This is a really strong renewal of the 9f Nassau Stakes, with a host of Group One winning three-year olds due to take their chances – 2000 Guineas winner Legatissimo, Pretty Polly Stakes winner Diamondsandrubies and French Oaks winner Star Of Seville.
We’ve seen some good performances this week from front runners, which bodes well for a few of these such as 16/1 shot Arabian Queen. Whilst she makes some each way appeal, I’d expect a couple from this classy field to be too good. One of which could be Pretty Polly winner Diamonsandrubies, who employed similar tactics at The Curragh when holding off Oaks winner Legatissimo by a short head.
Legatissimo herself has had a busy season and could so easily have notched a hat-trick of Group Ones already. She didn’t get the clearest of runs at The Curragh, but her class was there for all to see and I’d expect her to put that right tomorrow. She was also mugged at the line by 50/1 shot Qualify in The Oaks and, whilst always been regarded a mile-and-a-half horse, her best form remains her 1000 Guineas win over a mile. She certainly looks the one to beat over tomorrow’s shorter trip, yet 7/4 is questionable value.
Oaks 3rd Lady Of Dubai will feature on many short lists with her course and distance win in May, but at a best price of 13/2 and preference for coming from off the pace, she doesn’t make each way appeal. She’d hardly be a shock winner on just her third start of the season – her freshness may be crucial – but, at a similar price, I prefer the chances of John Gosden’s classic-winning Star Of Seville.
With a favourable draw (4) combined with assured stamina and prominent tactics, she’s assured to be in the mix turning for home and I expect her to be extremely tough to pass over this shorter trip. She was almost knocked clean over by Diamondsandrubies and Together Forever when trying to make all in The Oaks – a run which disguised her true form despite the 12f trip clearly stretching her. Down in trip, she showed her true class in the 10f French Oaks when, racing prominently, she defied a wide draw to put the race to bed with a smart turn of foot. Her ability to kick on from the front is perfect for Goodwood and connections believe 9f to be ideal. At 7/1 even if a couple do pass her before the line, an each way bet will still return 0.75pts of profit, which looks good to me.
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