Newmarket preview: Sakhee Godolphin Stakes (16.50)
Published:
Cannock Chase can take advantage of a drop into Listed company to get back to winning ways in the 1m 2f Sakhee Godolphin Stakes at Newmarket (16.50).
The Sir Michael Stoute trained colt had an ultra progressive profile last season, landing a maiden at Windsor on soft ground before making a mockery of his opening handicap mark to beat subsequent St Leger fourth Windshear by a cosy 1 3/4 lengths in the valuable London Gold Cup at Newbury.
Cannock Chase then took the step up into Group 3 company in his stride to round off the campaign with an impressive display in the Tercentenary Stakes at Royal Ascot.
After being held-up in the last pair, the son of Lemon Drop Kid made smooth headway on the outside three from home and after being produced to lead approaching the final furlong only had to be driven out to score with far more in hand than than the winning margin of 1 1/2 lengths suggests.
It was a most taking performance and one which suggested that Cannock Chase would have even more to offer as a four-year-old.
Although Cannock Chase has failed to get his head in front in four starts this season, he has has run well to make the frame in three Group 3 contests and was also far from disgraced when a 5 1/2 length seventh of nine to Free Eagle in the Group 1 Prince Of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot.
This represents a significant drop in class, and the easiest opportunity Cannock Chase has faced in a long time.
Tashaar is a progressive three-year-old and the one most likely to capitalise should Cannock Chase fail to live up to expectations.
The Richard Hannon trained colt scored in good style on debut at Haydock before putting in a stunning display to defy top weight and win a handicap at Goodwood on the bridle.
Tashaar was the pitched into Group 2 company, and ran as well as could be expected for one so inexperienced when fourth to Storm The Stars in the Great Volitigeur over 1m 4f at York.
The drop back in trip may well help, and Tashaar remains unexposed and open to further improvement.
Coral’s top tip: This represents the easiest task Cannock Chase has faced for some time, and Sir Michael Stoute’s colt rates a solid bet to land the spoils
