Homeserve Huxley Stakes (Group 2)

Off time: 14:29 | Winning time: 2m 8.39s

(4)

Convey⁷⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 9-1| J: Andrea Atzeni| T: Sir Michael Stoute| OR: 111| D

14/1

A Listed win at Pontefract in 2016 is his sole win on turf. Career highlight came when winning the Winter Derby (Group 3) at Lingfield last year and shaped well on his return from a lengthy absence in that race this year. May improve for that run.

Form: 35/116-4

(1)

Eminent²⁴⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-1| J: Oisin Murphy| T: M Meade| OR: 116| D

8/13

Won two Group races last year and finished fourth in the Derby before winning a French Group 2. Did best of those close to the pace in the Irish Champion Stakes when last seen and he's the one to beat on form here back down in class.

Form: 164513-

(5)

Forest Ranger²³

Age: 4| Weight: 9-1| J: T Hamilton| T: R A Fahey| OR: 113

6/1

Career best when getting the better of a smart sort at Newmarket last time in Group 3 company. Likes to lead and will face competition for a prominent position here; needs to improve to be involved for win purposes.

Form: 52328-1

(2)

Gabrial²⁰

Age: 9| Weight: 9-1| J: P Hanagan| T: R A Fahey| OR: 103| C

25/1

Has his 79th start here but not won since landing a Listed race at Windsor in 2016. Best hope is if they go too hard up front and he picks up the pieces late on but finishing in the first three probably the best he can hope for.

Form: 238474

(3)

War Decree⁴¹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-1| J: R L Moore| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 112

4/1

Group 2 winner as a juvenile and won a Group 3 at Dundalk in good style last year but has struggled a little on his travels over the winter. Yard won this last year and he'll appreciate the drop in class here.

Form: 65190-9

Non-Runners

(6)

Frankuus²³

Weight: 9-1| Age: 4

T: C & M Johnston J: J Fanning

Forecasts

Eminent (8/13), War Decree (4/1), Forest Ranger (6/1), Convey (14/1), Gabrial (25/1), Frankuus (25/1)

EMINENT brings the best form into this after an impressive third in the Irish Champion Stakes last year and provided he's ready to go on return, he will be hard to beat despite facing a talented field. Convey ought to come on for his recent promising run in the Winter Derby while War Decree is respected for last year's winning connections.