CLASSIC COLLECTION can defy a lengthy lay-off in the Squirrel Handicap at Leicester. The lightly-raced four-year-old has just the type of profile of a horse Saeed bin Suroor excels with.
He has only been seen once this year, when last of 15 in a decent event at Haydock in April. However, Bin Suroor’s troubles earlier in the campaign have been well documented and it is not hard to forgive the gelding that run and look back at what he achieved before then.
On his final outing last season he beat a smart sort in Pacify at Doncaster in October. While he has obviously been difficult to train, the fact he remains with Godolphin is a positive. Throw into the mix that this is traditionally the time of year Bin Suroor mops up races such as this and he has plenty in his favour.
Ghadaayer made a very pleasing debut for Michael Stoute and looks sure to improve in the second division of the British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden Fillies’ Stakes. The Shamardal filly finished third of 12 at Kempton, beaten just over a length-and-a-half.
Not many from Freemason Lodge win first time out so for her to show up so well on her first run bodes very well indeed. One place in front of Ghadaayer at Kempton was Dubai Dunes and the step up in trip should help her in the second division of the 32RedSport.com Maiden Fillies’ Stakes back at Kempton.
The Bin Suroor-trained youngster is by Nathaniel so the fact she showed up so well over seven furlongs was very promising. There was a bit of a gamble on her that day so she had obviously been catching the eye on the gallops.
Camerone finished a fine fourth to Godolphin’s recent purchase Atty Persse and if she takes a step forward from that the British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden Stakes at Brighton is hers for the taking. The Galileo filly is related to the very smart Flotilla, so Ralph Beckett will be very keen to get a win out of her as she will then become a valuable proposition. With a couple of her rivals having shown some glimpses of ability it will not be a walk in the park, but it will be hard to see her achieving much if she fails to win a Brighton maiden.
At Catterick, Richard Fahey’s Vaulted faces the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden Stakes after three runs in decent events and should be well worth keeping an eye on.
IRISH NEWS YANKEE
Nap: Classic Collection (3.50: Leicester)
Double: Ghadaayer (2.50: Leicester)
Double: Dubai Dunes (7.10: Kempton)
Yankee: Camerone (3.10: Brighton)
