Qatar Gordon Stakes (Group 3)

Off time: 15:00 | Winning time: 2m 31.39s

(1)

Bombyx²⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-1| J: Daniel Muscutt| T: J R Fanshawe| OR: 98| D

8/1

Justified favouritism in good fashion at Doncaster last time out, making it two wins from five starts but he was well beaten here in Listed company the time before and this is tougher again. Has plenty to find on form.

Form: 31-241

(2)

Cross Counter²¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-1| J: W Buick| T: C Appleby| OR: 108| D

7/4

Impressive winner of a competitive handicap at Ascot last time out, building on a respectable effort at the Royal meeting the time before. Likely to take another step forward and yet to run a bad race in five starts.

Form: 1-1241

(4)

Dee Ex Bee²¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-1| J: S De Sousa| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 116| C

6/4

Confirmed the promise of his Chester Vase run with a a fine second in the Derby. Well below form in the Irish Derby next time and disappointed in a French Group 1 last time but likely to do better down in class and he won at this course on debut.

Form: 2-32273

(3)

Sun Maiden⁴⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 8-12| J: R L Moore| T: Sir Michael Stoute| OR: 106

7/2

Shaped with promise on only start as a juvenile and mightily impressive when a wide margin winner at Salisbury on return. Smart effort when third in the Ribblesdale on third start and the runner-up franked the form here on Thursday. More to come.

Form: 4-13

Forecasts

Dee Ex Bee (6/4), Cross Counter (7/4), Sun Maiden (7/2), Bombyx (8/1)

DEE EX BEE may have disappointed on his last couple of starts but this represents a sizable drop in class from his Group 1 efforts of late, and it should see him return to the winners' enclosure if anywhere near his best. Sun Maiden and Cross Counter can battle it out for minor honours with the former preferred for the places with her yard in flying form and her unexposed profile.