Finlay Volvo International Stakes (Group 3)

Off time: 15:20 | Winning time: 2m 10.30s

(3)

Air Pilot³⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 9-11| J: Colin Keane| T: R M Beckett| OR: 114| CD

7/2

Took a Group 3 contest narrowly from Success Days over this trip at Naas in April, and though he didn't get competitive in the Coronation Cup at Epsom, he is back down to a more suitable level here, and one that he has consistently performed well at in the past. Ground should suit.

Form: 7140-18

(1)

Success Days^t1³⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 9-11| J: Shane Foley| T: K J Condon| OR: 113| CD

6/1

Has won at this grade multiple times before as well as acquitting himself well at the very highest level, and has a fitness edge over a couple of these. Any extra rain would be a bonus with a tongue strap added.

Form: 2310-24

(2)

Shamreen²⁹⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-10| J: Leigh Roche| T: D K Weld| OR: 108| CD

20/1

Won a soft-looking Group 2 over C&D in September but off since and is entitled to need the run here. Has plenty to find on ratings either way.

Form: 211241-

(4)

Johannes Vermeer^t¹¹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-8| J: R L Moore| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 111

5/2

Group 1 winning juvenile who was restricted to one run during his 3yo campaign and hasn't shown much across three runs so far this year. Would have a chance on the pick of his form, though.

Form: 21/3-457

(6)

Moonlight Magic^t1³⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 9-8| J: K J Manning| T: J S Bolger| OR: 114| D

11/2

No win since a Leopardstown Group 3 early last season but has run consistently well in some very classy races since, including when runner-up to Minding in this year's Mooresbridge Stakes. Not discounted with a tongue strap added for the first time.

Form: 6363-27

(5)

The Grey Gatsby²⁶⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 9-8| J: P J Smullen| T: D K Weld| OR: 117| D

11/4

Dual Group 1 winner in his younger days who hasn't been the same force for the past couple of seasons but still retains plenty of ability and makes his first start for a new trainer now. Has to have a big chance if overcome a lay-off.

Form: 6/42605-

Forecasts

Johannes Vermeer (5/2), The Grey Gatsby (11/4), Air Pilot (7/2), Moonlight Magic (11/2), Success Days (6/1), Shamreen (20/1)

A few of these have been running consistently well in Group company across the last few years, perhaps none more so than AIR PILOT. A proven performer at Group 3 level, he narrowly beat Success Days in a similar contest to this at Naas last time, and there's no reason that that reopposing rival should reverse form unless there's an absolute deluge prior to racing, as the forecast ground will suit the selection more. If these were all coming here in their prime, The Grey Gatsby would win it with great ease, but he hasn't been quite the same horse the past couple of years and has a lay-off to overcome for a new trainer.