Back from a great and much-needed break in the Hawaiian paradise.
The Sussex Stakes has lost much of its gloss with the defection of Gleneagles due to the softening conditions. The superstar miler of the Classic generation was going to fight it out with the best older miler out there in Solow. A pity that the duel will not take place. In his absence, Solow looks a worthy favourite that is impossible to oppose, particularly if he reproduces the form of his last race when impressively winning the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Only 2 names stand out from the opposition; Arod and Night of Thunder. The former comes from a win in the Summer Mile Stakes a little more than a fortnight ago and might just not be at full fitness for this; I think he will be found wanting in the last stages of the race on the soft turf against this kind of opposition. Night of Thunder will relish the track conditions and is taken to deliver more punch than his non-threatening fifth behind Solow on the firm Royal Ascot track. However, it is probably too much of an ask to overcome the 5 lengths that separated him from Solow.
Win: Solow
The Sussex Stakes has lost much of its gloss with the defection of Gleneagles due to the softening conditions. The superstar miler of the Classic generation was going to fight it out with the best older miler out there in Solow. A pity that the duel will not take place. In his absence, Solow looks a worthy favourite that is impossible to oppose, particularly if he reproduces the form of his last race when impressively winning the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Only 2 names stand out from the opposition; Arod and Night of Thunder. The former comes from a win in the Summer Mile Stakes a little more than a fortnight ago and might just not be at full fitness for this; I think he will be found wanting in the last stages of the race on the soft turf against this kind of opposition. Night of Thunder will relish the track conditions and is taken to deliver more punch than his non-threatening fifth behind Solow on the firm Royal Ascot track. However, it is probably too much of an ask to overcome the 5 lengths that separated him from Solow.
Win: Solow