Last year's winner AL QAREEM could prove hard to peg back here with no other obvious front runners, so he shades the vote over very smart stablemates Al Aasy and Hamish, who both carry a 3 lb penalty.
Al Qareem
Al Aasy
Hamish
Win or Each Way
Each Way terms: 1/5 odds for first 3 places
1. Al Aasy
J: Daniel TudhopeT: William Haggas
F: 51125-211
Price History:
3.20
Age:
7
Weight:
9-9
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
0
Days Since Last Run:
49
Verdict
Highly-talented veteran who quickened up in good style when the gap came to lead late on in Glorious Goodwood Group 3. Outclassed his rivals in Geoffrey Freer Stakes at Newbury since and sure to make another bold bid.
3. Al Qareem
J: Clifford LeeT: K. R. Burke
F: 2-2452521
Price History:
3.50
Age:
5
Weight:
9-6
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
0
Days Since Last Run:
21
Verdict
Smart front runner who won this last year and bounced back to winning ways in 6-runner listed race (4/5) at Chester (12.3f, soft) 3 weeks ago. Likely to get an uncontested lead here so needs considering.
2. Hamish
J: Cieren FallonT: William Haggas
F: 1111-1245
Price History:
4.50
Age:
8
Weight:
9-9
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
0
Days Since Last Run:
28
Verdict
Prolific veteran who completed 5-timer at Newbury on return. Excellent second in Coronation Cup at Epsom but below par next 2 starts. No surprise to see him bounce back with conditions in his favour.
6. Salt Bay
J: Hector CrouchT: Ralph Beckett
F: 7427-3624
Price History:
8.00
Age:
4
Weight:
9-6
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
0
Days Since Last Run:
84
Verdict
Has just a debut win to his name but good efforts in the John Porter (close third to Hamish) and York listed race this term. Not in same form in Group 3 at York since and needs to bounce back.
8. Gods Window
J: Saffie OsborneT: John & Thady Gosden
F: 13-145023
Price History:
11.00
Age:
3
Weight:
9-0
Gear:
cheekpieces
Official Rating:
0
Days Since Last Run:
28
Verdict
Highly tried this season and has resumed progress eased in class last 2 starts, third in September Stakes at Kempton 4 weeks ago. Handles the mud and not discounted.
7. Gather Ye Rosebuds
J: Jamie SpencerT: Jack Channon
F: 1814-5178
Price History:
29.00
Age:
4
Weight:
9-3
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
0
Days Since Last Run:
23
Verdict
Improved when recording third career success in 1½m Goodwood listed race (soft). Not in same form next 2 starts 4 months apart but return to testing ground is a positive.
4. Layfayette
J: David EganT: Noel Meade, Ireland
F: 1441340-0
Price History:
23.00
Age:
7
Weight:
9-6
Gear:
blinkers
Official Rating:
0
Days Since Last Run:
21
Verdict
Smart gelding who added to his haul in Group 3 company at the Curragh in August 2023. However, failed to beat a rival last 2 starts 10 months apart so something to prove now with headgear re-fitted.
5. Peking Opera
J: Tom QueallyT: Gary & Josh Moore
F: 1/17473-05
Price History:
126.00
Age:
4
Weight:
9-6
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
0
Days Since Last Run:
147
Verdict
Listed winner for Aidan O'Brien last season. Won a juvenile hurdle for this yard in the winter but offered little back on the Flat last 2 starts. Off 147 days. Easy to look elsewhere.