Canford Crossing can go one better and make it fourth time lucky in division one of the Maiden Stakes over an extended mile of Wolverhampton Tapeta tonight; it’s a long way for two-year-olds but Richard Hannon’s charge should be ideally suited judged on his latest form.
Following three reasonable efforts Canford Crossing improved considerably under champion appprentice Tom Marquand when finishing second to Jufn over seven furlongs on Chelmsford polytrack; Jufn completely fluffed the start, was way behind when this Canford Cliffs colt hit the front 300 yards out but then ‘flew’ and grabbed the lead in the very last strides.
It was like watching Arazi and so fast did Jufn finish he won by more than a length!
Jufn could well prove group class and Canford Crossing is unlikely to encounter any rival within 10lbs of him on this occasion.
Given Canford Crossing is rated only 68 why didn’t Hannon go for a nursery ‘penalty-kick!’
Incidentally there is a time-handicap danger, once-raced, John Gosden-trained, Cachao ran a cracker when fifth, beaten less than two lengths by Marylyebone at Kempton last month.
In actual fact Cachao wins this-type race nine times out of ten, and will be favourite, but he’s drawn 13!
Finally the penny dropped and we took advantage with 4/1 winner Kakashan in similar circumstances two days ago; Canford Crossing is nailed on each-way and can be backed with confidence for one of three places. What an intriguing situation that could well prove informative.
Nine go to post for the ‘aged’ Maiden Stakes over twelve furlongs but it didn’t take long to strike out seven, leaving US Navy Seal and L’Admiral David; it’s my intention to include the former in an each-way double with Canford Crossing as John Jenkin’s charge is likely to be better-priced.
Feature race on another overwhelming ‘super-Saturday’ is the eight-runner grade one, £150000 Tingle Creek Chase over two miles; old-timer Somersby comes out favourably and Mick Channon has booked Nina Carberry.
That will cost him plenty but she’s worth it, outstanding.