Boodles Diamond Ormonde Stakes (Group 3)

Off time: 15:35 | Winning time: 3m 0.66s

(4)

Kew Gardens²¹⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-7| J: R L Moore| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 120

4/5

Dual Group 1 winner last year, most notably when winning the St Leger in fine style in Sepetember. Unsuited by the drop in trip when last seen in the Arc but drops in class here and respected, despite having to concede weight to all.

Form: 911317-

(2)

Cypress Creek²⁰¹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-3| J: D O'Brien| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 109| D

11/1

Returned to form with a Group 3 win at Naas (2m, good) and not disgraced in a muddling race on Champions' Day despite finishing last of six (outpaced). Drop back in trip wouldn't appear to be in his favour though and Moore prefers Kew Gardens.

Form: 143616-

(1)

Morando¹⁹⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 9-3| J: S De Sousa| T: A M Balding| OR: 113| C

3/1

Took his form to a new level when stepped up in trip at Newbury (1m4f, good to soft) when last seen in Group 3 company (dead heat win) Likely more to come at this sort of trip given the way he stayed on that day and respected on his return here.

Form: 2/30521-

(3)

Dalgarno²⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 9-0| J: J F Egan| T: Jane Chapple-Hyam| OR: 94

50/1

Won twice in France but at a much lower level than this and well beaten on his return from a 693-day absence at Kempton last time. Entitled to have need that run but has plenty to prove all the same.

Form: 35315/4

(6)

Magic Circle¹⁸⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 9-0| J: Jim Crowley| T: Ian Williams| OR: 116| C| D

6/1

Bolted up in the Chester Cup on this day last year and impressive winner of a Sandown Group 3 next time out. Disappointed in the Melbourne Cup when last seen and not sure to be suited by a drop back to this trip but respected back at this venue.

Form: 150/110-

(5)

Warnaq³²

Age: 5| Weight: 8-11| J: Colin Keane| T: M J Smith| OR: 94

20/1

Just about a career best effort when third of 10 in Listed company at Cork last time. Stamina no question given she stays 2m over hurdles but she has a substantial amount to find on form with the principles.

Form: 3041-43

Forecasts

Kew Gardens (4/5), Morando (3/1), Magic Circle (6/1), Cypress Creek (11/1), Warnaq (20/1), Dalgarno (50/1)

St Leger winner Kew Gardens is sure to be popular for a yard that have enjoyed success here already this week following on from their Guineas exploits at the weekend but it's fair to suggest his best form has come on more galloping tracks and he might just prove a shade vulnerable on reappearance off top-weight. At a likely bigger price, a chance is taken on MORANDO who was impressive when stepping up in trip last time out and may have more to offer over longer distances this campaign. Magic Circle clearly enjoys himself round here and isn't one to rule out, despite the drop in class raising a slight concern.