the prophet

Back-to-back AW wins for the 4-year-old over the winter, high RPR ratings posted. Back from a break, and he ran well in a 16-runner Royal Ascot handicap. Every chance that day till the closing stages. Something was amiss last time out. A reduced mark, good jockey booking, and a six-week break can see the selection bounce.

A smart and consistent 6-year-old, first or second in 17 flat races. As good as ever this year, form since March reads 1211. Just beaten by the smart 'Illinois' during May. Two wins at this track since, by 2L and 4L. He has a little to find with the favorite, but he does have a 3lb pull in the weights, suited by the track and could still be improving over these longer trips.

The 2yo has gone close in his last three runs, all at this group 2 level and is worth another chance in this Group 2 contest. He was 2nd of 20 at Royal Ascot, then beaten twice by the smart 113 rated ‘Zavateri’. Nothing of that calibre in this contest.

Five career runs for the 2yo filly, form 11121. She was a smooth 1 1/2L Group 3 winner three weeks ago. It’s been a while since a 2yo has won this Group 1 contest but she gets a big 24lb age allowance and the 105 RPR rating that she posted in her last race is well above average.

Four runs this year for the 3yo filly. A maiden winner three runs back, then only beaten 3L at Royal Ascot in a 25 runner handicap. She was beaten 2L in a useful handicap last time out but she messed up the start and met plenty of trouble in running. Oisin Murphy now takes over in the saddle and she’s still on a handy looking mark.

Four career runs from the 3yo, winning his first two starts. A narrow defeat on his handicap debut. Only beaten a length three weeks ago in a useful 16 runner handicap, staying on strong from the rear. Proven on quick ground. This step up from 7f to 8f should suit him. Ryan Moore taking over in the saddle is a big positive.

Lightly raced 4yo. Two tough runs this year. He was a close 3rd of 16 when last seen, in a strong 16 runner Listed race at Royal Ascot. He’ll be fresh after a 2-month break. He went very close in a couple of Group 2 races last year. His ratings make him a big player in this Group 3.

Four runs this year for the 4yo. He won a decent 15-runner AW handicap during June. He won a class 2 turf handicap three weeks ago, very easily in the end by 2 1/2L, earning a high RPR rating. Just a lb higher mark for this handicap with the jockey able to make a claim, and this lightly raced runner can take another step forward. Looks overpriced.

Four starts for the 3yo, the trainer has been patient with this one who is 2 wins from 2 this year. Not the stronger race when winning on his handicap debut last time out by 2L+, but he did it easily and the 2nd and 5th have both won races since. He’s had a nice 6 weeks break, no problem with this 14f trip and he could prove to be much better than his current 85 rating.

Below par in three runs but back in form two weeks ago when beaten just 1/2L in a useful class 2 handicap. Just six career runs and he has something to build on. A good apprentice in the saddle claiming 5lb and he looks nicely weighted for this handicap. None of his rivals are running well.

Three big runs and improved form from the 4-year-old this year. Unlucky to lose by a nose on his return - didn’t get a clear run. Two wins since, Group 2 last time out, two big RPR ratings posted which are only matched by 'Rosallion', who might not be suited by this 7f trip. Top jockey in the saddle for the section in this Group 1 with the possibility of more improvement.

The Willie Mullins 5yo has 3 wins from 11, jumps/flat. Improvement during the spring including a big run at the festival. A big run at Royal Ascot last time out after coming off a 10-week break, winning a high-quality 18 runner handicap by 2L, sitting in 9th approaching 2f out but soon put the race to bed when asked for his effort on the outside. Higher mark now but he could easily be Group class and a mark of 104 might not stop him. William Buick takes over in the saddle. Will be fresh after a 9-week break.

The 7-year-old can be a big player in this 6f handicap. A little below par this year for his new trainer, but he has been running in Group company, including two Group 1 races. Back in form three weeks ago in the 27-runner £134K Stewards' Cup, only 5th, but the field split into two groups, and he easily won the race on his side. Lower mark for this handicap, and he was rated 10lb higher last summer.

Four runs for the 2yo colt, beaten 2L in a Group 3 last time out, not a great ride, a little too far back and had to move around runners. However, the winner is trying his luck in a Group 1 on this card. The selection has a chance in this Listed contest.

Four runs this year for the 4yo. Excuses on soft ground last time out. He ran well in his two previous races, both over this 10f C/D. He was 4th two starts back, the 2nd and 3rd both giving that form a nice boost since. He’s dropped 2lb since that run and has a better jockey in the saddle for this handicap.