Epsom preview: Simple Verse tuned-up for Coronation Cup
Published:
David Metcalf | June 3, 2016
Keep it Simple in the Coronation Cup
Simple Verse shaped well when runner-up on seasonal reappearance and can go one better to land a cracking renewal of the Group 1 Coronation Cup at Epsom (15.10).
The Ralph Beckett trained filly thrived throughout last season when winning five times, and the last two of those victories came at the highest level.
After being first past the post in the St Leger before losing the race in the steward’s’ room and being reinstated as the winner on appeal, the daughter of Duke Of Marmalade rounded off what had been a hard campaign with a game 3/4 length success over Journey in Group 1 British Champions Fillies & Mare Stakes at Ascot.
Simple Verse had the likes of Irish Oaks winners Covert Love behind in the latter, and has nothing to fear from Arabian Queen who finished just over four lengths behind in sixth and reopposes in this.
Promising comeback run
Although beaten four lengths when second to Exosphere in the Group 2 Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket on return to action, Simple Verse looked badly in need of the run beforehand and led approaching the final furlong before being unable to find any extra as lack of race fitness took it’s toll.
It was a highly promising comeback effort, and the four-year-old should now be spot on to do herself justice.
Simple Verse is also versatile as regards ground, and with Oisin Murphy in the saddle looks value to get back to winning ways.
Postponed a major player
Postponed is the top rated in the field and a worthy red-hot favourite.
Successful in last season’s King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot, the Roger Varian trained five-year-old has won both his starts this year at Meydan.
The most recent of those came Group 1 Dubai Sheema Classic back in March where Postponed travelled ominously well throughout before showing a smart turn of foot to impressively beat Duramente by two lengths.
Postponed is now unbeaten in his last four races, two of which have been in Group 1 company, and will once again have the services of Andrea Atzeni in the saddle who has partnered him to six of his seven career successes.
Although ideally suited by fast ground, the son of Dubawi showed he could handle cut when winning the King George and is going to be a tough nut to crack.
Found looking to bounce back
Found is bidding to give Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien with his eighth winner of the contest and has every chance of doing so on the pick of her form.
The filly ran a blinder to be beaten just a length by Investec Derby winner Golden Horn in the Group 1 Irish Champion Stakes last season, and went on to gain her revenge on that rival when winning the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Turf at Keeneland.
That is top class form, and Found looked in for another successful canpaign when easily landing the Group 3 Mooresbridge Stakes at the Curragh on her second start this season.
However, the daughter of Galileo was firmly put in her place when beaten 3 3/4 lengths by Fascinating Rock in the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the same venue 13 days ago and that was a below par effort which means bounce back is now called for.
Related
Coral’s top tip: Simple Verse is a top class filly and looks worth a wager to get the better of red-hot favourite Postponed. Found cannot be discounted given her connections excellent record in the race.
