Sir Alton can win Cecelia Cup if focused

SIR ALTON returns rather leniently treated by the conditions, which see him in receipt of nine pounds from NIPSTER and five under SENTIENT in Saturday's Saint Cecelia Cup at six and a half furlongs, both of whom would have done well with at least another furlong.

Carrying 126lb and returning off a near four-month lay-up on April 19, SIR ALTON went through the motions in putting away stablemate ROJORN DI PILOT and SPARKLE DIAMOND at five furlongs straight. Though horses he had behind him failed as favourites in subsequent races, the manner in which SIR ALTON pulled off to clock 58.2 suggests the foreigner was none the worse off the break and should be better for the run.

However, it is obvious that SIR ALTON is being treated gingerly at exercise by his handlers, sending signals that whatever had caused him to be missing from November 28, until his down-in-class romp a month ago, remains a bother to the four-year-old colt.

SIR ALTON's workouts haven't revealed much about his fitness, no speed gallops recorded since his victory, leaving nothing to lean on but back class such as his November 28 form - though he lost the race in the stewards' room - NIPSTER being the beneficiary after being hindered a furlong out.

Though appearing suspect by his infrequent workouts, SIR ALTON still has the trip and weight in his favour, plus no terrifying speed to contend with, which could make him tough to beat at the handicaps.

Should SIR ALTON fail to fire, the race could be thrown on its head with EROY being a possible spoiler at 117lb, capable of getting first run on SENTIENT and NIPSTER, who aren't the most alert horses at the start of races.

EROY is the type of runner who Dick Cardenas will enjoy being aboard, capable of being rated just off the pace before making a decisive move such as the 10-length victory he recorded to clock 1:18.3 at six and a half furlongs on February 17.

SENTIENT and NIPSTER will both run their best races from off the pace, which could be tricky for them at the handicaps. NIPSTER was slowly into stride on last at a mile, leaving him chasing stablemate ONEOFAKIND into the lane. He returns with topweight 126lb, going a furlong and a half shorter, certainly not a good stew if he as much as blinks at the gate.

SENTIENT is genuine to the core, but being a rail runner gets a rather odd pairing with Aaron Chatrie, a rider who knows nowhere else on the track apart from the inner, which could be to his detriment in a crowded stretch run.

The Saint Cecelia could turn out to be either a stroll for SIR ALTON or a helluva finish among the closers if he doesn't turn up with his back class. It's no easy call but keep EROY in the mix.