Newmarket preview: Oh So Sharp Stakes (14.05)
Alamode created a good impression when scoring last time out, and can take the step up into Group 3 company in her stride to land the Oh So Sharp Stakes at Newmarket (14.05).
The Marcus Tregoning trained filly caught the eye in no uncertain fashion on debut at Newbury when 7 1/2 length fourth of 14 to La Rioja, staying on from miles off the pace to be nearest at the finish under a hands and heels ride.
Alamode then duly showed the benefit of that experience when landing a strong maiden at Goodwood back in July.
After making stealthy headway to take up the running inside the final furlong, the daughter of Sir Percy got headed briefly before showing a good attitude to dig deep to score by a neck.
The runner-up Winter Rose has won since, and the third home Promising Run has scored twice in the manner of a smart sort and is a leading fancy for the Group 1 Dubai Fillies’ Mile on this card.
That gives the form a rock solid look, and Almode is a scopey sort who remains open to bags more improvement and well up to making an impact at this level.
The Sir Michael Stoute trained pair Diploma and Queen’s Trust may well give the selection most to think about.
Diploma built on a promising debut run to make all land a 7f maiden on the July course at this venue, and the form of that race has worked out extremely well.
The daughter of Dubawi found plenty when challenged to score by a neck and looks a smart prospect.
However, jockey Ryan Moore presumably had the choice of who to partner and it looks significant that he has sided with Queen’s Trust over Diploma.
The daughter of Dansili made a very impressive winning debut at Kempton last month, overcoming a slow start to lead inside the final furlong before showing a smart turn of foot to score by 3 1/4 lengths.
It was a most taking performance, and Queen’s Trust is sure to come on a bundle for that experience.
Coral’s top tip: Alamode looks decent value to foil the Stoute pair of Diploma and Queen’s Trust in a wide open renewal of the Oh So Sharp Stakes.
