Star can shine under Fortune

June 21, 2007 - James Goodall Jimmy Fortune has been in electric form so far at Royal Ascot and, now on the five winner mark after just three days, it's hard to envisage him not ending the five-day meeting as top jockey. But he hasn't finished his winning spree just yet.
 
Fortune is taken to land the Wolferton Handicap aboard Imperial Star on Friday. The lightly-raced four-year-old, who is a 9/1 chance with bet365, has no easy task giving weight all round, but his excellent effort in defeat when third at Goodwood last time suggested that he's reaching concert pitch.
 
The selection has disappointed on his penultimate start when finishing a well beaten last of nine in the Earl of Sefton stakes, but his effort at Goodwood, where he was beaten a under a length into third behind Illustrious Blue and Road To Love, was much more encouraging.
 
Although meeting the latter, who was a head in advance of him in the race in question, the Festival Stakes, on the same terms in this Listed Handicap, Imperial Star will be better suited by this more conventional track and the ground will be faster than it was at Goodwood, which will be very much in his favour.
 
Road To Love and his stablemate Prince of Light will ensure that there is a good end to end gallop, and I reckon they'll set this up for Imperial Star, who boasts a good cruising speed and a sound turn of foot. Others that will be suited bt the way the race will unfold are Heaven Sent, Stotsfold and Star of Light.
 
The first-named of that trio should be thereabouts following a cracking effort in the Group 3 Ridgewood Pearl Stakes at The Curragh last month. The Sir Michael Stoute-trained filly is a versatile sort who acts on virtually any going and while she hasn't run over this 10-furlong trip previously, it ought to suit her.
 
Stotsfold ran no sort of a race last time out at Epsom and is far better than that, while Star of Light has a bit to find on the book against many of these, but Brian Meehan's charge comes into this race comparatively fresh and, with plenty in his favour, could go well at rewarding odds.
 
Last time out winners Charlie Cool, Emirates Skyline and Lake Poet all merit respect, but that trio may fall just short of this level. Conversely, Imperial Star looks the type to go and make hay in Group 3 company before long, so I expect him to make light of top weight and show his 15 rivals a clean pair of heels.
 
Verdict: 1pt Imperial Star @ 9/1 (bet365)

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