13:15 Haydock

Saturday 7 September 2024

All13:1513:5014:2515:0015:3516:0716:4017:15

Best Odds On The Betfair Exchange Superior Mile Stakes (Group 3)

Off time: 13:15 | Winning time: 1m 40.21s

(6)

Cicero's Gift³⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 9-5| J: Rossa Ryan| T: C Hills| OR: 110| D

11/2

Very lightly-raced 4-y-o with a good strike rate, much improved when making a successful return in strong 1m Sandown handicap from Holloway Boy. Seemed unsuited by firmer conditions at Goodwood and well worth another chance on softer surface.

Form: 1/117-17

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(7)

Holloway Boy¹⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 9-5| J: W Buick| T: K R Burke| OR: 106

7/2

Winless since landing the Chesham at Royal Ascot on debut in 2022 but hasn't done a great deal wrong since, shaping well in strong 1m handicaps this summer, third again at York a fortnight ago when coming from further back than pair who beat him. One to consider back up in class.

Form: 435233

(3)

Prague^t1³⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 9-5| J: D Tudhope| T: Dylan Cunha| OR: 106

10/3

Taking son of Galileo (unraced for Ballydoyle) who was an impressive winner of a Sandown maiden (10f) on debut in June and improved efforts in defeat since. Tongue tie fitted as he drops to 1m now and could give a good sighter in front.

Form: 145

(1)

Regal Reality²⁸

Age: 9| Weight: 9-5| J: R L Moore| T: Sir Michael Stoute| OR: 109| D

6/1

Pretty reliable operator at this level, twice third in this race and again in the Rose of Lancaster here last month. Can't be dismissed back under Moore.

Form: 4-43723

(5)

Witch Hunter²¹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-5| J: S M Levey| T: R Hannon| OR: 109

11/2

Won the Buckingham Palace Handicap at Royal Ascot and the Hungerford at Newbury last season. Just failed in repeat bid in the latter 3 weeks ago, running his best race of the year, but no banker to be in the same form.

Form: 394342

(4)

Sparks Fly⁴⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: Laura Pearson| T: D Loughnane| OR: 104| CD

25/1

Most progressive in 2023, winning 8 times, including handicap here and listed race at Saint-Cloud. Seen just twice this year, ridden too aggressively back from 13 weeks off at the Curragh 7 weeks ago. More needed.

Form: 9116-55

(2)

Clove Hitch⁶³

Age: 3| Weight: 8-11| J: Oisin Murphy| T: A M Balding| OR: 100| D

5/1

Well-bred 725,000 gns yearling who routed her rivals in 1m fillies' novice at Newbury in June, making all in good style. Not so good in listed race at Sandown 9 weeks ago, more patient ride and much softer ground both plausible excuses. Work to do.

Form: 5-3215

Forecasts

Prague (10/3), Holloway Boy (7/2), Clove Hitch (5/1), Witch Hunter (11/2), Cicero's Gift (11/2), Regal Reality (6/1), Sparks Fly (25/1)

CICERO'S GIFT didn't seem to take to the fast surface at Goodwood and had previously looked very impressive when making a winning return at Sandown, beating Holloway Boy. He can get back on track here. Karl Burke's challenger deserves another day in the sun and is a big player. Regal Reality should go well again.