The gelding, a close second at York on his reappearance. looks a decent price to land the Listed prize at the Esher track
The Fortune Stakes at Sandown on Wednesday promises to be one of the most interesting and competitive Listed events of the season, for all that there are just seven runners going to post. Bless Him, who is currently rated 105, looks outclassed and while Montatham, the narrow favourite, has plied his trade in handicaps so far, he has looked like a Group horse in the making ever since a win at Newmarket on 6 June.
Since that success, Montatham has finished a slightly unfortunate second in the Royal Hunt Cup at Ascot and then first, off 100 and 104, in races at Sandown and York. But he is still not a clear favourite this afternoon, as his rivals include two horses - Zaaki and Lavender’s Blue – with form in Group One company as well as Epic Hero (3.55), a close second in a fast-run Strensall Stakes at York last time.
Related: Pat Smullen, nine-times Irish champion jockey, dies aged 43
Beverley 1.15 Yorkshire Pirlo 1.50 Lazyitis 2.25 Zeyaadah 3.00 Branston Lion 3.35 Jupiter Road 4.05 Cottam Lane 4.35 Indian Sounds (nb) 5.05 Nablawyh
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