In the catchily-titled Weatherbys Racing Bank Supporting Mental Health Foundation Stakes (6.50) at Windsor on Monday evening, Oh This Is Us escapes a penalty for winning the Listed Spring Trophy Stakes, over 7 furlongs, at Haydock at this time last year. Richard Hannon’s 5-year-old returns from a 74-day break, but has been at the top of his game at Meydan in Dubai in recent months and appears to have been found a decent opportunity to gain some more ‘black type’.
The son of Acclamation has winning form over a mile and shaped as though stepping back up in distance wouldn’t do him any harm when a never-nearer third of 13, beaten just three-quarters of a length, behind Top Score in a valuable handicap over 7 furlongs at Meydan on his most recent start in March. Top Score subsequently ran creditably in defeat when third, on disadvantageous terms, in the Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint, over 6 furlongs, at Meydan, so the form looks rock solid.
All seven of his wins on turf have come on good, or faster, going and, although he has 3lb to find with Sovereign Debt on official figures, he may be a little further forward, fitness-wise, than Ruth Carr’s stalwart, who’s now a 9-year-old. Richard Hannon complicates matters by also saddling Khafoo Shememi, who is 1lb better off for 2 lengths with Oh This Is Us on their running at Meydan in March, but Oh This Is Us should have the edge over his stable companion once again.
Selection: Windsor 6.50 Oh This Is Us to win 3/1