Al Rayyan Stakes (Group 3) (Registered As The Aston Park Stakes)

Off time: 13:50 | Winning time: 2m 42.75s

(3)

Across The Stars²⁷⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: L Dettori| T: Sir Michael Stoute| OR: 113| D

6/1

Interrupted career to date but did win a Group 2 at Royal Ascot last year. Clearly not a straightforawrd type (often sweats and often races keenly) and interesting to see what the market makes of him on his first start since August. Well beaten on both his starts on fast ground but return to softer conditions should suit and he does have some of the best form on offer.

Form: 2/13013-

(1)

Chemical Charge^v1²⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 9-0| J: Oisin Murphy| T: R M Beckett| OR: 111| D

7/2

Can be a little hard to win with and has been runner-up on five of his last six starts but he's never finished outside of the front two and always runs his race. Probably should have won last time over C&D but hung badly in the closing stages and the first-time visor applied here could see him in a better light.

Form: 2222-12

(6)

Hawkbill^p¹⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: W Buick| T: C Appleby| OR: 117

3/1

Followed up his Royal Ascot success with a win in the Eclipse last summer, handling conditions the best. Failed to place in four starts since though and has a bit to prove now back up in trip.

Form: 11893-5

(2)

Midterm^v1²⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: R L Moore| T: Sir Michael Stoute| OR: 115| BF| C

7/2

Group 3 winner at Sandown last year before finishing a disappointing fifth when a short-priced favourite for the Dante last year. Went on to finish a close runner-up in a French Group 2 but struggled on both starts since including last month's effort at Newbury when he went off favourite. Looks far from straightforward and needs the visor to be effective if he's to get back on track.

Form: 1/1527-5

(4)

My Dream Boat²²

Age: 5| Weight: 9-0| J: A Kirby| T: C G Cox| OR: 117| BF

4/1

Proved a revelation last year, beating Found by a neck to win his first Group 1 at Royal Ascot. Ground may have been a little quick for him on his return at Sandown last time but could come on for that effort and conditions should be right up his street here. Needs a strong pace to aim if he's to be seen to best effect.

Form: 51554-3

(5)

To Be Wild³⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: Josephine Gordon| T: H Palmer| OR: 104| BF| D

16/1

Progressive sort but thrown in at the deep end somewhat here and he was a well beaten favourite in a handicap at Newcastle last time. Hard to fancy in this company.

Form: 5/11-8

Forecasts

Hawkbill (3/1), Midterm (7/2), Chemical Charge (7/2), My Dream Boat (4/1), Across The Stars (6/1), To Be Wild (16/1)

A hot renewal of this contest opens today's card and its MY DREAM BOAT who looks sure to relish the forecast conditions. Provided he gets a strong pace to aim at he could take all the beating and he has the benefit of having had a prep run. Chemical Charge is very consistent and a first-time visor may help iron out his quirks. Across The Stars has had an interrupted career in recent times but his trainer is adept at getting the best out of these sorts eventually.