15:00 Newmarket

Thursday 19 April 2018

All13:5014:2515:0015:3516:1016:4517:2017:55

Connaught Access Flooring Abernant Stakes (Group 3)

Off time: 15:01 | Winning time: 1m 12.34s

(6)

Brando¹⁸⁰

9/2

Winner of this last year and went on to win a Deauville Group 1 in August, though couldn't repeat that on his final couple of starts. Has had wind surgery since and has obvious claims of landing back-to-back renewals dropped back down in class.

Form: 031976-

(3)

Dream Of Dreams¹⁵⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-7| J: Andrea Atzeni| T: Sir Michael Stoute| OR: 108| D

12/1

Doesn't always look the most straightforward (can race keenly) but ran a Listed race at Doncaster when last seen. May do better this campaign but this is a step up in class and this looks like a strong Group 3.

Form: 2/20151-

(8)

Gordon Lord Byron¹³²

Age: 10| Weight: 9-7| J: Billy Lee| T: T Hogan| OR: 112| D

33/1

Has won no fewer than six Group races in his time, including a Group 1 success and still retains ability, as seen when winning a Group 2 last year. More inconsistent these days though and others are preferred.

Form: 766365-

(4)

Le Brivido³⁰²

Age: 4| Weight: 9-7| J: P C Boudot| T: A Fabre| D

6/5

Just touched off in French 2,000 Guineas when runner-up to Brametot (winner of subsequent Group 1). Made amends for that narrow loss with a Group 3 win at Royal Ascot and brings some of the best form in but drop back in trip a slight concern.

Form: 1/121-

(5)

Magical Memory¹⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 9-7| J: L Dettori| T: C Hills| OR: 107| CD

12/1

Won twice last year, including a third Group success at Newbury. Disappointed in Meydan when last of 13 when last seen but usually bounces back from his defeats and has place claims for a yard in flying form.

Form: 11403-0

(9)

Projection¹⁹⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 9-7| J: K Shoemark| T: H & R Charlton| OR: 105| D

12/1

Frustrating to follow and not won since 2015 but showed how effective he can be when narrowly beaten in an Ascot Group 3 last time. Optimum conditions here and ran well on return last year but recent strike-rate is off-putting.

Form: 53/6302-

(7)

Sir Dancealot¹⁵⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-7| J: S M Levey| T: D R C Elsworth| OR: 111| BF| D

16/1

Won a Listed race as a juvenile but only win last year came in Class 3 company at Doncaster (7f) and he finished off the campaign a beaten favourite in Listed company back at that course. Hard to fancy up at this level.

Form: 056215-

(2)

Spirit of Valor^b,t²¹⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 9-7| J: R L Moore| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 115| D

5/1

Narrowly touched off by Le Brivido at Royal Ascot but got his head in front in a Group 2 at the Curragh. Couldn't match that level in two subsequent starts and may find this trip a little sharp but respected and may improve this year.

Form: 862104-

Non-Runners

(1)

Perfect Pasture²⁶

Weight: 9-7| Age: 8

T: M & D Easterby J: D Allan

(10)

One Master¹⁹⁴

Weight: 9-4| Age: 4

T: W J Haggas J: James Doyle

Forecasts

Le Brivido (6/5), Brando (9/2), Spirit of Valor (5/1), Perfect Pasture (10/1), One Master (10/1), Projection (12/1), Magical Memory (12/1), Dream Of Dreams (12/1), Sir Dancealot (16/1), Gordon Lord Byron (33/1)

BRANDO won this on his reappearance last year and given he went on to land a Group 1 at Deauville later in the season, he's sure to enjoy a drop down in to Group 3 company here, albeit, this is a strong Group 3. Spirit Of Valor and Le Brivido are obvious dangers if coping with the drop back to 6f here while One Master may surprise a few if the filly has wintered well.