So Beloved gets the verdict in Jury Stakes
David Metcalf | May 27, 2016
So Beloved the answer to Jury Stakes
So Beloved can maintain his 100 per cent record at Haydock by landing the Group 3 Timeform Jury Stakes at the Merseyside venue (15:10).
The gelding proved a revelation last season after joining trainer David O’Meara, winning three times (disqualified on one occasion) and posting some cracking efforts in defeat.
In the last of those successes, So Beloved rallied bravely to get up close home and beat Here Comes When in a Group 3 at Goodwood.
The six-year-old went on to run a blinder when a length fourth to Cable Bay in a Group 2 at Newmarket, and looked better than ever on return to action earlier in the month when landing a Listed contest over course and distance.
Smart turn of foot
After tracking the leaders, So Beloved challenged on the bridle two from home before quickening clear in the closing stages to beat You’re Fired by two lengths.
The son of Dansili arguably hit the front too soon and scored with far more in hand than the winning margin suggests.
Judged on the manner of that display, So Beloved is in for a good season, and other pluses are that he is unbeaten in two starts over course and distance and verstile as regards ground.
Convey capable of running a huge race
Home Of The Brave is a progressive front-running colt who made an impressive return to action when landing a Listed contest at Leicester and looks sure to go well, but Convey appeals at the type who has more to offer and is feared most.
Trained by Sir Michael Stoute, Convey finished 6 3/4 lengths behind Home The Brave when seventh at Leicester on reappearance but shaped as if badly in need of the outing.
The four-year-old then looked a very unlucky loser when a neck runner-up to Always Smile in a hot 19-runner listed handicap at York, being repeatedly denied a clear run up the rails when travelling strongly before flying home when a gap eventually appeared.
It was an effort which suggested Convey had a big engine, and there is little doubt that he would have won with a bit to spare granted a clear passage.
The fact that powerful connections are now pitching him into Group company rather than target a big handicap also speaks volumes and suggests Convey is held in high regard. All this after just five starts highlights he remains unexposed and open to further improvement.
Related
For more horse racing tips, visit our dedicated section.
Coral’s top tip: So Beloved looked better than ever when scoring on seasonal reappearance and rates a solid bet to enhance his excellent course record. Convey can chase him home.