Keep faith in Unshakable

Wins in a Haydock maiden and a Sandown handicap were ample reward for a light three-year-old campaign, and three runs this season have given every indication that he's come back better than ever.

The first came at York in May, where Unshakable shaped as if needing the race in the valuable handicap won by Funfair.

The second yielded a game sixth of 32 behind Macadamia in the Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot, while the third saw him go down by just a head to Definite Guest in a strong contest at Newbury last month.

With £100,000 up for grabs it's only to be expected that this is a race which contains any number of dangers.

Norton's durability should never be underestimated, while Putra Pekan has thrown in the odd poor effort in the last year or two but lines up in the form of his life after coming from way back to land a big handicap at Sandown.

Lago d'Orta will have plenty of supporters after winning four of his six starts this season, while Heretic and Nashaab also have plenty in their favour, but Unshakable looks a very solid each-way option under conditions which should suit him ideally.

He's progressed a little with every run this season and gives the impression that there could be a little more to come. And if that's the case he looks sure to be in at the finish of what has all the makings of a thrilling contest.

The Oak Tree Stakes always attracts a smart field, and this year's renewal features a very promising type indeed in the shape of Tantina.

It's a case of better late than never as far as this Barry Hills-trained filly is concerned. Unraced at two, she got off to a winning start with an impressive defeat of a subsequent winner in a maiden at Haydock four weeks ago and followed up in equally smooth fashion in a Yarmouth minor event last week.

This represents a marked step up in class, but Tantina is more than ready for it.

Selections for tomorrow's feature races: 2.40, Tantina; 3.15, Unshakable.