The Al Zubarah London Gold Cup Handicap tends to produce Group-level performers and there could be a couple of special horses lining up in this again.
Recent winners have included the likes of Time Test and Cannock Chase, with the latters connections running an exciting prospect in the shape of SOLID STONE, who showed plenty of promise as a two-year-old and a great attitude to stick his head in front on his last two starts.
The last of which was his seasonal reappearance for Sir Michael Stoute and connections will be hoping that this horse can go on to claim pattern-level victories in the near future.
A son of Shamardal, Solid Stone is currently rated 91 and most winners of this generally go up about a stone during their careers. Based on the vibes coming out of the yard there is every chance of him being the usual typically-progressive type for his handle and has scope for massive improvement.
Solid Stone will have the help of champion jockey Ryan Moore in the saddle, who could be set to have a big day for the partnership with Crystal Ocean running later in the day and it would be no surprise to see Solid Stone edge out the other improving sorts in this race from a plumb draw in stall 5.
Another colt near the top of the market is Forest Of Dean, who was beaten by Solid Stone as a two-year-old and has to give a couple of pounds to the selection.
Lastly, there has been plenty of support around for Sinnjar, which is to be expected having won a maiden nicely at Windsor earlier in the season. Sinnjar had finished behind derby entrant Private Secretary on his previous start so there is a decent collateral formline there. He is feared most, but looks to have been overbet at odds of 7/2.
1pt win Solid Stone @11/2, 15:00 Newbury, Saturday
Leave a comment