Going: Good-Good to Firm in places (Sprint track); Good to Firm-Good in places (Round course)
Declared: 6 runners
Pace Forecast: Very Weak
Draw Bias: Not applicable
Pace Angle: Likely to be slowly run. Advantage to prominent racers such as Sosie and Delacroix, with potential drawbacks for hold-up horse Ombudsman.
Draw Angle (Flat/All-Weather): No draw bias reported due to small field and round course configuration.


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Leading Contenders

1. Ombudsman (135 TFR) – Proven.
Unbeaten in 2024 and convincing winner of Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot. Excellent turn of foot, stays 1¼m, and effective on all goings. Major Group 1 player; only risk is a tactical muddle from a slow pace and being a hold-up type in a small field. Rated 9/10.

2. Sosie (128 TFR) – Proven.
Two-time Group 1 winner this year in France. Tactically versatile and thrives from 1m–1½m. Conditions to suit and a likely tactical race suits his racing style. Could test Ombudsman if Buick is caught out. Rated 8.5/10.

3. Delacroix (123p TFR) – Promising.
Highly progressive prior to Epsom Derby flop where he was badly hampered. A prominent racer who could benefit from this race’s slow tempo. Strong claims if he rebounds. Ryan Moore retains faith. Rated 8/10.

4. Camille Pissarro (124+ TFR) – Progressive.
Prix du Jockey Club winner and suited by 10f. Quick turn of foot and strong profile but may find the older 4yos slightly stronger at this stage. Still improving, and O’Brien knows how to win this. Rated 7.5/10.

5. Ruling Court (130 TFR) – Proven at 1m.
Guineas winner with good tactical speed, but outpaced over a mile last time. Stepping up to 10f is interesting. Could get an easy lead but needs to show improvement to beat this level. Rated 6.5/10.

6. Hotazhell (123 TFR) – Promising.
Futurity Trophy winner, showed strong attitude. This looks a tough ask on seasonal profile, although lightly raced types have surprised here before. Likely outclassed but respected. Rated 5.5/10.


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Suitability Ratings (out of 10)

Horse Going Field Size Pace Draw Pace+Draw Class Track Distance Temperament Trainer Jockey Total

Ombudsman 10 7 6 7 6 10 9 10 10 9 9 95
Sosie 9 7 8 7 8 9 8 9 9 9 8 91
Delacroix 9 7 9 7 9 8 8 9 8 9 9 93
Camille Pissarro 9 7 7 7 7 8 7 9 8 10 8 90
Ruling Court 8 7 6 7 6 8 8 7 7 8 9 85
Hotazhell 7 7 8 7 8 7 7 8 8 7 8 82



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Trends & Watch Notes

O’Brien has won this race 3 times in the last 10 years (Camille Pissarro and Delacroix both represent Ballydoyle).

Charlie Appleby has 2 recent wins (Ruling Court) – keep in mind his 3yo team can be sharp early in season.

Timeform suggests Delacroix is better than latest run; pace scenario could suit him best.

Hold-up risks: Ombudsman needs pace collapse or to outclass them; minimal pace on means he’ll need clear running.

Market check: Delacroix and Ruling Court both flopped last time; strong support could signal better.



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Private Tissue (Value Line)

1. Ombudsman – 11/8


2. Sosie – 7/2


3. Delacroix – 9/2


4. Camille Pissarro – 7/1


5. Ruling Court – 10/1


6. Hotazhell – 33/1




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Summary

A small but high-quality renewal where tactics will be critical. Ombudsman is a Group 1 horse on the up and should win if Buick avoids traffic. The slow pace scenario puts a minor asterisk next to his profile. Sosie and Delacroix are both viable threats – the latter could get first run and is forgiven Epsom. Camille Pissarro is quietly progressive and not far off the best. Hotazhell looks out of his depth for now.


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Smart Play

Win Bet: Ombudsman – Unbeaten, impressive at Ascot, top-class.
Each-Way Saver: Delacroix – Forgive Epsom, likely front-runner, Ryan Moore stays loyal.