Stella Artois Cumberland Lodge Stakes (Group 3)

Off time: 14:25 | Winning time: 2m 41.23s

(3)

Blakeney Point^b,t²¹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-2| J: K Shoemark| T: H & R Charlton| OR: 105| D

11/2

Followed up a more than respectable fifth in the Ebor at York by winning first stakes race latest at Chester in a 1m4½f soft ground Listed contest. Takes another step up in class but arguably arrives here in best form of his career so respected.

Form: 1-D5451

(4)

Grey Britain¹⁵³

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: G Mosse| T: J Ryan| OR: 102| D

20/1

50/1 winner of a 1m4f Newmarket handicap when last seen back in May. Lengthy absence since perhaps suggests he's had issues and even at his very best he falls a bit short of his rivals here so looks the likely outsider again.

Form: 54-9001

(2)

Laraaib^b1⁸⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: Jim Crowley| T: Owen Burrows| OR: 112| C

11/2

Promising early in his career winning first three starts including here (1m2f). Disappointed at Royal meeting and nearly pulled up next in first try at 1m4f Newmarket. Yard was having problems then but flying now so much better expected.

Form: 113-296

(5)

Communique⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 8-10| J: J Fanning| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 109| D

11/4

Thoroughly progressive three-year-old has won five times in 12 starts this season. Arrives here on a hat-trick after following up a Newbury handicap with a Newmarket Listed win, both over 1m4f. Obvious chance and bold bid assured.

Form: 144811

(1)

First Eleven^t²⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 8-10| J: R Havlin| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 104| CD

11/10

Only beaten a neck into third in C&D King George handicap at Royal meeting (Communique 14th). Disappointed next as favourite in a Group Three but bounced back latest after a break when winning a valuable C&D handicap. Excellent chance here.

Form: 2-21351

Forecasts

First Eleven (11/10), Communique (11/4), Laraaib (11/2), Blakeney Point (11/2), Grey Britain (20/1)

FIRST ELEVEN clearly loves it here especially over C&D and apart from a mishap at Newmarket which was followed by a layoff suggesting something amiss his form is rock solid. Main danger is the improving Communique who again took his form to new levels last time out when winning his first pattern race at Newmarket. Laraaib is still lightly raced but has demonstrated some smart form and he represents a yard well and truly over their summer issues and now in terrific form, first time blinkers are also a possible positive.