Qatar Gordon Stakes (Group 3)

Off time: 15:02 | Winning time: 2m 42.94s

(5)

Across Dubai²⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 9-1| J: P Cosgrave| T: W J Haggas| OR: 95

9/1

Improved for the step up in trip at Haydock last time on good to firm ground and did that fairly easily but he arrives here with the lowest official rating and this race represents a big rise in class. Likely to appreciate the step up in trip but not proven in the conditions here and others have more experience.

Form: 1-21

(1)

Crystal Ocean⁴³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-1| J: R L Moore| T: Sir Michael Stoute| OR: 112| BF

6/4

Won a Nottingham maiden and followed that up with a smart effort in the Dante behind Permain in similar conditions to what he will get here. Third behind that rival again last time at Royal Ascot but this looks easier and ought to go close dropped down in class.

Form: 2-133

(3)

Jake's Hill²⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-1| J: Charles Bishop| T: Eve Johnson Houghton| OR: 104

16/1

Sandown maiden winner two starts back and respectable effort back at that course last time out in Listed company. Some cut in the ground for his maiden win so there's hope he'll handle conditions here and yard are in excellent form but this is much tougher.

Form: 46-213

(4)

Khalidi⁴³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-1| J: L Dettori| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 114| C

9/4

Listed winner here over 1m3f before disappointing in the Derby. Bounced back to form at Royal Ascot last time behind Permain and ahead of Crystal Ocean but not guaranteed to confirm that form in softer conditions.

Form: 313102

(2)

Mount Moriah²²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-1| J: Harry Bentley| T: R M Beckett| OR: 102

10/3

Seemingly well suited to cut in the ground having won his last three starts, all with soft in the going description, and arrives here on a four-timer. Easy winner last time out at Ascot and while this is a big step up in class, he ought to be effective at this level, particularly with conditions in his favour. Leading player.

Form: 1421-11

Forecasts

Crystal Ocean (6/4), Khalidi (9/4), Mount Moriah (10/3), Across Dubai (9/1), Jake's Hill (16/1)

CRYSTAL OCEAN looks the one to beat and he may be able to get the better of Khalidi this time around after that rival finished ahead of him at Royal Ascot when last seen in faster conditions. Mount Moriah is a progressive site sure to be suited by the ground and he may prove to be the main danger to the selection.