A fine field of 18 tells us the Commonwealth Cup is a success in its first year and this absorbing puzzle seems more of a natural focus for day four here than the Coronation Stakes. The eye goes first to Tiggy Wiggy, such a thrill to watch over sprint distances. But really her forte looks like being five furlongs and this six at a furious gallop could produce a weak finishing effort.
Hootenanny is a fascinating contender on this very quick ground. He won very easily at this meeting last year and, although that was only a Listed race over five furlongs, he later won a Grade One at the Breeders’ Cup in the United States over a mile, so there is no questioning his stamina or his quality.
But he might be drawn on the wrong side, since three races have suggested those drawn towards the far rail have some kind of advantage on the straight course. Hootenanny is towards the stands’ side in 14 of 18.
The suggestion is Adaay (3.40), who looks a big price at 9-1 for a progressive colt. He showed great speed to win a Listed race at Newbury and then a Group Two at Haydock, on the last occasion beating Limato.
Limato is the more fancied here because punters believe he can turn the form around on a faster surface but that may be a rash assumption. Adaay has a trainer in William Haggas who can help him to keep getting better and his draw in stall six looks the best position allotted to any of the principals.
2.30 Given that her stablemates have generally needed their first runs, Illuminate was impressive in landing a Salisbury race that is already working out. She could be a third juvenile winner this week for her sire, Zoffany.
3.05 A very open renewal and rather lacking in established quality. A chance is taken on the potential of the improving Balios, who ran a very promising race on his reappearance to be second in a Listed race. It was only his second start, he must have needed it and the expected improvement might easily put him in front of these.
4.20 Found is a short price, as she was when beaten in the Irish 1,000 Guineas and it may be that she is frustrated, as on that occasion, by one of Jim Bolger’s fillies. Lucida makes plenty of appeal here, having beaten all bar Legatissimo in the English 1,000, which looks stronger form, Legatissimo having come within inches of following up in the Oaks.
5.00 Ajman Bridge is on a long losing run but he seems to have improved this year and put up a fine effort at York last time, running on from midfield to be a close third behind two horses that had dominated from the front. He will be vulnerable if something is allowed a soft lead but his finishing effort should otherwise make him a threat to all.
5.35 A runner-up in a Group One last year, Aloft stayed on well that day and is an attractive contender for a race his trainer has won three times in the past decade.
