Godolphin run two fillies in this Group 3 stakes race with French filly Fintry a short priced favourite. However, there are reasons for believing it’s Zibelina that holds the best chance of winning! Andre Fabre has been very open & honest regarding the chances of favourite Fintry stating that she has had a “serious cough” that has resulted in “a long rest so will probably need the race”. Those words would not have me running to back her at 13/8 favourite. Her main target is the Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket in October.
On the other hand Zibelina has just today’s entry in the book and looks sure to have been readied despite a 119 day break to avoid running on fast summer ground. The rain earlier this week leaving the ground officially good to soft is fine for this very lightly raced four year old. Last year Zibelina finished third in today’s race behind subsequent Group 1 filly Integral who dead heated with Lady’s in that renewal. Adam Kirby takes the ride today whilst trainer Charlie Appleby has his string on fire the past few weeks and can land this valuable prize.
Three year olds have a very good record in this race in receipt of a generous weight for age (WFA) allowance. Today, John Gosden unleashes another unexposed sort who is upped in grade significantly called Water Hole with jockey William Buick very confident she will run a massive race. Water Hole won a class 3 handicap recently but we have seen and learned already this season that a big step up in grade usually highlights a very good horse from the Gosden yard. I’d prefer Water Hole rather than Diamond Cove who does have the best three year old form in the book & has travelled over from Germany.
There are only 9 runners but I feel it is worth backing Zibelina as I think she has an excellent chance in a race where the favourite looks vulnerable.
Selection: 1 Point *EW Zibelina Sandown 15:15 at 15/2 PaddyPower & Sportingbet else 7/1 generally
Best of luck,
Nicky
