odds when second behind stablemate Windfast, not seen since, before breaking his maiden on second start when defeating the useful Safety Check. Was quietly fancied in some corners for the Coventry where he ran a respectable Eighth behind War Command. Wasn't seen again until two weeks ago when running third in a messy sales race last time. That was a highly encouraging return and if he improves from it he would have an outside chance

Miracle Of Medinah- Has been a revelation for Mark Usher winning three times including at Listed level. Not so good the last twice and would need a career best by some way to take this

Nezar- Winner on debut before being worried out of it close home by an unbeaten Hannon Colt on second start. On his third start he was unlucky not to take the big pot at York when getting too far back before flying late to finish a never nearer third. The form of that race looks strong with the 5th that day Rufford, carrying the same weight as Nezar, finishing 2nd in last weeks Mill Reef stakes. Comfortably won a Chester nursery last time, when 15lb well in, and has a progressive profile. Every chance of bridging the gap to group winner and a big player here

Silent Bullet- Unbeaten Godolphin Colt who arrives here having won his two races to date. Readily beat a 72 rated animal on debut and then stepped up to conditions class when narrowly beating Safety Check in a messy three runner conditions race at Haydock. Probably had more in hand over his stablemate than the winning margin suggests and has to be considered for his all conquering stable

Verdict- An interesting renewal in which the obvious starting point would be Cable Bay. Rated 108 he has a level of form the others have yet to achieve, yet for all that it would be disappointing if he proved good enough. A chance is taken on Nezar, who despite having only won a weak nursery off of 81 last time has the profile of a progressive horse. Arguably unlucky not to be unbeaten after four runs he can take the step up in class in his stride. Championship is a difficult horse to assess following his long break and the unbeaten pair of God Willing and Silent Bullet could 'still be anything'

1 Nezar
2 Cable Bay
3 God Willing