Pace Angles:
There’s no obvious guaranteed pace angle. Galen, Los Angeles, and Rock Of Cashel have raced prominently in the past but not aggressively. The likely tempo is even, possibly edging to a steady gallop if no one goes on early.

Draw Angles:
On good ground over 1m2f at the Curragh, draw plays a neutral role, though those drawn low may have the advantage if there’s no strong early pace. Inside draws (Tangapour in 1, Zahrann in 2) may find a tactical edge if the race becomes a sit-and-sprint.

---

Strongest Contenders

Los Angeles (Proven – 9/10)
The standout class angle and a triple Group 1 winner. He’s performed creditably all season in top company and is well-suited to this 1m2f trip when the ground isn’t overly quick. His second to Anmaat in the Tattersalls Gold Cup here in May (RPR 124) remains elite form. That Ascot blip last time (weakening from tracking pacemaker too closely) came on quicker ground. With a more controlled tempo, he’s the one to beat.

Zahrann (Promising – 8/10)
Progressive colt, whose close second in the G2 King Edward VII at Royal Ascot reads very well. Likely to be well suited by 1m2f and is developing into a proper middle-distance type. Comes from a strong Aga Khan pedigree and could rate higher still if given a stronger gallop. Holds Group 1 potential.

Galen (Progressive – 7/10)
Solid and consistent. Found Group 1 company too hot behind Los Angeles in May but bounced back with a fine 3rd in the Jersey Stakes under a penalty. Profile suggests he’s now fully effective at 1m2f, and though possibly vulnerable to classier rivals, he’s reliable and retains a good turn of foot.

---

Main Dangers

Crypto Force (Regressive – 5/10)
Exposed, not straightforward. He’s been better over shorter in truth and couldn’t land a blow when behind Los Angeles earlier in the season. Slightly better efforts in minor events since but has too much to find at this level unless it falls apart.

Rock Of Cashel (Limited – 4/10)
Best run came when allowed a soft lead in a minor Navan contest, but form overall is far below the required standard. Stepping up into a G3 feels ambitious, and his form behind Delacroix and Henri Matisse exposes his limitations.

---

Interesting Outsiders

Tangapour (Unexposed – 5/10)
Lightly raced and bred to stay middle distances, but form nowhere near Group class yet. Not disgraced in big-field handicaps and might outrun odds, but this is a big leap in grade.

---

Runner Scores and Suitability Analysis

• Los Angeles: 9/10 – Fully proven at this level; better suited to a race with a true gallop; strong stayer at this trip and likely to bounce back.
• Zahrann: 8/10 – Improving fast, well-suited by ground and trip; only question is how sharp he’ll be off the back of a hard Ascot run.
• Galen: 7/10 – Reliable at this level; handles the track and trip, though may find one or two too strong.
• Crypto Force: 5/10 – Handles conditions but struggles to land a blow in strong company; vulnerable late on.
• Tangapour: 5/10 – Still finding his feet at this level; lacks tactical speed but may stay.
• Rock Of Cashel: 4/10 – Soft-race beneficiary last time, and well held repeatedly in pattern races.

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

Zahrann could be the each-way play here if prices hold up, particularly if Los Angeles is a very short favourite. His progressive profile and late-running style suggest he can pick up pieces if the favourite underperforms.

---

Private Tissue Estimate

• Los Angeles – 11/10
• Zahrann – 7/2
• Galen – 6/1
• Crypto Force – 12/1
• Tangapour – 25/1
• Rock Of Cashel – 33/1

Market watch advised for runners making their 2nd start.

---

Summary

This is Los Angeles’s race to lose—a top-level performer dropping into G3 company, well drawn, with Ryan Moore retained. If he replicates his Curragh run in May, he should prove too good. Zahrann looks the likeliest to cause an upset; his profile is on a steep upward trajectory, and he’s likely still improving. Galen will run his race but may be found wanting for finishing kick.

---

Smart Play

• Win Selection: Los Angeles – class edge, ideal conditions, and return to home turf.
• Each-Way Saver: Zahrann – progressive colt who looks a Group performer in the making. Likely to be strong late.