32Red.com Stand Cup Stakes (Listed)

Off time: 14:42 | Winning time: 2m 53.4s

(4)

My Reward¹⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 9-6| J: D Allan| T: T D Easterby| OR: 100| C

8/1

Consistent stayer who has enjoyed a good season, looking better than ever when winning a handicap over C&D (good) on his first visit here earlier this month. Bigger questions asked now on ground which may be softer than ideal.

Form: 015421

(3)

Across The Stars^h²¹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-3| J: Ted Durcan| T: Sir Michael Stoute| OR: 110| D

6/1

Progressed to win a Group 2 at Royal Ascot last season but hasn't raced with the same zest in a light campaign this year, though denied a clear run at Windsor last time. Dangerous to discount in this grade.

Form: 013-588

(2)

Duretto¹²⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 9-3| J: G Lee| T: A M Balding| OR: 112| D

11/10

Goes well on an easy surface and signed off last season with a career-best Group 3 win at Newbury. Only run this season saw him finish a fine third in the Group 3 Ormonde Stakes over slightly further in May, so obvious claims.

Form: 02251-3

(1)

Soldier In Action²¹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-3| J: F Norton| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 109| D

11/4

Boasts six Flat wins and a novice hurdle success and produced a career best at Glorious Goodwood when winning a hot handicap over 1m6f (soft). Respected on that, though subsequent form has been indifferent.

Form: 102310

(5)

Rich Legacy⁴⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 8-5| J: Josephine Gordon| T: R M Beckett| OR: 101

9/1

Group 2 winner on just her third start but hasn't progressed as expected this year, finishing well beaten in a Group 3 at Glorious Goodwood last time. Yard won this prize 12 months ago with a similar type but unproven on ground this soft.

Form: 40-4457

Forecasts

Duretto (11/10), Soldier In Action (11/4), Across The Stars (6/1), My Reward (8/1), Rich Legacy (9/1)

DURETTO comes out best on official ratings here and, though just one run this season (an excellent third in the Group 3 Ormonde Stakes here) suggests he's had issues, he should take some stopping in underfoot conditions which are right up his street. Former Group 2 winner Across The Stars shaped better than the bare result suggests at Windsor last time and may prove most troublesome, though Ralph Beckett captured this prize 12 months ago with a three-year-old filly and sends out a similar type in Rich Legacy.