Unibet Geoffrey Freer Stakes (Group 3) (Class 1) (3yo+)
Morando is an obvious favourite for the five-runner Geoffrey Freer Stakes having finished down the field behind Enable last time out in a Group 1. The step down in class alongside the soft conditions have the yard hoping they can bag another one with this six-year-old who so rarely gets his head in front.
I’m not a huge fan of his and his price of 11/10 looks very skinny in what could be a tactical race. Technician, Sextant and Sameem could all take up the running with the latter putting in an impressive front-running display last-time out.
A decent tempo could set this up for DURSTON, who has tended to be switched off at dropped in at the back of the field during his races. Durston has picked up two victories this season using that tactic and he looks very progressive for David Simcock. One of those performances came on soft going and he has already proven that he stays this 1m 6f trip well.
Durston looked like the best horse in the race on his last start in a Class 2 handicap at Glorious Goodwood, which is already reading well on form. Durston again was dropped in at the back and came with a storming run down the outside, just failing to catch Sir Ron Priestley over 1m 4f suggesting the step back up in trip should help.
Durston receives 12lbs off the short-priced favourite and remains unexposed. He also holds a St. Leger entry later in the year and although he has much to do to show those credentials, there be better performances to come from this colt.
1pt win Durston @9/2, 14:25 Newbury, Saturday