GRENKE Finance Ballyroan Stakes (Group 3)

Off time: 20:05 | Winning time: 2m 37.18s

(1)

Yucatan^b³⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-11| J: D O'Brien| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 108

11/4

Has struggled at the highest level, but back to form in first-time blinkers when winning G3 International Stakes at the Curragh last time by length from Stellar Mass. Penalised for that, and not certain to confirm form with runner-up.

Form: 2-43601

(3)

Stellar Mass³⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-8| J: Ronan Whelan| T: J S Bolger| OR: 107| CD

9/4

Disappointed last year, but won this race in 2016, and right back to near his best when beaten 1L by Yucatan at the Curragh last month. Weighted to reverse form now, and entitled to respect.

Form: 7/4043-2

(2)

Eziyra^h³³⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-5| J: Declan McDonogh| T: D K Weld| OR: 106| CD

9/4

Third to Enable in 2017 Irish Oaks, but not seen since winning Group 3 Enterprise Stakes over C&D last September; would be a big threat if ready to go on the back of that absence, however, and market will be informative.

Form: 21/2311-

(4)

The King¹⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 8-12| J: C O'Donoghue| T: Mrs J Harrington| OR: 100

7/2

In frame twice in handicaps prior to finishing 1L third in 1¾m listed race here last time. Seems to have found his level, but will need to step up again to be successful here.

Form: 51-8243

Forecasts

Eziyra (9/4), Stellar Mass (9/4), Yucatan (11/4), The King (7/2)

Stellar Mass ought to reverse Curragh form with Yucatan strictly on the book, and he will arguably be better off now returned this trip, having won this corresponding contest in 2016. He is respected, but EZIYRA has even better form credentials, having won the Enterprise Stakes over C&D when last seen, and she will take the beating if returning in the same form.