Cherry Street could pose a challenge for the favourite. He put in a bold show at Goodwood, stepping up on his debut run, which was over an insufficient trip. Balding's juveniles have been in decent form of late and this son of Alhaarth is a proven stayer. There was a lot to like about his performance when losing to Daneking. His chances were hindered by being short of room in the closing stages, although it didn't make the difference between winning and losing. If Humungosaur gets the distance he will be a tough nut to crack. However, I would be surprised if Cherry Street wasn't placed at least.
Tom Tate has had a quiet season with his two-year-olds and even the substantial backing of Mrs Fitri Hay hasn't worked its wonders. Beyond Conceit* has been strongly fancied on both starts but found wanting each time. The form of the Haydock race is no more than fair and more will be needed to take this. Bred to be a stayer, perhaps the key to this Galileo colt is the trip. A step up to 1m 2f could be a positive move as he is bred to enjoy a stiff test of stamina. However, at relatively short odds I would rather take a watching brief as this looks a pretty stiff contest.
Sir Graham Wade makes a quick return to the race course after finishing fourth on debut at Bath over this distance. Mark Johnston's representative was slowly away from the stalls and a long way off the leaders but made pleasing headway in the final two furlongs to give encouragement for today. That was probably no more than an average race. That experience will not be lost on him today and while improvement should be on the cards he will need to be a pretty smart to trouble a couple of talented juveniles.
Conclusion: This looks a four-horse race. Humungosaur has a touch of class and will most likely take some stopping if running to the line. This is a marked step up in distance and although looking a positive move it is a slight concern. On the plus side Cole places his juveniles well and this has the hallmark of a horse primed for a big run. Cherry Street has proven form over this distance and is a capable juvenile. I would be surprised if he wasn't placed and a fighting chance of winning. Beyond Conceit & Sir Graham Wade both have something to prove and while they have reasons to progress, at their respective prices they do not look great value bets.
*NR
HCE Regular Tip - Cherry Street 4/1 1pt ew (1st)
HCE: ''This looked a four-horse race before the absence of Beyond Conceit, and then it was a three-cornered affair. Cherry Street followed Humungosaur and the favourite had no answer in the closing stages. Sir Graham Wade ran on well to take second, with Cole's even money shot eventually finishing third.''