The Mandarin’s Saturday Selections for 12th August 2023

The Mandarin’s Saturday Selections from The Curragh, Newmarket & Haydock Park

The Curragh

Rathasker Stud Phoenix Sprint Stakes (Group 3) 3.25
Commanche Falls (nb)
Michael Dods has got his sprinter into a great rhythm over this summer, and can land this Group 3 contest to bring up the hat-trick. With a creditable third in the Group 2 Duke Of York Clipper Stakes back in May, behind the highly rated Azure Blue and Highfield Princess, this Lethal Force gelding has proved that all the ability remains when scoring here next time time out, and again at Newbury in the Hackwood Stakes. With course and distance form, he’s the one to beat, with Connor Beasley Back in the saddle for more Pattern success

Keeneland Phoenix Stakes (Group 1) 4.40
Porta Fortuna
A cracking race in store as Unquestionable and Bucanero Fuerte clash once more, having finished first and second here last time out. However, this time the pair must take on Donnacha O’Brien’s Porta Fortuna, who lines up here unbeaten after landing the Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot to add to her other two wins, including here on debut over course and distance. The Caravaggio filly gets a 3lb pull over her two main market rivals, and has the notable booking of Oisin Murphy up top, so ticks all the boxes

Newmarket

Aspall Cyder 1728 Sweet Solera Stakes (Group 3) (Fillies) 3.40
Les Bleus
The chance is taken on Richard Hughes’ Blue Point filly to step up from a Class 4 contest to Pattern level back at Newmarket. She won in fine style here two weeks ago, and with conditions set to give a good surface, she should figure in the shake-up. More to come, and great each-way appeal at the least

Haydock Park

Betfred Rose Of Lancaster Stakes (Group 3) 3.00
Al Aasy (nap)
William Haggas holds the key to this Group 3 with Al Aasy, winner of the Listed bet365 Stakes at Newbury three weeks ago. This Sea The Stars gelding has been lightly raced since a busy campaign in 2021, but that has paid off with two wins from three starts since. His last success at 10 furlongs gave notice that this is his best trip, and with conditions to suit, has to top the shortlist. A class act on his day, and hard to oppose at this level

British Stallion Studs EBF Dick Hearn Stakes (Listed) (Fillies & Mares) 4.10
Heredia
There’s a few likely types for this Listed race for Fillies and Mares, but Richard Hannon’s Heredia makes the most appeal. She’s hit the bar twice on turf this term, before a solid fourth of seven in a Listed race on the All-Weather at Chelmsford City, behind a couple of useful types in White Moonlight and Queen Aminatu. More to come for this top trainer, so Heredia to get Black Type into the form book here

The Mandarin