14:25 York

Friday 25 August 2017

All13:5514:2515:0015:3516:1516:50

Weatherbys Hamilton Lonsdale Cup Stakes (Group 2)

Off time: 14:29 | Winning time: 3m 31.06s

(8)

Dartmouth⁶²

Age: 5| Weight: 9-6| J: R L Moore| T: Sir Michael Stoute| OR: 115| BF| C

11/4

Consistent type who uncharacteristically over-raced in the early stages at Royal Ascot last time. Impressive when winning here in May and versatile with regards tactics/ground but never tried this trip. Has to carry a penalty but claims if he stays.

Form: 1322-14

(3)

Dal Harraild⁶²

Age: 4| Weight: 9-3| J: P Cosgrave| T: W J Haggas| OR: 111| C

7/2

Two-time Listed winner and not done progressing just yet but may not get the ground quick enough for him to be seen at his best. Tries this trip for the first time and warrants respect for a trainer that does well at this course/meeting.

Form: 131-616

(2)

Higher Power²⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 9-3| J: James Doyle| T: J R Fanshawe| OR: 110| D

7/1

Useful stayer who has won three times in his career but yet to win on turf. Has put up respectable efforts in defeat at least, including when a distant runner-up to Big Orange earlier in the year but probably wants quicker ground to have any chance.

Form: 21-2210

(9)

High Jinx²⁴

Age: 9| Weight: 9-3| J: D Allan| T: T D Easterby| OR: 109

33/1

Group 1 winner over 2m4f back in 2014 and produced a fine effort on return from long absence when third behind Dartmouth in a Group 2 here. Well beaten on two subsequent starts and clearly not easy to train but he has claims if he can bounce back.

Form: 124/350

(4)

Montaly⁴⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 9-3| J: P J McDonald| T: A M Balding| OR: 105

16/1

Gained a first win since 2014 at Chester earlier in the year over further and only just touched off in a Listed event last time out. Needs plenty more trying Group company for just the second time but versatile ground wise and not entirely exposed.

Form: 3200-12

(5)

Prince Of Arran^p²⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-3| J: S Donohoe| T: C Fellowes| OR: 107

25/1

Fine effort behind Sweet Selection at Ascot earlier in the year but has struggled on two runs since and all his wins have come on the AW. Likely to want faster ground than what's forecast here though and he can be very slowly out the gate at times.

Form: 4-35280

(1)

Sheikhzayedroad^h²⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 9-3| J: M Harley| T: D M Simcock| OR: 115| C| D

15/2

A repeat of the effort that saw him win on Champions Day last year would be enough to take this but he's been below form on two outings since returning from an excellent effort in the Dubai Gold Cup in March. Obvious claims if he can bounce back.

Form: 11-3367

(7)

St Michel^b1⁷⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 9-3| J: L Morris| T: Sir Mark Prescott| OR: 112| D

14/1

Won four times in 2016 and third behind Sheikhzayedroad in the Doncaster Cup. Good run at Belmont last time but winner did little for the form subsequently when beaten in France. First-time blinkers could see him improve and can't be discounted.

Form: 1130-22

(6)

Thomas Hobson⁶²

Age: 7| Weight: 9-3| J: Jim Crowley| T: W P Mullins| OR: 110| BF| D

4/1

Proved he was well-handicapped by winning a decent race at Royal Ascot with little fuss and only just touched off by Oriental Fox in a Conditions Race later in the week. Probably wants a little further to be seen at his best though.

Form: 1211/12

Forecasts

Dartmouth (11/4), Dal Harraild (7/2), Thomas Hobson (4/1), Higher Power (7/1), Sheikhzayedroad (15/2), St Michel (14/1), Montaly (16/1), Prince Of Arran (25/1), High Jinx (33/1)

Sir Mark Prescott's yard are in excellent form and St Michel is still unexposed while Sheikhzayedroad is usually a very consistent performer who should bounce back from a pair of below-par efforts this year. However, DARTMOUTH may be the one to side with trying a new trip for the first time with Ryan Moore in the saddle.