Cyrname

19th-Jan-2019

My shortlist for this race was long. Mister Whitaker was on it, but I think that he may need softer ground or longer than the intermediate trip, or a combination of both. 

Benatar was on it, back at Ascot, but he is short, as is Belami Des Pictons. Happy Diva was on it, I can see her running well at a decent price, but I prefer Cyrname.

We had Paul Nicholls’ horse on side when he was well beaten in a two-mile handicap chase at Ascot last time.  That was an unusual race, however.  They went a frenetic pace, and he tried to race up with it.  He was a spent force before they turned for home.

He should be much happier today.  There is no Speredek or Ozzie The Oscar in today’s line-up, he shouldn’t face huge competition for the lead, he could lead or he could just slot in behind the leaders.  Also, the step back up to an extended two and a half miles is a positive.  All his best form is over two and a half.

Harry Cobden is back on board, and the fact that he has chosen to ride him in front of San Benedeto is an obvious positive.

I am a little worried about Ascot, he hasn’t run well there in three attempts, one over fences last time and two over hurdles, but that worry is more than accommodated by his odds.

CYRNAME WON (ADV 8/1 [R4], SP 4/1)