Doncaster preview: Champagne Stakes (14.00)
Emotionless looked a top notch prospect when scoring on his debut, and can take the step up into Group 2 company in his stride to land the Champagne Stakes at Doncaster (14.00).
The Charlie Appleby trained colt earned a quote of 16/1 with Coral for next year’s 2000 Guineas after landing a 7f maiden at Newmarket in breathtaking fashion.
After being slowly away and held-up at the rear, Emotionless made stealthy headway from the three furlong marker before taking up the running inside the last and stretching clear to win easily by 3 1/2 lengths.
The runner-up and third home have both come out and won since, and fifth-placed Venturous has gone on to score twice and looks above average. That gives the form a rock solid look, but it was the manner of the performance which impressed most.
Emotionless looked green and a big baby, so the fact that he could get the job done in such impressive style under tender handling after blowing the start suggests he has a huge engine.
The well-bred son of Sharmardal looks a potential classic contender in the making, and he can take this before going on to much better things.
Ibn Malik has looked a smart prospect in two runs to date, and can give Emotionless most to think about.
The Charlie Hills trained colt scored in good style on his debut at Newmarket, racing prominently until taking up the running four furlongs from home and finding plenty when challenged to beat Comicas by a cost 3/4 of a length.
It was a most taking performance and the runner-up, and third home John Splendid, have both come out and won since to give the form a boost.
Ibn Malik has since gone on to finish a fine 3/4 length second in the Group 2 Vintage Stakes at Glorious Goodwood, and that run affords the son of Raven’s Pass plenty of respect.
Coral’s top tip: Emotionless looked a potential star when winning on his debut, so rates a solid bet to follow-up and enhance his classic credentials.
