Campo in total command
THE BELLS will toll the end of Curtain Call as a serious Classic prospect if, as I anticipate, Campanologist extends his unbeaten record this season in the Derby Trial at Lingfield.
While Curtain Call won a modest three-horse race at Nottingham, after which the runner-up Drill Sergeant was well beaten in handicap class, CAMPANOLOGIST (3.10) has form with a solid ring to it this term.[>
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He beat Kandihar Run narrowly but decisively in a Listed race at Newmarket and the runner-up has won since in similar company.[>
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The switch of stables since that victory from Mark Johnston to Saeed Bin Suroor should not have halted his progress.[>
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In the Oaks Trial, LOOK HERE (2.40) can turn over rivals from the more fashionable yards.[>
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She didn’t have the benefit of experience when beating the 1-3 shot Doctor Fremantle in a Salisbury maiden last October, and the runner-up looked a classy sort in winning the Chester Vase on Thursday, which has put him in the picture for the Irish Derby.[>
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Another plus is that trainer Ralph Beckett won this race last year.[>
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The biggest betting puzzle of the day is undoubtedly Ascot’s Victoria Cup, but the Ed-Dunlop trained Al Khaleej (2.20) is the one likely to solve it for punters.[>
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He ran a cracker over the course last summer when third in a valuable handicap and has proven his well-being this spring with an emphatic success on the all-weather at Kempton.[>