According to the betting, only three horses count in this 16-runner field. Calusa Crystal arrives here fresh off the back of two wins in novice company, Midsummer Magic hopes that this drop back in trip will suit and Itea Du Fau is having her first run in Britain for Alan King. It promises to be an interesting race with the stiff final furlong at this course likely to determine the outcome.
Calusa Crystal has a big task ahead if she is to win this as she must concede more than a stone to all her rivals due to her double penalty picked up from her two wins. She was most impressive last time out despite making a slight error two from home. She beat a horse of Alan King's seven lengths into second and travelled strongly before being driven out to score under Richard Johnson. Before that win, she stayed on well to land another race by a length, proving her toughness when having to battle all the way to the line. Rhys Flint takes over today and he claims 3lbs, which is no bad thing as he looks a top jockey in the making. Philip Hobbs' team are still in fine form and with the good ground being in her favour, she looks certain to fight out the finish.
Midsummer Magic could trouble Calusa Crystal most as she is dropping back to 2m after being soundly beaten into second last time out. That was no bad performance though as the winner looks useful and Midsummer Magic was 19 lengths clear of third. She has won once in her six-race career and that came on New Years' Day at Fakenham in conditions identical to today's. This distance looks ideal and quicker ground will help the Queen-owned mare. After Nicky Henderson had three winners at Kempton yesterday, it is obvious that the stable are flying and it is a tip in itself that Tony McCoy takes the ride. When McCoy rides for the Lambourn handler, the horse in question is warranted serious consideration. If ridden like usual, the five-year-old will attempt to make all and repel any challengers late up the hill.
Possibly the most interesting horse in the line-up is Itea Du Fau, a French import who represents Alan King and Robert Thornton. The market should guide as to how fancied she is but if any support comes, take notice. Her form in France is difficult to grasp but on her last start she won a 2m 2f event by a distance after making all and quickening clear. Her three runs all came on heavy ground so it remains to be seen whether this quicker surface will suit. Still only a four-year-old, she should improve for the outing but may trouble the first two mentioned if being above-average.
The remaining runners need to improve to beat the main market principles. Bathwick Quest needs to put her last two runs behind her, where she has twice pulled up but has the ability to run well. Edgefour is still a maiden but usually gives her running. She has been placed here before and the distance and ground will be in her favour. It will surprising if anything else joins the picture.
Selections: 1st - Midsummer Magic, 2nd - Calusa Crystal, 3rd - Itea Du Fau.
Result - 1st - Calusa Crystal, 7/4 fav, 2nd - Midsummer Magic, 5/2, 3rd - Laureate Des Loges.
Calusa Crystal just got the better of Midsummer Magic as both mares gave their all up the hill and come out of the race with huge credit. After Alan King had withdrawn Itea Du Fau, it looked certain that the top two in the market would be in the frame come the race's end. Calusa Crystal racked up her hat-trick with an impressive win, beating her main rival by a short-head and battling on gamely after being headed two out. She looks one to keep an eye as she keeps progressing and once she goes handicapping, she could win a few more to boot. Runner-up Midsummer Magic ran a gallant race under Tony McCoy and only just failed in the shadow of the post. She made the running but was headed three out but quickly regained the advantage and looked to be gaining the upper hand only to be simply outbattled by an in-form rival. Laureate Des Loges ran well in third for Henry Daly and Richard Johnson, keeping on well for third. The rest were well beaten.
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