Impressive Irish 2000 Guineas winner Phoenix Of Spain heads the betting for the St James’s Palace Stakes, but who will our top tipsters be backing?
With tips from our very own Templegate, Matt Chapman and the latest race trends, we’ve got the all-important views on each race right here.
Templegate – Skardu
SKARDU came from the rear against the track bias to win the Craven Stakes on just his second start in April and similar tactics worked when he was third – first home of those to race in the main pack down the middle of the track – in the 2000 Guineas.
I fancied him for the Irish version and he didn’t run at all badly when fourth behind Phoenix Of Spain. His draw in stall two might well have counted against him as James Doyle was almost forced to race more prominently or face a wall of horses down the Curragh straight. That clearly didn’t suit him and I’m sure things will pan out a lot better today.
Matt Chapman – Skardu
It’s all class at 4.20pm with the Group 1 St James’s Palace Stakes over a mile. There’s been a big move for Too Darn Hot of late, but I think the rests with SKARDU, who was third in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket and fourth in the equivalent in Ireland. For various reasons I think he’s better than that form and he’s a cracking eachway wager for William Haggas and the excellent James Doyle.
Wizard of Odds – Too Darn Hot
TOO DARN HOT deserves another chance in the St James’s Palace Stakes (4.20). Top trainer John Gosden admits he hasn’t managed his star colt perfectly this season and his second in the Irish 2,000 Guineas last time was a perfectly decent effort.
Trends – Phoenix Of Spain
The trends leave us with Too Darn Hot and PHOENIX OF SPAIN.
Given that the Irish 2,000 Guineas has been a good pointer to this race, the latter’s win at The Curragh last time puts him ahead of the John Gosden runner.
