FAC T S & S TAT I S TI C S

A game winner on his racecourse debut over this trip at Musselburgh last month, Balon D’or can go well despite the rise in class, but JOHN STEED shades the vote. The son of Inns Of Court made a promising start to his racing career when filling the runnerup spot at Bath earlier this month and he can go one place better with improvement forthcoming. Parkside Boy and Ziggy’s Phoenix add further spice to the race.

WIN: JOHN STEED

DANGER: BALON D’OR

JER BATT steps up in class following a facile success over this distance at Musselburgh in an apprentice handicap last month, and he makes plenty of appeal off the same mark. The grade-dropping Squealer remains unexposed and can give the selection plenty to think about, while Democracy Dilemma has improved this year and also warrants a market check with Oisin Murphy doing the steering.

WIN: JER BATT

DANGER: SQUEALER

Disputing favouritism for the Oaks next month, Savethelastdance caught the eye when winning by two and a quarter lengths at Leopardstown over 1m 2f last month and she really could be anything. However, LUCKIN BREW was only narrowly denied in Listed company at Pontefract last October and is marginally preferred on her return to action. She beat subsequent 1000 Guineas fourth Caernarfon on that occasion and there is likely much more to come from the full-sister to Antonia De Vega. Sisyphus Strength is another to consider, while Ashtanga also warrants a market check.

WIN: LUCKIN BREW

DANGER: SAVETHELASTDANCE

Aidan O’Brien has a remarkable record at this prestigious three-day fixture and relies on Adelaide River (third) in his bid to land this Group 3 for the eleventh time. However, the son of Australia has six lengths to make up on ARREST (second) based on their encounter in last year’s Criterium de Saint-Cloud and, with Frankie Dettori booked, the John & Thady Gosden colt looks the one to side with. Hadrianus heads the remainder.

WIN: ARRESTDANGER: ADELAIDE RIVER

COMMANDER STRAKER is taken to handle the idiosyncrasies of the task ahead and appeals most from stall five. The son of Kodi Bear impressed when making all in a decent novice stakes at Bath on his penultimate start and could well have a lot more to offer now he steps into handicap company after a respectable third-placed finish in the Woodcote at Epsom. Royal Dress and Lakota Blue head the list of dangers.

WIN: COMMANDER STRAKER DANGER: ROYAL DRESS

VAGUELY ROYAL made a promising debut at Yarmouth last September, when he finished third over 1m. A step up in trip should suit the son of Galileo and he may be the answer to this maiden. Shadow Dance, who hit the woodwork at Windsor last month, must feature prominently in calculations. El Jasor occupied the same position there 23 days ago and is another to be interested in.

WIN: VAGUELY ROYALDANGER: SHADOW DANCE

BROKEN SPEAR attracted significant market support when filling the runner-up spot at Leicester 11 days ago. Tony Coyle’s gelding would appear to have been primed with this contest in mind, having won it off a 5lb higher mark in 2021, and it would be no surprise were he to get back to winning ways Another Batt is handicapped to go well and he must be considered despite the burden of top-weight. Roundhay Park might not be far away either.

WIN:BROKEN SPEARDANGER: ANOTHER BATT