Newbury preview: Geoffrey Freer Stakes (14.35)
Published:
Romsdal can take advantage of a drop in class to land the Group 3 Geoffrey Freer Stakes at Newbury (14.35).
The John Gosden trained colt has some excellent form at the highest level last season, finishing third to Australia in the Investec Derby at Epsom and a fine second to Kingston Hill in the Group 1 St Leger at Doncaster.
Romsdal then looked as good as ever when scoring on seasonal reappearance in a 1m 2f Listed contest at Kempton, making all and quickening clear to win easing down by 2 1/2 lengths.
The four-year-old went on to run with credit in the Group 3 John Porter Stakes at this venue and Group 2 Yorkshire Oaks at York, before posting a cracking effort to finish third to Postponed in the Group 1 King George at Ascot over 1m 4f when last seen in action.
Romsdal attempted to make all in the latter and kept on well once headed two furlongs out to be beaten 3 3/4 lengths.
That is very strong form in the contest of this lower grade contest and the step up to 1m 5f will hold no fears.
Romsdal also has proven form on soft ground, and a repeat of his latest effort is going to make the son of Halling hard to beat.
Gospel Choir has won seven of his 13 starts and looks the obvious danger.
Trained by Sir Michael Stoute, the six-year-old is a lightly raced sort who bagged a couple of Group 2 prizes in the early part of last season and looked as good as ever on reappearance when narrowly landing a Listed event at Newmarket from Dubday.
The pair finished nine lengths clear of the third, and Dubday has gone on to land a Group 3 at Glorious Goodwood to give the form a solid look.
Gospel Choir also lost little in defeat last time out when a 3/4 length third to Big Orange in a Group 2 contest at Newmarket, and now gets the services of Frankie Dettori in the saddle who is bidding for a record fifth win in this contest.
Coral’s betting tip – Romsdal is a great shout in the Geoffrey Freer Stakes @ 5/2
