Bonfire
Impressive winner of a maiden on his first start at Salisbury on soft ground and built on that with a running on third in the Criterium International behind subsequent 2000 Guineas runner-up French Fifteen. Always been well regarded and comes here with significant Derby aspirations. Trip to prove but it would be very surprising if he didn’t stay 1m4f at least, while both his runs have been on soft so . Seems to have that bit of class needed to win this though whether he deserves to be so short on form is questionable.
Dream Tune
Built on a decent debut when runner-up to Frankel’s brother Noble Mission last time at Newbury. No match for that rival who has gone in since though in listed company. Now needs a huge step forward stepping up yo 1m2f.
Ektihaam
Ektihaam really impressed on his first try at 1m2f last time and is fully entitled to hold Derby claims here
Impressed on debut over 7f (form decent) and then readily beat high 70, early 80 rated rivals next time to make it 2/2. Given an easy time when not getting the clearest of runs in the Dewhurst and that run can be forgotten. Started the season in great style though when an impressive winner of a 1m2f conditions stakes at Newbury, settling in last and quickening up in taking fashion to beat the very well regarded Wrotham Heath by 5 lengths, although pretty fresh throughout. More to come over these distances as that needed some getting. This race is much better but he’s fully entitled to take his chance and he looks an extremely interesting runner. Ground quicker here but should be no problem as there is a bit of cut in it.
Ernest Hemingway
Represents an all-conquering yard who already have a very strong Derby hand already. Once raced colt who was an impressive winner of an a/w Dundalk maiden over 1m3f. 2nd is rated 75 so it’s not great form but he won by 10 lengths and he’s entitled to take his chance. 1m2f may just be about a minimum for him with notable stamina on the dam’s side in particular. Will have to be pretty smart to take this although if tasting defeat, he may be the one to take out of the race when stepping up further in trip.
Fencing
Well regarded colt who broke his maiden tag on his second start in a listed race, beating the smart Telwaar easily over 7f. Was put in his place seemingly in the Racing post Trophy though when third behind Camelot over a mile. Showed he had trained on nicely with a good solid run in the 2000 Guineas, running on eventually to finish 6th. 1m2f should be right in his compass on pedigree and in running style. Ground is fine and trainer is in great form after winning the Fillies’ trial today with The Fugue who also came off the back of a good run in the Guineas. Fascinating contender.
Mandaean
Bought by Godolphin after two impressive victories for Andre Fabre late last year in France. Runner-up on his maiden win is a solid yardstick though he improved significantly to take the Criterium De Saint-Cloud last time out after running green but always holding on. Shows he stays the trip very well already and far more to come this season. Ground is the main worry as he did win twice on soft ground and it is better ground here, although a little but of cut will help. Yard hasn’t kicked off too strongly yet either but remains a colt with considerable potential although he will learn far more about him here.
Ptolemaic
Listed race 2nd last year when stepping up a mile and ran a decent race in the Craven and then also in The Guineas, beaten only 6 lengths. Wouldn’t surprise if he improved for 1m2f with decent stamina on the dam’s side. Sire more about speed though. Got to improve a lot in a really good race but shouldn’t be slightly shorter than he is and wouldn’t be the biggest surprise ever to me if he ran okay he’s rated fairly close to a number of these but is a significantly bigger price.
Verdict
A superb race where Bonfire looks worth opposing on price grounds. He certainly is promising and should stay the trip though is going to need to improve as a 3yo to win this. I’d rate him around the 3/1 mark rather than 2/1 and so it’s better to look elsewhere for value. Mandaean impressed in two runs for Andre Fabre and although handles quicker gorund for the first time, he could be absolutely anything. Fencing looks likely to improve for the step up to 1m2f after running a good race in the Guineas. The yard are in great form and took the Fillies’ renewal today too. Ernest Hemingway represents the all conquering Coolmore operation who have won this three times in the last six years. He won a maiden over 1m3f and this trip looks the minimum for him so whether he can win tomorrow is a doubt but he certainly will improve stepped further up in trip. However EKTIHAAM is the selection. He really impressed when beating Wrotham Heath at Newbury last time on very heavy ground on his first try at this trip. It is well worth him trying this and although he hasn’t got a Derby entry, he can boost his claims for the race with a big run here with conditions certainly likely to suit. Dream Tune needs to improve significantly while Ptolemaic isn’t the worst 66/1 shot ever as he is officially rated 109 and should appreciate the step up to 1m2f with bundles of stamina on the dam’s side.
Advice – Ektihaam 2pts win @5/1 generally
