Good to soft ground at Plumpton for today’s seven-race card and in the opener, I hope to see the juvenile Sonning (12.30) follow up his good ground Catterick success for Alan King. The selection’s flat win was gained on fast ground, but he did finish 10L behind Derby winner Adayar in a Nottingham maiden last October. The yard has had a terrific season but had a disappointing weekend. The selection is 11/4 with MansionBet.
The Irish import Stream Of Stars looks the main danger, but I wonder whether underfoot conditions – with further showers forecast – will be too soft for the former John Gosden inmate who went off market leader for the Queen’s Vase when last seen on the level.
Hereford Bumper winner Sandy Brook (1.30) looked a stayer when finishing third over todays 2m 4f trip at Uttoxeter last time and I hope to see Tom Cannon race Chris Gordon’s 6-y-old more prominently than was the case in Staffordshire. His third in a Bumper here 12 months ago behind Gelino Bello and Datsalrightgino is very good form. The 6/4 with 10Bet looks about right.
Mister Murchan has dropped to an attractive mark but the same can be said of Hard To Forget (2.00) who won this corresponding race two years ago from a 1lb higher mark and is blinkered for the first time by Henry Oliver. James Davies was in the plate when the selection scored at Uttoxeter back in the spring and he is back on board this afternoon. The ew rfecommendation is 13/2 with Boylesports. Course specialist I See You Well is another to consider in a competitive heat.
Willie Muir’s stable star Pyledriver was beaten into second in the Hong King Vase on Sunday, but the hope is that his half-brother Stockpyle (4.30) go one better at Wolverhampton. The selection – 11/8 with MansionBet – also finished in silver medal position over C&D on debut and he is entitled to come on for that experience. PJ McDonald takes over in the saddle with Martin Dwyer on his way back from Hong Kong.
