Stageman at Belmont Park in June 2020
As we build towards the Ascot Masters Series, the top-quality gallopers are returning, and this is evident with the field that has assembled for the Listed Crawford Stakes (1000m).
Bob Peters will look to flex his muscle with Stageman who was an impressive first-up winner, demonstrating that he can be a real contender when we get towards the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes.
Group 2 winner Valour Road returns and has the inform Chris Parnham in the saddle, from barrier 5 he should get the perfect run through transit.
Man Booker will also step out for the first time this preparation after having a long layoff and Paul Harvey takes the ride on the Group 2 winner.
Despite all the class mentioned above, it’s the new kid on the block, Indi Pacific, that has opened up favourite for the race. The four-year-old by Zoustar went for a spell after a 4.48 length victory in a benchmark 72+. This is a big step up, but plenty of punters are showing that they believe he’s capable of it and potentially threatening for the Group 1 later on in the Spring.