Pace & Draw:
Expect an honest to strong gallop with Lazzat likely dictating, joined early by forward types such as Tribalist and potentially Topgear. Regional and Inisherin can sit close, while Rayevka, Woodshauna, and Shadow Of Light will be ridden more patiently. The straight course here is generally fair, though being drawn low-to-middle has often been marginally favourable at this trip on good to soft. Lazzat (stall 3) is well placed; Beauvatier (stall 11) is widest and may need to slot in early.
Strongest Contenders
- Lazzat (Proven, Progressive) – Defending champion, 8 wins from 11 starts, including a high-class Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee win last time. Has tactical speed, handles all ground, and is drawn to control the race. Sets the standard.
- Rayevka (Promising) – 3yo filly getting weight-for-age and sex allowances; unlucky not to go closer in the Commonwealth Cup. Up in trip should suit if she settles. Dangerous if delivered late.
- Woodshauna (Progressive) – Won the Prix Jean Prat over 7f last time, beating good opposition. Versatile, with two prior wins at this trip (both AW). Could pick up pieces if pace collapses.
Main Dangers
- Inisherin (Proven) – Commonwealth Cup winner last year. Needs to rebound from below-par Ascot run but extra half-furlong and Ryan Moore returning are positives.
- Regional (Proven) – Ultra-consistent Group 1 performer who stays 6f strongly; extra yardage could eke out a bit more. Prefers faster ground but still respected.
- Beauvatier (Proven) – Last year’s third, arrives off a career-best Group 3 win here. High draw is a worry but place claims remain strong.
Interesting Outsiders
- Shadow Of Light (Promising) – Top juvenile but yet to fully fire at three. This trip on easier ground might spark a revival.
- Topgear (Progressive) – Forgive last run (lost both front shoes). 7f form is good; supplemented entry suggests confidence.
Runner Scores & Suitability
- Lazzat – 9.5/10 – Ideal draw, trip, and ground; peak form.
- Rayevka – 9/10 – Allowances, form in big fields, but must settle.
- Woodshauna – 8.5/10 – Thriving, stays well, good turn of foot.
- Inisherin – 8/10 – Classy but needs bounce back.
- Regional – 8/10 – Reliable, handles most ground, slight preference for quicker.
- Beauvatier – 7.5/10 – Consistent, but wide draw.
- Shadow Of Light – 7.5/10 – Capable, needs 2yo sparkle to return.
- Topgear – 7/10 – Forgive last run, still unproven at this level.
- Sajir – 6.5/10 – Honest, but lacks top-end Group 1 form.
- Symbol Of Honour – 5.5/10 – Looks stable second string, needs more.
- Tribalist – 5/10 – Better at a mile, tough to see winning here.
Keep an eye on the market for support or big drifts for runners returning from layoffs of 90+ days.
Watch out for in-form sprinters returning quickly; they can be hot.
Each-Way Angles (11 runners)
- Rayevka – Gets all allowances, should be strong late.
- Beauvatier – Solid place profile despite draw.
Private Tissue Estimate
- Lazzat 7/4
- Rayevka 11/2
- Woodshauna 7/1
- Inisherin 8/1
- Regional 10/1
- Beauvatier 12/1
- Shadow Of Light 12/1
- Topgear 14/1
- Sajir 25/1
- Symbol Of Honour 40/1
- Tribalist 50/1
Market watch advised for runners making their 2nd start.
Summary
Class and tactical control rest with Lazzat, but he faces a weight-advantaged and rapidly improving filly in Rayevka, who shaped better than the bare result at Ascot and should relish the extra yardage. Woodshauna’s current upward curve makes him a serious threat if the leaders overcook it.
Smart Play:
- Win – Lazzat (proven Group 1 excellence, perfect tactical setup).
- Each-way Saver – Rayevka (all allowances, unlucky last time, strong finisher).
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