Ladbrokes March Stakes (Group 3)

Off time: 15:50 | Winning time: 3m 2.76s

(2)

Ben Vrackie²⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: R Havlin| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 95

11/10

Frankel colt (450,000 guineas yearling) who is physically impressive and has improved on each of his three starts culminating in a dominant Lingfield win. Extra test of stamina only likely to suit and looks an exciting colt in the making.

Form: 721

(1)

Cypress Creek^p³⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: E J McNamara| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 101

5/1

Son of Galileo who finally got off the mark on his fifth start for Ballydoyle before stepping up for a Listed fourth at Leopardstown. May be open to less improvement but could easily get the run of the race out in front.

Form: 75-2214

(3)

Maid Up²³

Age: 3| Weight: 8-13| J: Rob Hornby| T: A M Balding| OR: 105| C

5/4

Highly progressive filly who won three handicaps in a row before showing her ability to handle a steep step up in grade when a running on second in the Group 2 Lilly Langtry over this C&D. Unlikely to have ceased improving and clearly likes it here.

Form: 331112

Forecasts

Ben Vrackie (11/10), Maid Up (5/4), Cypress Creek (5/1)

As the only confirmed front-runner of the trio Cypress Creek may well get the run of things and has to be respected for his powerful connections. However he got a very easy lead and set a slow tempo in Listed company in Ireland and couldn't take advantage and he may be vulnerable again. Maid Up sets a clear standard on her second here last time and she possesses a smart turn of foot so it would be no surprise to see the only filly come out on top against the colts. However BEN VRACKIE looked a very smart prospect when demolishing a field in novice company on his third start and has leapt straight up to Group company and like most Frankels should relish this extra test.