St James's Palace Ante-Post Preview: Take a flyer on Sangarius

The St James’s Palace Stakes is a race designed to be the final test of the classic milers against their own age group before they go on to tackle their elders at either a mile or further, and it has been won by some top-notchers in recent years, most notably Canford Cliffs, Frankel and Kingman.

This year’s renewal seemingly lacks a horse of that calibre, with Phoenix of Spain heading both the ante-post betting market and Timefom weight-adjusted ratings following his all-the-way win in the Irish 2000 Guineas at the Curragh. Given he had been beaten by both Too Darn Hot and Magna Grecia at the backend of last season, it wasn’t surprising that he was sent off a relatively unfancied 16/1 chance on his belated return to action (forced to miss both the Newmarket 2000 Guineas and the Poule d'Essai des Poulains due to a minor setback). However, that didn’t deter from his performance, enjoying the run of the race to some extent, but there was no doubting his superiority, strong to the line and well on top at the finish. The sky is the limit for him on this evidence and he deserves to be favourite for this race on the back of that performance, while he’ll also stay further when the time comes (has a Coral-Eclipse entry).

Full replay and report: Phoenix Of Spain upstages Too Darn Hot and Magna Grecia in Irish 2,000 Guineas @curraghrace >>>https://t.co/2ikkF27FIX pic.twitter.com/79xsyFE1vA

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) May 25, 2019

Too Darn Hot was a surprise addition in the Irish 2000 Guineas just nine days on from his reappearance in the Dante Stakes at York, but he ran creditably on the back of a less-than-ideal preparation to finish second. It probably came a bit too soon on the back of a hard race at York, no sign of his trademark turn of foot when push came to shove after typically travelling well. Too Darn Hot is yet to prove he is as good as last year – hasn’t grown much over the winter – but he will need to get back to at least that sort of level if he is to turn the tables with Phoenix of Spain here.

It was a disappointing effort from 2000 Guineas winner Magna Grecia who could only finish fifth, simply not in the same form as at Newmarket, beaten too far out for this to have been his proper running. However, nothing has yet come to light in the aftermath, Aidan O’Brien reporting Magna Grecia to be fine and he will reportedly still pitch up here next. There was an element of a track bias in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket (66/1 chance King of Change finished second after racing in the small stand-side group), but it is too early to pigeon hole the form, and Magna Grecia is well worth another chance.

The third and fourth home in the Irish 2000 Guineas, Decrypt and Skardu, both ran respectably, particularly the former, who took the step up in class in his stride to emerge as the best of the home contingent. That was also his first try at a mile, which opens up further options for him regards trip, travelling better than most and keeping on well to take third close home. It would be no surprise were he to be wearing different colours next time given his profile (owned by the trainer). Skardu had things pan out for him better than at Newmarket, and essentially had no excuses, a place likely the best he can hope for if taking up his engagement here.

Away from the Irish 2000 Guineas, King of Comedy progressed again to win the Heron Stakes at Sandown, showing a smart turn of foot to make it three wins from four starts. Admittedly, he has one or two quirks about him – he had to be dismounted and walked to the start – but there is no doubting his ability, looking one ready for a higher grade. John Gosden won that race with Without Parole 12 months ago before going on to win this race and King of Comedy has a similar profile, so he’s no back number here and the timefigure he achieved gives the visual impression he created some substance.

That was impressive 👀

What a ride that was from Adam Kirby as King Of Comedy bolts up on his racecourse debut to land the Good Care Group British EBF Novice Stakes at #Sandown...pic.twitter.com/0QDHLPfufc

— BetVictor Racing (@BetVictorRacing) July 6, 2018

At a bigger price, Sangarius, who finished third to King of Comedy at Sandown last time, is another who is worth mentioning. Sangarius was conceding 3 lb to the winner on that occasion on his first start for seven months and he shaped encouragingly, not settling fully and spoiling his chance by hanging under pressure. However, he looked smart last season and, a big, strong, rangy colt with plenty of scope, he is very much the type to make a better three-year-old and seems sure to improve for the run.

Recommendation:

Back Sangarius each-way at 33/1 for the St James’s Palace Stakes