St James's Palace Stakes Prview

Few will have begrudged Jeremy Noseda his first Classic win when Araafa turned over the mighty George Washington in the Irish 2000 Guineas at The Curragh at the end of last month. However, I very much doubt that the form of that race will prove conclusive over time and French raider Stormy River, a 9/2 chance with Betfred, can outpoint the favourite in the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot on Tuesday. The reason I am not overly convinced by the form of the Irish race is that the pace was relatively pedestrian for a race of that nature, and the ground turned out to be rather testing, which didn't suit many, most notably the beaten odds-on jolly George Washington, who was found not be right following the race. It would be foolish to assume that Araafa isn't a top-class colt, because he had ran such a good race on his reappearance when under five lengths fourth to George Washington in the English equivalent at Newmarket previously, form which has been boosted no end by the subsequent Derby victory of the runner-up that day, Sir Percy. But back on ground which is likely to be fast and in a race that, one would imagine, will be a strongly-run affair, I'm not willing to take such cramped odds about Araafa, who doesn't look bombproof by any means. Stormy River, who bids to give the French their third win in this Group 1 contest in recent years - raiders from across the channel were successful in 1998 with Sendawar and '93 with Kingmambo - has an excellent chance of capturing this prize at what looks a generous price. Sent off odds-on for the French 2000 Guineas at Longchamp on the strength of his impressive display in the Prix de Fontainebleau at the same track on his penultimate start, the son of Verglas looked to have the race in safekeeping when hitting the front two furlongs out, but was collared close home and finished a close-up third to Aussie Rules. Although he has won under testing conditions and has yet to encounter ground as quick as that which he will face on Tuesday, everything about him suggests that it will suit and, in fact, that it will bring about further improvement. Stormy River appeared to tire close home on the good to soft going last time out, having finished his race far more strongly on good ground over the very same course and distance previously when beating Light Of Joy by four lengths. He is all about speed, and his quick action suggests that he will be better still on good to firm going. Decado, who pulled too hard when third to Araafa in the Irish 2000 Guineas, appears to relish plenty of cut in the ground and, the only time he raced on ground faster than good to soft, he didn't appear to travel as kindly. The likelihood of a stronger pace will suit, but he might just be tapped for a toe against some of these on what will be fastest ground he's ever encountered. Kieren Fallon has opted to partner Ivan Denisovich over Marcus Andronicus despite the fact that the latter appears to have the stronger claims on the book, while the third Ballydoyle representative, Arabian Prince, appears to be in the line-up to the donkey work for his better fancied stablemates. Mick Channon pitches Irish 2000 Guineas fourth Yasoodd and German 2000 Guineas hero Royal Power in here, but neither look good enough to win, although it would be no surprise to see one of them sneak into a place at rewarding odds. Verdict - 1pt Stormy River @ 9/2 (Betfred)