The Brian Yeardley Continental conditions stakes for colts and gelding over 5f is always a race to savour.
Fratellino seemed to be rocket powered at York winning with ease. He is certainly a pocket rocket and no doubt McCabe will be instructing Joe Fanning to try and win this race in the first two furlongs. Fratellino success or failure falls into two camps: those who think his earlier runs at Ascot and Chester didn't show his true running or those who conclude that the York race just didn't amount to much. It is an interesting one. I feel he will have to run a race and a half to reverse the form with Archers Road.
Channon's Archers Road has been a beautifully consistent horse from the start of the season and continues in good form. You get the impression that this colt enjoys his racing and I hope he doesn't become tainted by one run too many. As usual, I will be cheering him to the line.
On form, Ventura Cove needs to improve a good deal to beat Fratellino, if that was his true running. Fahey's two-year-old may be better suited by this ground and a greater test of stamina.
What can I say about Lees Anthem. He is becoming something of an enigma. It is the 'will he or won't he' scenario. Meaning will he actually run in a straight line, try to win the race and decide not (I pray) to jump through the rails. I really do feel for Teague and connections with this lovely-looking colt because there is no doubting he has abundant ability. On a good day you would have to consider that he could beat Archers Road, but on the other side of the coin, you have to wonder...and never stop wondering! I hope that Lees Anthem is settled in behind or with other horses as he definately has a quirk about being in front on his own - he doesn't like it. Perhaps he will be all the wiser today and I would be so pleased to see him run a stormer but you would have to be a brave person to back him. The only exception would be a truly speculative price, however, that won't be the case. Good luck to connections and I really hope this strapping colt runs a race.
Hearts Of Fire looked to have regressed from his decent win in the Brocklesby. I thought Eddery's colt looked a shadow of itself - on the weak side. I hope he can come back and show that debut form as he clearly has ability.
A fascinating race. I will be cheering on Archers Road and Lees Anthem.
A watching race.
Race review: 'Fratellino scorched to a decent lead in an attempt to win and probably went a stride too fast, tiring in the final furlong, setting it up for Archers Road who won readily. This colt deserved his third win and really hasn't done anything wrong all season. Hearts Of Fire came back to his Doncaster form today showing his second run to be all wrong. He is a fair sort and Eddery must be pleased to be back on track with this prospect. Janeiro is a fine-looking colt and ran much better today after a slow start at Southwell. A very good effort for a second start. Cove Ventura was beaten fair and square at York by Fratellino taking this race into consideration. If Fratellino hadn't gone a stride too fast, Fahey's runner would have been beaten by a similar distance. Island Express deserves credit for a good run in this higher grade. Lees Anthem came with a chance but still wandered about and looks a very difficult ride. You just can't put your money on him.'