Can Limato do it again? Analysis and insight on the Criterion Stakes

2.40 NewmarketBetway Criterion Stakes (Group 3) | 7f | 3yo+ | ITV/RTV

It might not be a popular opinion, but the case could be made that seven-furlong races suffer for their perceived specialist nature. It tends to ward off the best horses, while the familiarity element is done better by jumpers. Just one of the market principals from the Chipchase would clearly liven up this year's running of the Criterion Stakes.

For many, Limato's presence alone dispels all of that. He is a charismatic horse, a dual Group 1 winner preordained to hang around into his veteran years by dint of him having been gelded before his debut. He has held his form admirably well, with last year's best RPR (when winning this race) only 7lb below what he achieved when winning the 2016 Prix de la Foret.

While the runners themselves are all old faces, they are not all that familiar with one another. Even Limato and Sir Dancealot, the next grand old man of seven-furlong races, have not previously met at the distance.

The two Godolphin runners, Mubtasim and On The Warpath, have been competing abroad. With that considered, it is worth noting that William Buick rides On The Warpath. Mubtasim has the better form, not just on account of his second at Riyadh in February.

Jim Crowley has also made a choice that the overnight market regards as counter-intuitive, picking Turjomaan over Yafta. Do not be surprised if that flips. Turjomaan's second at Goodwood last year is solid form and he is lightly raced after just five runs. The visor goes on, presumably to sharpen him up on this return to seven furlongs, but it may not be needed. He has looked a bit free over a mile the last twice.

In a race with so many known quantities, and a decent pace more than likely with Vale Of Kent in the field, Turjomaan represents the exotic appeal of a smart and unexposed performer. He could just be a seven-furlong specialist.

Keith Melrose, betting editor

Key stat

Limato may have won this last year but he had a prep run at York and his record off a prolonged break is not the most enticing given his short price. Off breaks of 100 days or more his form figures read: 114004, with those wins coming on his debuts at two and three.

What they say

David Elsworth, trainer of Sir Dancealot
He's got a penalty to carry and the horses aren't in the best form, but we're as hopeful as we can be.

Alastair Donald, racing manager to King Power Racing, owner of Happy Power
We put him in because thunderstorms were forecast. He'll only probably run if we get enough rain but he should have improved for his first run. It was a very strong race and he should be competitive if the rain comes.

Henry Candy, trainer of Limato
The old boy seems in very good form, but it's asking a lot of an eight-year-old to take on these younger horses. He's full of enthusiasm and seems in good health. It'd have been nice to have had a run and there aren't many races that really suit him now, but seven furlong Group 3s are absolutely spot on and we've done a fair bit with him. He won't be lacking much fitness.

Roger Teal, trainer of Tip Two Win
He seems to be in good spirits, it's been a bit stop-start already – he was balloted out at Haydock a few weeks back. I'm hoping for a bit of rain overnight or tomorrow to ease the going. I'm looking forward to running him.

Roger Varian, trainer of Turjomaan
We're turning him out quickly after Ascot, where I don't think he gave his running for whatever reason – he certainly didn't give himself a hard race. We're hoping the rain stays away for him as he excels on fast ground. On a sound surface, and if putting his best foot forward, he's capable of running very well.

Angus Gold, racing manager to Sheikh Hamdan al Maktoum, owner of Yafta
Yafta ran well on his first start after a hold up last year when he injured himself. I hope the ground is not too quick for him and we're not sure if he's best suited by six or seven furlongs – he hit a flat spot when winning over six – but I don't think it will be the trip that beats him.

Reporting by Stuart Riley

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