Adam Williams presents his prediction for the Dundalk William Hill Top Price Guarantee Mercury Stakes (Group 3, 5f, 2yo+) horse racing event.
The six-year-old gelding Albasheer has completed 13 starts this year and secured three victories, two of which were at Newcastle on the all-weather track. As in most of his starts, Hollie Doyle will be partnering with him. If he takes part, he stands a good chance.
The local three-year-old colt, His Majesty, from Aidan O'Brien's stable, has raced only once this year. In the Renaissance Stakes (Group 3) on September 29th at Curragh, he finished eighth. His sole victory came on debut, and his preferred distance is 6f.
Valiant Force is another three-year-old contender. He returned from his American tour in spring, where he finished second in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint last year, and has raced twice this year in non-group (ordinary) races. While he underperformed in his three appearances on the British Isles, he clinched victory here over 5f in his last outing, enhancing his prospects in the eyes of the public.
Powerful Nation is two years old and has already made five starts in Ireland. All were over 5f, yielding two victories, two second places, and a third-place finish. He has yet to compete against older horses.
For the four-year-old Star Of Lady M, this is her first start outside Britain and her debut in a group race, marking her 17th race this year. She has performed well in handicaps, winning her last start in the Arran Scottish Sprint EBF Fillies' Stakes (listed). She finished eighth in the Big Finale Racing League R42 Handicap in Southwell but was only three lengths behind the winner.
Electric Storm has secured one victory this season at Haydock, where she competed against her own sex, and came close to winning twice in open company in France. She narrowly lost by a short neck in the Prix de Ris-Orangis and by a short head in the Prix du Petit Couvert, both Group 3 races. The odds are 4/1 on bet365 for her to claim another victory.
