The Shadwell dispersal will be headline news at Newmarket next week, where 154 are due to sell under their banner, including many that have been running to a high level in France of late. As I understand it, there will only be a handful in the famous Hamdan silks in France next term, so it is perhaps notable that Zawaaya remains in training and he looks a very worthy favourite in the 2yo maiden at Deauville (11.50am).
The son of Oasis Dream went through his debut at Mont de Marsan in the style of a useful colt and showed plenty of speed, looking the likely winner until reeled in close home over 7f. The drop back to 6.5f on this surface should suit him ideally.
The front pair drew well clear of the third and it is worth noting the Philippe Sogorb-trained winner that day was out of the Group 1 Cheveley Park winner Vorda – Zawaaya himself is the fourth foal of a Group 3-winning daughter of French Guineas winner Torrestrella, so there’s a fair chance both could be very useful in time.
I don’t think this is the strongest of races, the booking of Guyon is a big plus, and the 11/4 on offer looks a shade of value.
11.50am Deauville – 2pts win Zawaaya @ 11/4 (various)
Simon Planque is riding brilliantly at present and his claim on favourite Fang makes that one tough to beat, but at the prices it is worth chancing Light Wakeup.
The ex-Marco Botti-trained three year old made an instant impact switched to France earlier this season, shedding his maiden tag at ParisLongchamp and finishing runner-up in class 2 company at Chantilly in June, the form of which is really strong.
It’s fair to say the wheels have come off since, but there was more encouragement to be taken from his sixth back on the AW at Chantilly last time, which came in handicap company off a mark of 37. A repeat of that should be enough to see him reach the frame now dropped to claiming company, but the return of the blinkers he was sporting when runner-up at Chantilly could eke out a bit more, while the booking of Theo Bachelot is always a plus.
12.25pm Deauville – 1pt win, 0.5pt place Light Wakeup @ 15/2 (various)
It has been mentioned to me a few times recently that several of my tips are being re-hashed and posted elsewhere on Twitter. While flattering, I’d rather it didn’t continue!
