Sir Dancealot

This is a tight race, and you can understand why Dutch Connection is favourite.  He has top class form over seven furlongs and he goes well on fast ground.  However, he was disappointing last time behind Larchmont Lad and Tabarrak in the John of Gaunt Stakes, and he hasn’t been at his best in two runs at Newmarket, albeit in the Rowley Mile course.

Sir Dancealot has a much more solid profile.  David Elsworth’s horse was high-class last year over six and seven furlongs, but he has taken another step forward this year since he has been gelded.

Second behind Brando on his debut this season in the Abernant Stakes, and third behind Harry Angel and Brando the Group 2 Duke of York Stakes next time, he did well to beat Kimberella and Laugh A Minute off a sedate pace at Hamilton in early June, and he didn’t run badly last time in the Group 1 Diamond Jubilee Stakes after missing the break.

On each of his four runs this season, he has shaped as if a step back up to seven furlongs would be in his favour.  Also, he ran a cracker on his only run over today’s course and distance to finish second in the Bunbury Cup last year off a mark of 106.  He wouldn’t have to improve an awful lot on the bare form of that run to take him close today, and he looks like a better horse this year.

SIR DANCEALOT WON (ADV 4/1, SP 100/30)