15:25 Ascot

Wednesday 1 May 2019

All14:1514:5015:2515:5516:2517:0017:35

Longines Sagaro Stakes (Group 3)

Off time: 15:25 | Winning time: 3m 24.97s

(7)

Raymond Tusk⁶⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 9-6| J: J P Spencer| T: R Hannon| OR: 111

20/1

Hamilton Listed winner came up short in St Leger last season before landing Italian Group Two. Looked like he would stay further in Leger (1m6f, longest race to date) and has form which would give him a chance if doing so despite penalty.

Form: 61261-6

(3)

Amazing Red²¹

Age: 6| Weight: 9-2| J: P J McDonald| T: E A L Dunlop| OR: 97| D

50/1

Showed liking for staying trips last season with wins over 2m and 1m6f both in handicaps. Started this term with two similarly decent runs but at this level he appears to be up against it.

Form: 100-432

(6)

Cleonte²⁰⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 9-2| J: S De Sousa| T: A M Balding| OR: 101| CD

11/1

C&D winner last August does have a Pattern success albeit it came in 2016 when trained by Andre Fabre. Third of 33 in Cesarewitch last autumn forces trainer's hand to pitch in here but others have more persuasive claims.

Form: 249613-

(4)

Danehill Kodiac³⁵⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 9-2| J: S M Levey| T: R Hannon| OR: 112| C

16/1

Two from four at this course including Group Three in 2017, a career-best. Ran well in two starts last term although season curtailed early. Steps up markedly in trip here and would have to doubt whether he will stay, ability not in question.

Form: 2130/22-

(1)

Weekender¹⁸⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 9-2| J: L Dettori| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 114

11/4

St Leger runner-up last season and subsequently third in Group One Irish St Leger. Third in only previous race over 2m and probably stays based on that. Has some of the best form on offer and rates a leading player.

Form: 132237-

(5)

Dee Ex Bee¹⁸¹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-1| J: W Buick| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 112

11/8

2018 Derby second also finished third and fourth in subsequent Grade Ones with St Leger fourth (1m6f) the furthest he has gone trip-wise. Does look a real stayer and this yard excels with such types. Really likable profile and the one to beat.

Form: 273243-

(2)

Verdana Blue¹⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 8-13| J: Oisin Murphy| T: N J Henderson| OR: 92| BF| CD

7/2

Crack-hurdler (Grade One winner) won well again at Ayr latest showing liking for quick going again. Won one of three on the level but latest defeat when long odds-on would give her lots to find here although longer trip now likely suits.

Form: 12-2

Forecasts

Dee Ex Bee (11/8), Weekender (11/4), Verdana Blue (7/2), Cleonte (11/1), Danehill Kodiac (16/1), Raymond Tusk (20/1), Amazing Red (50/1)

Mark Johnston has had some great stayers down the years and DEE EX BEE might just be the next addition to that group. Last year's Derby second and Leger fourth always looked a through stayer in his races and a win here could set up a Gold Cup bid, a race which will be within his capabilities if he does prove a true stayer as expected. Weekender rates the biggest threat, he too has Group One placed form over shorter. Raymond Tusk is also a danger if he stays 2m.