3 minute read
ALENQUER (William Haggas) Rating (out of 10) 7
A consistent performer at Group level who has only twice finished outside of the first three in his 10-race career. He recorded his fifth success when winning the Tattersalls Gold Cup last time out and represents a stable enjoying a fine campaign.
BAY BRIDGE (Sir Michael Stoute) 8
Made it five wins on the bounce when scoring over course and distance in the Group Three Brigadier Gerard Stakes, but was beaten at odds-on most recently in the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot. A player if back to his very best.
LORD NORTH (John and Thady Gosden) 6
A line can be put through his appearance at Royal Ascot and his form before that stands up to plenty of scrutiny. Nevertheless, he holds no secrets and could prove vulnerable to younger legs.
MISHRIFF (John and Thady Gosden) 7
Globe-trotting superstar who has won Group One prizes in three different countries, as well as a Saudi Cup. Only third in this 12 months ago, but at his very best on fast ground and good or better in the going description would make him interesting for a yard that has won this four times in the last 10 years.
NATIVE TRAIL (Charlie Appleby) 9
A winner of six of his seven starts, with his only defeat coming when second to stablemate Coroebus in the 2000 Guineas. Won the Irish equivalent to get back to winning ways and his most recent appearances suggest this step up to a mile and a quarter is within range.
VADENI (Jean-Claude Rouget) 10
French raider who arrives with a big reputation following his demolition job in the Prix du Jockey Club. He was eased down at the finish on that occasion and could prove tough to beat if showing the same level of form.
VERDICT:
VADENI could prove hard to stop if in the same form as when blitzing the opposition in the French Derby. Although he has to prove that performance was not just a flash in the pan, he had previously impressed at Group Three level and the fact connections stumped up £50,000 to supplement him for the race on Monday suggests they have full confidence in his ability. Bay Bridge has questions to answer now having had his bubble burst at Ascot, making Native Trail the most likely challenger. Another top-level winner from this year's Classic crop, he is interesting upped in trip and the way he stayed on at the Curragh offers hope for the extra distance.
