Dylan to call the tune
August 21, 2007 - Diana Volpers
Back 2/1 Dylan Thomas (Credit: Thowra UK) 
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Authorized will bid to put the record straight following his controversial defeat at the hands of Notnowcato in the Coral-Eclipse Stakes at Sandown last month when Ryan Moore's tactical nous aboard Sir Michael Stoute's charge appeared to make all the difference. The general consensus seems to be that Notnowcato wasn't the best horse in the race; rather that his victory was due to the fact that he was racing on a better strip of ground.
The jury is still out, to some extent, but Authorized has stats to overcome, not just old enemies. Indeed, only one three-year-old has won the International Stakes in the last 13 years - Giant's Causeway in 2000 - and the Derby has been something of a poisoned chalice in recent seasons, with none of the last four winners of Flat racing's blue riband managing to post another win in their career post Epsom.
In any case, I don't believe that Authorized, or any of the other five entries for that matter, will be able to live with Dylan Thomas. This wasn't part of the original plan for the son of Danehill after his King George romp at Ascot. However, Aidan O'Brien announced last week that Dylan Thomas would replace George Washington as his chief contender. There will be many willing to oppose Dylan Thomas on the basis that he's twice been beaten over a mile and a quarter this term, firstly by Notnowcato in the Tattersalls Gold Cup at The Curragh and then by Manduro in the Prince Of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot. But he simply wasn't at his best in Ireland and in hindsight finishing just over a length second to Manduro, currently the highest rated horse in training, was no mean feat.
The selection had Notnowcato four lengths back in third at the royal meeting and I feel that is a true reflection of his superiority over the Stoute-trained runner, despite the fact that the head-to-heads between them currently stands at two to one in favour of Notnowcato, who had a below-par Dylan Thomas behind when landing this race last year.
Although the turn out for the King George at Ascot last month wasn't as one would have hoped, it was hard not to be impressed with the way Dylan Thomas went about his business. Always traveling supremely well, the four-year-old, who won the Irish Derby and Champion Stakes in 2006, quickly darted away from his rivals a furlong out, coming home four lengths clear of Youmzain, but value for double the official winning margin.
If in the same mood on Tuesday, Dylan Thomas will win, and win well. Consequently, the 2/1 generally available is too good to miss.
Verdict: 2pts Dylan Thomas @ 2/1 (Bluesq)
| Posted: August 21, 2007 | |||||
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