ebfstallions.com Michael Foster Conditions Stakes

Off time: 15:32 | Winning time: 1m 26.33s

(5)

Custom Cut²¹

Age: 8| Weight: 9-2| J: D Tudhope| T: D O'Meara| OR: 110

1/1

Formidable on his day but hasn't won since he landed a Group 2 in Ireland two years ago. Still, he sets the standard on the official ratings and has leading claims now he has the benefit of a seasonal run behind him. Quite whether 7f is absolutely ideal for him is debatable, but he has an obvious chance in this company.

Form: 4257-62

(1)

Kentuckyconnection^b²²⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: Connor Beasley| T: B Smart| OR: 102

17/2

Failed to build on his fifth in the 2,000 Guineas last season and still only has a solitary maiden win to his name. His from tailed off dramatically towards the end of last season but he may start to do better now his sights are being lowered. Something to prove just now though.

Form: 50458-5

(2)

Konig Dax⁴⁰⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 9-2| J: T Eaves| T: A C Whillans

100/1

Beat Douvan over hurdles during his time in France but failed to make the grade over Jumps for both Donald McCain and David Pipe. Switches to the Flat at a fairly high level and is probably best watched.

Form: 81/6

(3)

Miracle of Medinah²¹⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 9-2| J: S Donohoe| T: M D I Usher| OR: 94

12/1

Not won since 2013 and remains a frustrating horse to follow. Faces a stiff test to get the better of Custom Cut on these terms but still has sound claims of filling the slot for the Forecast otherwise.

Form: 64528-4

(6)

Mount Tahan²¹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-2| J: K Stott| T: K A Ryan| OR: 91

10/3

Only modest winning form to his name so far; but was far from disgraced in finishing fifth on his reappearance in the Spring Mile at Doncaster. Claims if he uses that as a platform but worth bearing in mind that the handicapper suggests he is 19lb inferior to Custom Cut and, thus, has a big deficit to overturn.

Form: 1254-53

(4)

Rene Mathis²¹

Age: 7| Weight: 9-2| J: P Hanagan| T: R A Fahey| OR: 100

4/1

Has won on a variety of going descriptions but has been below par since he returned from a stint in Dubai at the start of the year. Any rain will boost his claims but he does need to raise his game whatever happens; regardless of the underfoot conditions. Yard won this twice since the race's inception but faces a stiff test in adding to the tally.

Form: 4-29501

Forecasts

Custom Cut (1/1), Mount Tahan (10/3), Rene Mathis (4/1), Kentuckyconnection (17/2), Miracle of Medinah (12/1), Konig Dax (100/1)

This all revolves around whether CUSTOM CUT still retains enough enthusiasm to exploit this opportunity to take on a weaker calibre of opponent than he is used to facing. The balance of form suggest that he should still have a little leeway on these terms and he is readily preferred ahead of Mount Tahan, who posted a sound effort to in the Spring Mile at Doncaster on his reappearance, and is rated the biggest threat. Miracle of Medinah edges Rene Mathis out of the picture as the best of the rest.