War Command to revive Guineas hopes in Futurity Stakes

When War Command strode clear to win the Coventry Stakes it seemed highly likely that he would go on to establish himself as the top two-year-old this season. A shock defeat here last time out has seen his price drift out to 16-1 for the 2000 Guineas but punters shouldn’t be in a hurry to tear up those ante-post slips.

Although he never got close enough to trouble the winner, he was only a length down at the line and should strip a lot fitter on Saturday. He also has an extra furlong to travel and the presence of stable companion Friendship should ensure a sensible gallop.

The main danger for this Group 2 prize could come from the Ger Lyons-trained Exogenesis who beat Home School by a length at Leopardstown over this distance. Dermot Weld’s Mustajeeb has the beating of Friendship on their running at Galway.

The Group 3 Flying Five at 3.15 has attracted a large field with Kevin Ryan’s Hamza likely to go off favourite. He was beaten by Slade Power over six furlongs last time but looks equally effective over this trip.

Trainer Gary Moore has been patiently waiting for better ground for Dutch Masterpiece who is on a hat-trick whilst Kingsgate Choice‘s York run looks much better in view of Jwala’s shock win in the Nunthorpe on Friday. The six-year-old was less than a length down at the line that day and could still be on the upgrade.

The Listed Curragh Stakes at 2.35 could be fought out by the unbeaten Expedition and Come To Heel. Preference is just given to the former who wears blinkers for the first time.

The Group 3 Irish St Leger Trial at 5.25 looks as if it could also go to the O’Brien stable with Ernest Hemingway bidding to complete a hat-trick. He followed up his victory in the Curragh Cup by getting the better of Royal Diamond by half a length at Leopardstown and can repeat the performance here.

The big sales race at 3.45 can go to Vallado for Ed Lynam. She made all the running to beat My Titania at Leopardstown and can take this at the expense of Pixie Hollow and Pillow.

Selections: 2.00 Terrific, 2.35 Expedition, 3.10 Kingsgate Choice, 3.45 Vallado, 4.20 War Command (NAP), 4.55 Man Of Erin, 5.25 Ernest Hemingway (nb), 5.55 Polished Rock