Preview

A competitive field of 11 lines up for this year’s Paradise Stakes, a Listed contest over the straight mile at Ascot. The going is described as good to firm (good in places), and the early pace map suggests a fairly even tempo is likely. This should produce a cleanly-run race, but could slightly disadvantage those horses who are best when the pace collapses.

Historically, Richard Hannon has trained three winners of this race in the past decade and is double-handed here with Unquestionable and Witch Hunter.

The field includes a mix of race-fit horses and several returning from absences of 60 days or more. For those without a recent run, market moves closer to the off will be important indicators of fitness and readiness.

Strongest Contenders

Sardinian Warrior (John & Thady Gosden)

Timeform Rating: 125p
Lightly raced and unbeaten in three starts on the all-weather last year, Sardinian Warrior now makes his turf debut. He has the highest potential in the field and is well drawn to track the pace. The even pace forecast is viewed as a positive for his style of running. While proven on synthetic surfaces, he is bred to handle fast turf, being by Saxon Warrior out of a Group 1 family. The main question surrounds his fitness after 179 days off, but given his progressive profile and the form of the Gosden yard, a bold showing is expected if he handles the conditions.

Docklands (Harry Eustace)

Timeform Rating: 126
A proven course specialist, Docklands was second in this very race last year before producing a career-best when placed in the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot. He has race-winning form on good to firm ground and is effective over the straight mile. However, the predicted even pace is a slight negative, as he is often seen to best effect when coming off a strong gallop. His fitness after 143 days off should be monitored closely in the market. Nevertheless, on ratings and Ascot form, he commands respect.

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Main Dangers

Unquestionable (Richard Hannon)

Timeform Rating: 123
A Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf winner at two, Unquestionable remains a colt of high class. He now makes his debut for Richard Hannon, having left Aidan O’Brien, and must overcome a 316-day layoff. His top juvenile form entitles him to a serious chance if fit, but a watching brief on the betting is advised. Market weakness would be a negative for his prospects first time out.

Phantom Flight (George Scott)

Timeform Rating: 121
A smart type who enjoyed a productive winter campaign in Bahrain, winning a local Group 1 event. He was not seen to best effect in a tactical race last time and should appreciate a return to a fairer gallop here. With recent match fitness on his side and a trainer operating at a high strike-rate, he is a solid each-way player.

Witch Hunter (Richard Hannon)

Timeform Rating: 123
Another runner from the Hannon stable with an interesting profile. He has been consistent in listed and Group 3 company this spring and now sports first-time blinkers — a notable positive, as Richard Hannon has a good record when fitting headgear for the first time (producing a profit to £1 level stakes according to Smart Stats). He could go well at a value price if the blinkers sharpen him up.

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Interesting Outsiders

Tyrrhenian Sea (Roger Varian)

Timeform Rating: 116
Smart on the all-weather, most recently winning a Lingfield Listed race. His turf form is not quite at the same level, but with Roger Varian’s yard in strong form and a patient running style suited to an even pace, he could pick up pieces late if others falter.

Royal Dubai (Marco Botti)

Timeform Rating: 122
Two-time winner at Meydan earlier this year, he has a slightly patchy profile but holds smart form at his best. With Marco Botti’s record showing a good profit when sending just one runner to a meeting, he could outrun his odds if bouncing back.

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Key Trends and Trainer Pointers

• Richard Hannon has trained three winners of this race in the past ten years (including Chindit and Oh This Is Us).
• Horses race-fit (had a run within 60 days) tend to have a significant edge early in the Flat turf season.
• Pace forecast even — suiting handy and prominent racers slightly more than deep closers.
• Market support for first-time runners off breaks like Unquestionable and Docklands will be telling.

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Summary

Sardinian Warrior brings the most potential to the table and could prove a cut above if transferring his all-weather form to turf. Docklands is a solid, proven quantity at Ascot, while Unquestionable and Witch Hunter both rate as live dangers if handling their individual circumstances. Phantom Flight is another to note, and Royal Dubai looks a lively outsider at bigger odds.