Pale Mimosa primed to floor Lonsdale Cup rivals

The progressive and lightly-raced Pale Mimosa can take another step forward to land the Group 2 Lonsdale Cup at York today (2.30).

Trained in Ireland by Dermot Weld, the five-year-old won the Listed Galtres Stakes at this meeting back in 2012, and showed improved form throughout last season.

The mare put up her best performance on her final start of 2013 when staying on strongly to finish a never nearer 1 3/4 length fourth of 14 to Royal Diamond in the Group 3 Long Distance Cup at Ascot, finishing in front of Estimate, High Jinx and Times up who reoppose today.

It was a run which suggested Pale Mimosa would be a big player in staying contests this season, and the daughter of Singspiel has confirmed that view in two starts this year.

In the first of those, Pale Mimosa finished a solid third to subsequent Ascot Gold Cup winner Leading Light in the Group 3 Vintage Crop Stakes at Navan when looking in need of the run.

Pale Mimosa then had little difficulty landing a Listed contest last time out at Leopardstown, and looks to have been given the perfect preparation for this contest.

With the prospect of more to come after just nine starts, Pale Mimosa looks decent value to lowder the colours of favourite and form horse Cavalryman.

Trained by Saeed Bin Suroor, the Godlophin owned Calvaryman has been better than ever this season despite his advancing years.

The eight-year-old has won three out of four starts in 2014, and showed a tremendous attitude to beat Ahzeemah by a neck when landing the Group 2 Goodwood Cup last time out.

That sets the standard in this line-up, and with Kieren Fallon in the saddle the son of Halling is sure to go give it his best shot.

However, whther he will be able to cope with a progressive, lightly-raced and fresh rival in the shape of Pale Mimosa is questionable and makes Cavalryman look opposable in my book.