This race has thrown up some smart sorts in recent years, including Nostrum, Mordern Games & Wichita in the last four years. We have far more entries this year after the declaration stage, with 14 going to post we should be in for a very competitive race.
GG editor Dan Corbally previews this years race, identifying the key trends for the race, before running through some of the key runners and giving his expert verdict on who he expects to win.
Last year’s renewal saw Sir Michael Stoute’s Nostrum run out a cosy winner under another excellent Ryan Moore ride:
Key Trends
- 6 of the last 12 winners won on their last run
- 9 of the last 12 winners were in the top three of the betting
- 10 of the last 12 winners had at least 1 previous run over 7 furlongs
- 6 of the last 12 winners had a rating of 94 or higher
- 9 of the last 12 winners had at least 2 runs that season
Runner-By-Runner Guide
1. ALYANAABI
(Owen Burrows /Jim Crowley)
Salisbury debut winner, stepped up in trip and company on his latest start in Listed company, finish just under five lengths behind Rosallion. Unraced dam but his grand dam was a good performer and has bred some smart horses like Mawatheeq and Ghanaati. Good family and may be capable of better, but needs to step up on his latest effort.
5. EBEN SHADDAD
(John & Thady Gosden/Benoit De La Sayette)
Rare juvenile winner for the yard this season and even rarer that he did it on debut. There are some mixed messages about that form with the second and third disappointing since but the fourth was able to score next time up. First foal out of an unraced Galileo mare, pointing to significant optimism that this extra furlong can suit. Missed an intended Group 3 Sirenia Stakes entry earlier this month.
6. INISHFALLEN
(Brian Meehan/Sean Levey)
Kept busy since his June 15th debut, this will be his sixth start since then, but showing no signs of wear and tear and looks on the improve. Followed up his maiden win with a fair 5th as Listed level before showing much better form upped to seven furlongs, finishing 3rd in a competitive York nursery prior to a game 2nd behind Aablan in the Solerio Stakes. Has hung in a couple of starts of late, if that tendency can be stifled and turned into further improvement he can go close again.
7. LEGEND OF TIME
(Charlie Apple/William Buick)
Represents Charlie Appleby, who have a fine record in this race, winning twice and having two places from four starts. Useful family, half-sisters Loving Dream won the Ribblesdale Stales (G2) & Prix de Royallieu (G1, 1m6f) and Amandine was Group 1 placed over ten furlongs in the US. Hard to say the cut back from a mile is what he wants on breeding but may handle it and looked more professional than many debutantes have from the stable this season, class could see him through.
8. MILITARY
(Trainer/Jockey)
Came to the track with a big reputation, sent off 2/7F for his maiden over six furlongs and duly scored by just under 3 lengths. Hung a little and needed some encouragement to seal the deal but found for pressure that day and this seven furlong trip can see him in a better light. Stable’s invariably find another leg of improvement from first start to second. Dam was a useful filly on the track and won a Grade 3 on 1m1f in the US. Can handle any rain that may fall.
9. SOLDIER’S GOLD
(Trainer/Jockey)
Probably the most exposed in this field, having his eighth start in this field, but has shown himself above average. The latest run providing plenty of promise, finishing fourth (second in his group) behind some quality horses. Came up short on his sole start in Group company so far, finishing four lengths behind Haatem in the Vintage Stakes. May find a few more too good today and others have a higher ceiling for potential.
13. WORLD OF DARCY
(Trainer/Jockey)
Starts out for John Ryan and takes a big step up in trip here from five furlongs. Showed a good level of form for Karl Burke, though the form we’ve seen so far may leave him a bit short. Finished close enough behind Group performers Graceful Thunder and Gaenari in Listed company at Deauville and was runner-up behind Elite Status in the National Stales. Both down the field performances turned in so far (Windsor Castle & Roses Stakes at York latest). So any rain would be welcome and Good conditions as forecast should still be fine.
14. ZABRISKIE POINT
(Trainer/Jockey)
18/1 debut winner, over five furlongs, a touch underwhelming when finishing third under a penalty in a novice and fourth in a handicap, both over six furlongs. The latter handicap has worked out very well however, with the runner-up Starlust taking a Group 3 & now being aimed at Group 1 level, while the third Room Service took the competitive sales race, where today’s opponent Soldier’s Gold was fourth. Landed a seven furlong novice on his last start, adopting a prominent position and staying on well to prove this trip will suit. Needs to keep improving, but may be up to the task if the trip does bring about more.
Big-Race Verdict
The three towards the top of the market at the time of writing, Military, Eben Shaddad & Legend Of Time will all need to buck a couple of trends, with all of them having only had one start none of them having run over seven furlongs, with the first pair running over six on debut and the latter running over a mile. With that said experience could prove a vital tool in this race and INISHFALLEN brings that to the party, along with seven furlong form. He gives the impression that he’s going to keep improving at this trip and wasn’t beaten far behind the highly-billed, Aablan, last time. A total dart is also chanced on WORLD OF DARCY on debut for John Ryan, on the very off-chance that the drastic two furlong stretch out in trip could suit him, he’s been ridden in-behind on his starts, so with the likelihood that could happen again he may pick up the pieces at a huge 50/1.
SELECTION: INISHFALLEN (7/1) & WORLD OF DARCY (50/1) 4 Places paid with bet365
*odds correct at time of posting – 3.14pm Friday 26th September*
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