Matchbook Brigadier Gerard Stakes (Group 3)

Off time: 20:10 | Winning time: 2m 13.99s

(3)

Air Pilot²⁵

Age: 9| Weight: 9-5| J: Harry Bentley| T: R M Beckett| OR: 114| D

16/1

Has already won valuable races this year, the latter of which a Group 2 in France. No match for Cracksman and the like in a French Group 1 last time and must carry a penalty here but could be up to running in to a place.

Form: 582-117

(1)

Desert Encounter^h⁵⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 9-3| J: J P Spencer| T: D M Simcock| OR: 113

12/1

Highly tried, often failing to land a blow in Group 1 company, though did place over C&D last year in the Eclipse. Hold up performer who loves fast ground so can't be dismissed down in class here if he gets a decent pace to aim at.

Form: 23615-9

(4)

Fabricate^p²⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 9-0| J: James Doyle| T: M L W Bell| OR: 112| D

3/1

A Group 3 winner last year at Windsor and only just touched off in a Group 3 over C&D last time out. The winner from that has done plenty for the form since. Not ruled out but has a bit to find on ratings.

Form: 6115-12

(2)

Laraaib²⁸⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: Jim Crowley| T: Owen Burrows| OR: 102| BF| D

8/1

Won his first three starts in good fashion, though latest was only a Class 3 Handicap at Ascot and he failed to justify favouritism in a Group 3 at Haydock in August. Far less exposed than his rivals but this looks like a tough race for the grade.

Form: 1113-

(5)

Poet's Word⁵⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 9-0| J: R L Moore| T: Sir Michael Stoute| OR: 119| D

4/6

Career best effort when narrowly beaten in the Irish Champion Stakes last year and placed behind Cracksman in the Ascot version the following month. Returned with a fine effort in a Meydan Group 1 last time and the one to beat if reproducing that.

Form: 21226-2

Forecasts

Poet's Word (4/6), Fabricate (3/1), Laraaib (8/1), Desert Encounter (12/1), Air Pilot (16/1)

POET'S WORD has been plying his trade in Group 1 company in recent times and he looks sure to appreciate the drop in class here. Fabricate ran well here last time behind a Sir Michael Stoute runner who has franked the form since and may be capable of doing so again. Desert Encounter could be of interest but will need a strong gallop to be seen at his best and that looks unlikely.