The Ladbrokes Royal Windsor Stakes
(7.20) on Monday essentially revolves around Richard Hannon’s
4-year-old Shifting Power, who has 5lb an upwards in hand of his
rivals, according to official ratings, and is 11/8 favourite in the
early price lists to win the £20,983 first prize. However, it would
be fair to say that the son of Compton Place has become slightly
disappointing since finishing fourth in the 2,000 Guineas at
Newmarket and second in the Irish equivalent at The Curragh last May.
He’s been a beaten favourite on his last three starts and, although
this represents his easiest assignment since winning the European
Free Handicap at Newmarket last April, he may be worth opposing at a
very short price.
Without him, the field is much of a
muchness, in terms of official ratings, and there’s plenty to like
about Sirius Prospect, who returned from a fruitless spell in
Dubai with a decent third, beaten half a length and a neck, in the
Bet365 Doncaster Mile last month. Dean Ivory’s 7-year-old is an
infrequent winner these days, but still quite capable when on song,
as he proved when running on strongly to win a Class 2 handicap over
7 furlongs at Kempton in November. He’s 6lb better off for the 3
lengths he was beaten by Intransigent at Ascot in October and, unlike
Andrew Balding’s charge, has won previously won over a mile.
Selection: Windsor 7.20 Sirius
Prospect to win