The Mandarin’s Saturday Selections for 23rd September 2023

The Mandarin’s Saturday Selections from The Curragh & Newbury

The Curragh

Alan Smurfit Memorial Beresford Stakes (Group 2) 2.30
Deepone
An important Juvenile race as we near the end of the season, but Paddy Twomey’s Deepone gets the vote. Last seen following the smart Diego Velazquez home in the Champions Juvenile Stakes at Leopardstown two weeks ago on ground too quick, this should be an easier assignment, with more ease in the going sure to be a plus. The progressive Stromberg rates the main danger, and Frankie Dettori gets a leg-up on Navy Seal, so these three can battle it out for Group 2 success

Fitzpatrick’s Mercedes-Benz Joe McGrath Handicap (Premier Handicap) 3.05
Never Shout Never
The consistent Never Shout Never looks sure to be involved in this 5 furlong dash, despite coming out of Stall 19. Fozzy Stack’s No Nay Never colt has been on the premises in all of his last three starts, with a win at Cork sandwiched by two runners-up spots, including here. He went well for a long way in that last run, hitting the front 2 furlongs out, before being reeled in by Big Gossey, so this drop in trip to the bare minimum is taken to suit. Jamie Powell’s 5lb claim is useful, so Never Shout Never should be in the mix once more

Goffs Million 3.40
Cherry Blossom (nb)
Frankie Dettori can make the trip over to The Curragh worthwhile if he lands this lucrative prize on Cherry Blossom. A winner here over 6 furlongs, she was a 1 length runner-up to Relief Rally in the Group 2 Lowther Stakes at York last time out. The consistent My Mate Alfie looks the big danger from Stall 3, while British raider Mission To Moon arrives here in form after a Nursery win at Goodwood six weeks back. Europe’s biggest juvenile prize can go to Frankie & Cherry Blossom, with Colin Keane picking up the pieces on My Mate Alfie

Newbury

Dubai International Airport World Trophy Stakes (Group 3) 1.30
Raasel (nap)
Mick Appleby’s smart sprinter couldn’t stay with the impressive Rogue Lightning last week, but should be good enough to take this Group 3. The six year old Showcasing gelding is fully out there after thirty-one career starts, but showed all the ability remains when just under a length behind Rogue Lightning in that Listed contest. James Doyle takes up the reins this time and this pair can serve it up to Sense Of Duty, who returns from a long absence and may need the run

Dubai Duty Free Autumn Cup Handicap 2.05
Valsad
Roger Charlton’s Intello gelding did all but win here last month, just going down by a neck in a decent handicap. If he can cope with this deep ground, he should be there or thereabouts with the excellent James Doyle in the chair. Both Laafi and 2022 Criterium International third, Salt Bay, have claims, but Valsad gets the nudge for this valuable prize

Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes (Group 2) 3.15
Seven Questions
George Scott might have the answer to this Group 2 contest with Seven Questions. He fired off a rapid hat-trick in July and August, including one on soft ground at Ripon, so these conditions should hold no terrors. Eve Johnson-Houghton has had a terrific season with her youngsters, so Mister Sketch warrants plenty of respect, but Seven Questions looks sure to be in the mix once more. Every Chance

The Mandarin