Architect Sunday Racing Tips

The Gary Moore-trained CHAMPAGNE PIAFF (best price 5-2) really caught the eye when a keeping-on third having been hampered when looking dangerous at Ascot last time but, granted this smaller-field scenario from only a pound higher mark, compensation may await him here. 

He left his reappearance behind when landing a gamble at Windsor in good style and probably would have followed up last time with a clearer passage given how strongly he hit the line once the bird had flown in the final furlong. The assessor has only put him up a pound but he’s dropping back down in class and, with plenty of optimism that he’ll have plenty of time to hit top gear at the furlong pole, this progressive three-year-old could take some beating. 

SEARCH FOR A SONG (best price 11-4) was far from disgraced when sixth of 13 to Sonnyboyliston in Irish St Leger at this course last time in which she attempted to land the Group 1 for a third consecutive year but a lack of a prep-run probably count against her and, even so, she should be more than capable of taking this drop down in grade in her stride. 

The Mediterranean was in front of her when the pair clashed here previously and is the rightful favourite having chased home both Mojo Star and Hurricane Lane at Doncaster last time but Dermot Weld’s mare has an excellent chance of gaining a third course win despite conceding plenty of weight to Aidan O’Brien’s charge. Furthermore, Colin Keane takes over the reins, which is an added bonus, and this reliable stayer, the only Group 1 winner in the field, should make a bold effort. 

THE DALEY EXPRESS (best price 5-1) was a course winner from a four-pound higher mark in his youth and, despite it being fourteen runs since his last victory, his latest unlucky fourth signalled that his turn might be near. 

The seven-year-old has been running well all year from higher marks in better races than this and looked unlucky to not take advantage of a drop down in grade last time, where he was denied a clear run two-furlongs out and then attempted to make a second challenge, only to be hampered again inside the final furlong. Despite having a torrid passage, he kept on strongly to not be beaten that far and this is easier. The handicapper has surprisingly dropped him a pound, while his penultimate third at Windsor behind two horses rated 74 and 80 is strong form in the context of this event given he will face no opponent rated higher than 69 here. He clearly retains a good chunk of his ability and, provided he gets luck in running, this well-handicapped individual should be going close here.