SEPTMEBER is upon us and it starts with rather a low key weekend of racing, the Group 3 Solario Stakes at Sandown the main event.  Traditionally an intriguing race, run over 7f for two-year-old colts and geldings, it has been won by subsequent decent sorts in Redback, Best of the Bests and Opera Cape to name but a few.  This year’s edition features the highly regarded pair of Maze and Pegasus Again who were first and second in the Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot, as well as Raven’s Pass.  John Gosden’s American owned son of Elusive Quality could hardly have been more impressive when winning the listed Winkfield Stakes at Ascot last time out having won a Yarmouth maiden on his first start.  There are mixed singles from the form of both races but the style in which he has won shouldn’t be overlooked and he’s well worth having a flutter on.  Elsewhere Ripon holds a fairly moderate card but this is where the second selection lies.  The feature is a 6f handicap and this can go to the top weight Ice Planet.  A winner over course and distance he’d been running consistently before being outclassed and badly drawn in the Great St. Wilfred two weeks ago.  He’s again hampered by the draw (3) but his early season form (winning at Redcar and two 4^th placed finishes in decent handicaps) should see him be competitive at the very least.  Dandy Nicholls has a good record with this type of horse in similar races and he could reward each way support. 

Selections – 2.35 Sandown, 9 Raven’s Pass

                                                                  3.50 Ripon, 1 Ice Planet e/w