Sport

Coronas won't bottle it

THE race-fit Tres Coronas could go well at a decent price in the Investec Property Investments City And Suburban Stakes at epsom this afternoon.

David Barron's inmate does not appear to have too much going for him on the back of two seemingly subdued displays this year.

Dig a little deeper than a mere glance at the formbook, though, and the case for the defence looks a little more compelling.

Tres Coronas began the year in the Lincoln trial at Wolverhampton, where he suffered a troubled gallop to the line to take ninth spot, but was beaten under five lengths. he was then sent on his way as a 16/1 chance for the Lincoln itself at Doncaster, where, despite having to be switched out wide inside the final furlong, he made good late gains.

Tres Coronas got to within five-and-a-half lengths of the winner, Ocean Tempest, which actually rates as a pretty sound effort given the manner in which the field was strung out.

Although the general consensus is that the seven-year-old has a fondness for soft ground, it should be remembered that he finished third in the Cambridgeshire last term when Newmarket was riding very quick.

Tres Coronas is allowed to race at epsom off just a 2lb higher mark than in the Cambridgeshire, with this step back up to a mile-and-a-quarter also viewed upon as a significant plus.

The Investec Derby Trial is probably false advertising these days, but a strong field has nonetheless been lured to the party.

Barely the width of a cigarette paper separates many of the protagonists, but hartnell has the best form and is likely to be good enough to defy a penalty.

Mark Johnston's colt is already rated in excess of 100 following a successful juvenile campaign which yielded three wins from seven starts.

Indeed, the way he finished off his race in the Group One Criterium de Saint-Cloud in November, when he claimed third place, was especially exciting with a view to this season. hartnell probably needs the epsom ground to soften a little, but there is rain forecast for this son of Authorized, who still holds an entry in the big one in June.

Alan Swinbank thinks the world of Dark Ruler, who can continue to progress in the Investec Great Metropolitan handicap.

Runner-up in a very hot race at Thirsk a week-and-a-half ago, it is reassuring that his wise trainer has continued to give him the chance to shine over a mile and a half.

It would also be rather surprising if he did not end up being far better than a revised mark of 83.