15:00 Ascot

Saturday 7 October 2017

All13:5014:2515:0015:3516:1016:45

John Guest Bengough Stakes (Group 3)

Off time: 15:01 | Winning time: 1m 16.24s

(5)

Magical Memory²⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 9-5| J: Oisin Murphy| T: C Hills| OR: 109| D

9/1

A Group 2 and dual Group 3 winner but has lacked consistency in recent times, running woefully at Haydock last time out, albeit on very testing ground. Wouldn't be out of this if putting his best foot forward but it is an 'if'.

Form: 201140

(7)

Blue Point²⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: W Buick| T: C Appleby| OR: 116| CD

1/1

Gimcrack winner as a juvenile who also landed a Group 3 in May before finishing third in the Group 1 Commonwealth Cup, both over C&D on good to firm ground. Undone by testing conditions at Haydock since but sets the standard.

Form: 123-134

(9)

Danzeno⁶³

Age: 6| Weight: 9-2| J: T P Queally| T: M Appleby| OR: 104| C| D

9/2

Consistent performer who goes well here, finishing fifth in the Wokingham over C&D before winning a valuable handicap over 5f (good). Not disgraced in the Stewards' Cup at Goodwood latest and likely to mount a bold bid back in pattern company.

Form: 22-6517

(8)

Intisaab^p⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 9-2| J: M Harley| T: D O'Meara| OR: 108| D

16/1

Very capable sprinter at his best who went close in a Listed event at Newmarket in August before probably finding his stamina stretched over 7f on the AW last time out. More in favour now but would probably need a career-best.

Form: 276034

(1)

Projection⁶³

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: K Shoemark| T: H & R Charlton| OR: 105| D

9/1

Without a win since his juvenile days and costly to follow, though an excellent third in the Wokingham over C&D (good to firm). Below par on softer ground at Goodwood since but drying ground here would elevate him into contention.

Form: 453-630

(3)

Second Thought¹⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 9-1| J: Jim Crowley| T: W J Haggas| OR: 105| BF| D

7/1

Looked potentially smart when landing four on the bounce on the AW, then beat everything bar the top-class Harry Angel in a Group 2 at Haydock on fast ground in May. May have just needed latest run at Newbury after a break and very much respected.

Form: 1-11126

(2)

Tommy Taylor²⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 9-1| J: T Eaves| T: K A Ryan| OR: 107| D

14/1

York maiden winner last year who has taken time to fully come to hand but much-improved when landing a York Listed event over 6f on easy ground last time out. Clearly in good heart and ground will suit but this demands more.

Form: 6-32071

(10)

Visionary⁷⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 9-1| J: L Morris| T: R M H Cowell| OR: 100| D

50/1

Well placed to win four times, his best success coming in a 6f Newbury Listed event on soft ground in May. Limitations seeming exposed at Group level since and others much more persuasive as he returns from an 11 week break.

Form: 312189

(4)

Rosie Briar¹⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 8-12| J: Rob Hornby| T: A M Balding| OR: 96| D

50/1

Won twice over 6f as a juvenile and not disgraced in a 5f Listed event at Haydock in June before taking a step backwards on her only run since at Newbury last month. Still early days but this looks a tall order.

Form: 411-030

(6)

Simmie¹¹⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 8-12| J: C Lee| T: K R Burke| OR: 98

33/1

Won a Listed event over this trip in France (heavy) last back-end for Sylvester Kirk and just touched off in a similar event on quicker ground at Newbury on her return for this yard. Only subsequent run in June was disappointing, however.

Form: 7271-25

Forecasts

Blue Point (1/1), Danzeno (9/2), Second Thought (7/1), Projection (9/1), Magical Memory (9/1), Tommy Taylor (14/1), Intisaab (16/1), Simmie (33/1), Rosie Briar (50/1), Visionary (50/1)

Blue Point sets a clear standard and could easily prove a cut above but all his best form is on quicker ground so it may just pay to take him on. Proven course performer Danzeno would be one alternative but preference is for the lightly-raced SECOND THOUGHT who may still have improvement up his sleeve after looking a little ring rusty on his return from a short break at Newbury recently. Magical Memory is a hit-or-miss performer who would hold strong claims if in the mood.