ED DUNLOP should enjoy a change of fortune by landings the Hemsby Conditions Stakes at Yarmouth today with Monaassib. The trainer was out of luck at Royal Ascot where French 1,000 Guineas winner Ta Rib was firmly put in her place by Shake The Yoke in the Coronation Stakes and fancied Iktamal managed only fifth in the Cork And Orrery Stakes.
And when the latter gained compensation in a listed event at Newcastle last Saturday there wash further agony for Dunlop when his colt was disqualified for interference.
Monaassib is less than an obvious candidate to boost the stable's fortunes, not having won a race since last year.
But his lack of success is mainly due to his paying the penalty for last season's smart form, invariably set to carry big weights in handicaps.
The five year old ran a blinder when beaten just a short head under 9st 6lb in a competitive field at Newmarket on his reappearance.
And he did well again when eighth under 9st 7lb in the Wokingham at Royal Ascot, particularly as he lost ground when switched from the disadvantaged far side early on.
The gelding clearly retains the ability he showed when landing a conditions event at Doncaster last autumn and will benefit considerably from this return to similar company.
For once the weights favour Monaassib here, with victories before this season unpenalised.
He should take full advantage over this seven furlong trip which seems ideal.
Don't Drop Bombs can take the closing Hickling Lady Riders' Handicap.
Great Oration ran his best race in a long while to score at Pontefract at last time out and can follow up in the 'Turmeric' Handicap at Catterick.
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