Four of the first five from the Group 2 Richmond Stakes re-oppose here, and though Asymmetric has his chance once again, but both Gubbass and Perfect Power didn’t get the best of runs that day and both are worth supporting.
Gubbass had made an impressive winning debut back in April, but a growth spurt prevented owners from heading to Ascot, instead waiting for the Super Sprint at Newbury, a race they have farmed over the years. A win there set him up for a crack at the Richmond and he travelled well there, but was forced to challenge widest of all and just missed out. By sire sensation Mehmas, he strongly appeals as a likely improver following that first test at Group level and the form has been franked in no uncertain terms, with the fourth winning the Group 1 Phoenix Stakes next time out and the sixth finishing runner-up in the Gimcrack earlier in the week.
Winner of the Norfolk at Royal Ascot, in which he beat Railway Stakes winner/Phoenix runner-up Go Bears Go, Perfect Power was weak enough in the market for the Richmond, but had a nightmare trip through the race before finishing a close fifth, despite giving 3lbs away all round. That weight concession obviously doesn’t come into play at this level and he is worth keeping on side.
2.50pm Deauville – Group 1 Prix Morny
1pt win, 0.5pt place Gubbass @ 9-1 4 places (most firms, though 10-1 5 places with William Hill )
1pt win Perfect Power @ 13/2 (Skybet, Bet Victor, 6-1 elsewhere)
