20:10 Leopardstown

Thursday 26 July 2018

All17:3018:0018:3519:1019:4020:1020:45

Kingdom Of Bahrain Vinnie Roe Stakes (Listed)

Off time: 20:10 | Winning time: 3m 6.96s

(7)

Bandua²⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 9-5| J: Declan McDonogh| T: D K Weld| OR: 104

9/4

Won his first two starts in the mud at Cork, and was far from disgraced when 6 lengths eighth of 12 to Latrobe in the Irish Derby last time. This is much easier, and he looks the one to beat.

Form: 118

(4)

Cypress Creek^p1³⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 9-5| J: D O'Brien| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 94

9/2

Best effort in maidens when second to Giuseppe Garibaldi at Navan last month, and was found an easy opening at Ballinrobe last time. More to do at this level, but not easily ruled out with cheekpieces reached for.

Form: 75-221

(1)

Drapers Guild^p1²⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 9-5| J: Wayne Lordan| T: J P O'Brien| OR: 100

12/1

Not discredited since stepped up in trip/class, finishing sixth in the Queen's Vase and fifth in the Curragh Cup. This is a little easier, but needs cheekpieces to eke out a little improvement.

Form: 6-21265

(2)

Night Of Power^h⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 9-5| J: N G McCullagh| T: J M Oxx| OR: 89

14/1

Was wearing a first-time hood when winning handicap at Naas (1¼m) in July, and suited by slower tempo when following up in 1½m minor event at Fairyhouse. Stamina for longer trip must be taken on trust.

Form: 21-2511

(5)

The King¹⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-5| J: C O'Donoghue| T: Mrs J Harrington| OR: 100

9/2

Needed return in Derrinstown Derby Trial, and has fared much better in handicaps since, finishing a creditable ½L fourth of 12 to Lucius Tiberius over 1¼m here last time. Steps up markedly in trip, but claims if he stays.

Form: 51-824

(3)

Cimeara¹⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: K J Manning| T: J S Bolger| OR: 97| CD

5/1

Has improved of late, landing a 1½m handicap here in June and following up in Group 3 Stanerra Stakes over C&D last time. Well ridden there, and probably needs another step forward despite this ease in class.

Form: 19-1521

(9)

Birth Of Venus¹⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: Colin Keane| T: H De Bromhead| OR: 76

33/1

Progressing well at an ordinary level, and made up for a blip (given too much to do) when back to winning ways at Killarney (1m3f) last time. Better to come, but this represents as sharp rise in class.

Form: 6-02151

(8)

Seize Your Star²²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: S Foley| T: J P O'Brien| OR: 73

28/1

Progressive in maidens, and off the mark at third attempt when winning 9-runner event over extended 1½m at Bellewstown last time by neck from Erin. Much more needed at this level, though.

Form: 651

(6)

Sizzling¹⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: J A Heffernan| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 97| BF

8/1

Sole win in 17 starts came in a maiden, but third in the Munster Oaks, and matched that form when chasing home Cimeara in C&D Group 3 last time. Place claims with best foot forward.

Form: 933032

Forecasts

Bandua (9/4), The King (9/2), Cypress Creek (9/2), Cimeara (5/1), Sizzling (8/1), Drapers Guild (12/1), Night Of Power (14/1), Seize Your Star (28/1), Birth Of Venus (33/1)

Plenty of these are stepping up in class, but not so BANDUA, who wasn't beaten far in the Irish Derby despite a poor position, and is capable of making it three wins from four starts in calmer waters now. Cypress Creek stays well and looks next bet ahead of Drapers Guild, both of whom wear cheekpieces for the first time.