Glorious Goodwood 2016: Intelligence the answer to Richmond Stakes
David Metcalf | July 27, 2016
Intelligence Cross ready to rock in Richmond Stakes
Intelligence Cross ran a stormer when runner-up last time out and can go one better to land the the Group 2 Richmond Stakes at Goodwood (14.35).
The Aidan O’Brien trained colt shaped with stacks of promise when a fast finishing runner-up on debut at the Curragh before readily opening his account with a 1/2 length success at the same venue.
Intelligence Cross was pitched into Group 2 company on the back of that success, and was arguably a bit unlucky not to win when beaten 1/2 a length by Mehmas in the July Stakes at Newmarket.
The two-year-old found himself quickly at the rear of the field after getting hampered at the start but then came with a good run from the furlong marker to be gaining at the finish.
Further improvement on the cards
It was an excellent run given how the race panned out and Intelligence Cross now meets the winner on 3lb better terms.
That should be enough for the son of War Front to turn the tables, especially as he is far less exposed than that rival and open to stacks more improvement.
With the yard in flying form, and Ryan Moore in the saddle, Intelligance Cross looks sure to take all the beating.
Hat-trick seeking Blue Point a major player
Mehmas is a tough and consistent sort who looks sure to give it his best shot, despite having to give weight all-round for his success in the July Stakes, but Blue Point rates the biggest danger to Intelligence Cross.
The Charlie Appleby trained colt has won his first two starts in good style and was particularly impressive in the last of those at Doncaster.
After tracking the leaders, the son of Sharmardal took up the running three from home and pulled readily clear to slam Shamsaya by 11 lengths.
The runner-up is no mug having previosuly finished a 2 1/4 length fourth in the Listed contest at Newmarket, and it was a most taking performance which suggested Blue Point was an above-average performer that needed keeping firmly onside and was well worth a crack at this level.
Related
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Coral’s top tip: Intelligence Cross is improving with each run and rates a solid bet to land the spoils. Blue Point has bags of potential and looks sure to give him plenty to think about.
