Galvanize, one of three Sir Michael Stoute declarations for the Maiden Stakes over a mile of Chelmsford polytrack tonight, is very ‘special’ and extremely significant; it’s the guv’nor’s 70th birthday!
That’s right ‘Stoutey’ has clocked up ‘three score years and ten!’
You can bet a birthday winner has been laid out; so often trainers ‘find one’ to celebrate the annual date and, even more significantly, Galvanise is clear ‘best-in’ on my time-handicap, and forecast favourite, despite presence of 78-rated Rockley Point.
Three weeks ago Galvanise, un-fancied, stayed on strongly under Ryan Moore, to finish only a neck behind Tafteesh at Salisbury, so often a ‘graveyard’ for two-year-old favourites due to the quality opposition often encountered; that’s solid form.
Stoute has been one of the real ‘greats’ and though somewhat de-energised in recent years, it’s difficult to remain motivated and driven when rich and content, he’s able to ‘up the ante’ whenever he likes; recent results illustrate his prowess.
It’s a long time since the heady days of ill-fated Shergar, Zilzal, etc, and twice-raced Galvanise surely wont aspite to such greatness but I’ll be surprised and disappointed, not to mention financially strapped, if this Medaglia D’Oro colt doesn’t oblige under Ted Durcan and kick-off birthday celebrations for the ‘old boy!’
Half an hour later Jassur will carry my ‘ard earned in the thirteen-runner nursery handicap over a mile, blinkered again!
This equipment certainly provoked a response earlier this month; Jassur improving considerably on three previous moderate efforts to finish close up fifth behind Opera Baron, over a similar distance, on Tapeta.
That was a first handicap run for this Canford Cliffs colt and I’m ready to back Marco Botti’s charge, mount of Oisin Murphy, a future ‘champ’ in my book.
Jameerah looks a safe TH ‘anchor’ for the daily patent in the Maiden Fillies’ Stakes over six furlongs; don’t oppose.
SELECTIONS
5.25 Galvanise
5.55 Jassur (e.w)
6.25 Jameerah