Either Godolphin (Saeed bin Suroor, Charlie Appleby, or Andre Fabre) or Aidan O’Brien have won the last nine runnings between them, with the Ballydoyle stable responsible for ten of the 20 early declarations (50%) which makes life a misery for those who like an ante-post punt (not me, I am delighted to say).
The last eight winners have been priced at 5/1 or shorter so it makes good sense to focus at or near the head of the market, and Al Zanati heads the early betting for Charlie Appleby and William Buick after winning his one start, but that form has to be questionable with the runner-up a 50/1 shot, though he has won since albeit a Hamilton maiden.
Straight Up looked the better horse when strolling home by three lengths at Listowel on his only start, running on well over the seven furlongs on heavy ground, but as a son of Wootton Bassett he should be far happier on the quicker ground expected at headquarters.
He does need to improve, but connections will be looking for a career at stud since the passing of his sire, so we can be assured he will be tuned to the minute to try and win this.
Daily Sport Recommended Bet 1pt Win Straight Up 2.25pm Newmarket 100/30 William Hill